Through the Rift Valley (Serena) with Prenight

Lake Elementaita or Lake Elmenteita is a soda lake in the Great Rift Valley area just between Lake Naivasha and Lake Nakuru lying in the silhouette of the sleeping warrior a local hill. The Lake is located in central Kenya, about 120km North West of Kenya’s capital Nairobi just off the Nairobi- Nakuru highway. Elementaita or Elmenteita is a maasai word that means dust place and Lake Elementaita was named Elementaita to refer to the excess dustiness of the area especially during the dry months between January and March. Lake Elementiata forms part of the Soysambu conservancy that was home to British Lord – Lord Delamere during the colonial era in Kenya. Lord Delamere settled in soysambu between 1879 and 1931 which is on the western side of Lake Elementaita. The other side of soysambu which is Kekopey ranch was occupied by Hon Galbraith Lowry Egerton Cole Between 1881 and 1929. Currently the Soysambu conservancy covers about 2 thirds of Lake Elementiata shorelines and harbours about 10000 mammals that include the Rothschild giraffe, herons, leopards, bush pigs, jackals, Elands, gazelles, zebras and others. Lake Elementaita is home to over 400 bird species include the famous flamingos and for that reasons it’s a protected area to help conserve the birdlife on the lake plus the lake is listed as a UNESCO heritage site so it needs to be protected; Lake Elementaita is also a Ramsar site. The variety of birds found on Lake Elementaita include but not limited to:- flamingos, ducks, geese, spikes, cormorant, kingfishers, Montane white-eye, Northern puffback, Pallid harrier, Red-capped lark, pelicans, Rufous-throated wryneck, Long-tailed widowbird, Maccoa duck, Rüppell’s vulture, Rüppell’s robin-chat, Schalow’s wheatear, Shining sunbird, Slender-billed greenbul and many more. On top of the birdlife on the lake, the lake comprises of the famous Kikopey hot springs that are a spectacular tourism attraction. The surrounding of the lake is full of acacia woodlands, bushy plains and euphorbia trees. Though not a popular tourist site and less visited compared to Lake Nakuru National Park and Lake Naivasha, Lake Elementaita offers some great attractions that its guests get to explore and experience and these include:- Birds: The numerous birds that make their life on the lake. Animals: The animals here are not as many but still you will glimpse some mammals as they move through the surrounding vegetation. Also most of the animals live in the Soysambu conservancy. Hyrax Hill Kariandusi site The activities that guests to Lake Elementaita engage in while at the lake or around to the lake include:- Birding: This is the main activity at Lake Elementaita, the lake is hub of birds so visitors to the lake are excited to explore the different bird species that make their life on and around the lake. Bush dinning: Have a meal in the bushy plains around the lake, you can choose to have a picnic in the bushes or have a candle lit dinner as you view the lake waters glowing in the evening. Hot air balloon: Hop into the hot air balloon and roam over the beautiful Elementaita waters Camping: Camp out under the sky in the bushy plains as you experience the lake’s weather and surrounding, listen to the bird sounds and if lucky see zebras pass by up-close. Nature Walks: Take walks through the woods and grasslands enjoy the different scenic views of the lake and the surroundings. You can also enjoy birding watching and view some animals as you walk. Game drives: Have game drives around the lake especially at the Soysambu conservancy. Kikopey Hot springs: explore the amazing hot – hot springs to experience their uniqueness and super heat Quad biking From Lake Elementaita you can also have a connecting safari to Lake Nakuru National Park, Lake Naivasha or Hell’s gate National Park.

Inclusion

• Meet and greet services with assistance at the airport
• Airport transfers on private basis
• All transport and game drives on safari sector will be in a 4x4 Land cruiser with pop-up roof
• English Speaking safari guide
• Meals and accommodation as specified
• All Park fees and government taxes
• Filtered water will be provided in safari vehicles and clients will be provided with a reusable water bottle
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Exclusion

• Visas and international flights/regional flights
• Driver-guide gratuities, drinks, dining rooms tips and porterage
• Personal travel, baggage, and medical insurance
• Telephone bill, laundry, and any items of a personal nature
• Balloon Safari (quoted separately)
• Any other services which are not mentioned in the itinerary

Note

Hotels used

Serena Hotel on BB Basis in Nairobi 

Mara Serena Safari Lodge on FB Basis in Masai Mara 

Lake Elementaita Serena Camp on FB Basis 

Added Values included: Mara Serena Lodge Hippo Pool Breakfast & Lake Elementaita Serena Camp Bird Walk.

Added value Mara Serena Hippo Pool Breakfast – (not available to clients doing a Balloon Safari – instead they will have a Bush breakfast as part of the Balloon Experience)

Crown your game viewing experience in the Mara with a “Bush Breakfast” by the Mara River Hippo Pools!  One cannot resist the charming “Jambo” from the chefs and Masai warriors as they welcome you to our wonderfully set breakfast buffet of cold cuts, fruits, cereals and hot dishes with eggs made to your specifications as you wait. The hippos keep you company and only say “Kwaheri” (good bye) after you have had enough.

Added Value Lake Elementaita Serena Camp Bird walk

With over 450 bird species on the Soysambu conservancy, enjoy a bird walk led by an experienced resident naturalist.

• We may have to re-route the itinerary or accommodate in similar lodges in case of non-availability.
• Prices for domestic flights, airport taxes or park fees may be changed without prior notice. This is beyond our control and any increase levied will be passed to you.

Specific language speaking guides must be requested at time of requesting booking and are subject to availability at time of confirmation

*Park and Reserve fees used in these rates are based on current information.  Should there be increases in park and/or Reserve fees, these will be passed along for all existing and future bookings. 

The Pollman’s Desk at the airport is open from 0500hrs – 2300hrs.  For arrivals outside of these hours requiring assistance at the airport, please call the Pollman’s Tours and Safaris Emergency contact for swift assistance.

Child and Third Adult Policy

• Children under 5 not permitted.
• One child aged 5-11 sharing with 2 adults pays 55% of safari cost
• Children aged 7-11 in own room pay 75% of safari cost
• Third adult sharing NOT permitted
• Children under 12 pay 50% of festive supplements
• Transfer Supplements – children under 12yrs travelling with 2 Adults pay 50%