The white pelicans
Flocks on the shallow shore.
Charles J. Sharp — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Ninara — CC BY 2.0 · Rotsee2 — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Katie Hunt — CC BY 2.0 · Ninara — CC BY 2.0
Lake Elementaita is an alkaline soda lake in the Great Rift Valley, between lakes Naivasha and Nakuru, about 120 km northwest of Nairobi. Its name comes from a Maasai word meaning «dust place». It is quieter than its neighbours, and the Nairobi to Nakuru highway gives a wide view over it. About 10,000 years ago it formed one deep freshwater lake with Nakuru and Bogoria, which then dried up, leaving the three. It is now protected for its birdlife and shares UNESCO World Heritage status with the other two. Lord Delamere established the large Soysambu ranch nearby. The shallow shores fill with white pelicans and flamingos when conditions suit them, and low hills known as the Sleeping Warrior rise behind the water. At the southern end are the Kekopey hot springs, with an introduced tilapia, and birds hunt among the reeds nearby. It is 23 km in a straight line from Nakuru and 41 km from Lake Naivasha, so it works as a stop between them. There are lodges on the shore, so ask about access to the bank. The light is finest at sunset. Keep back from the birds, bring binoculars and note that their numbers change with the season and water level.
Flocks on the shallow shore.
Hills behind the water.
Hot, at the south end.
Rift Valley, about 120 km northwest of Nairobi
Usually less than Nakuru and Naivasha, so it suits a quiet stop.
We do not advise it, as it is an alkaline soda lake.