Hugh Cholmondeley, the third Baron Delamere, put cattle on this stretch of Rift Valley grassland in 1906. His family ran it as a ranch for more than a century, then handed it to wildlife in 2008. Because Soysambu is private conservancy and not national park, guides can walk guests along the lakeshore, drive after dark and ride out on horseback, none of it permitted inside Kenya’s public parks.
Zebras and gazelles graze the lawns between the canvas walls.
The shoreline is protected now, and the camp looks straight onto it. Lesser and greater flamingos crowd the shallows below the tents, lifting and settling through the day until the water reads pink from a distance. Zebras and gazelles graze the lawns between the canvas walls. Out on the lake, the rocky islands hold a breeding colony of great white pelicans.
Twenty-four tents and a single suite line the lakefront, spaced along lawns and stone paths so each veranda faces the water rather than the neighbouring tent. Canvas is stretched over wooden frames on raised stone platforms. Inside there are dark timber writing desks, brass fittings and four-posters draped in netting. The suite adds a sitting room and a jacuzzi above the lake.
Waterbucks and colobus monkeys work the grass beyond the lounge.
A waterhole draws game in front of the main lounge, so the day’s viewing carries on from an armchair. Waterbucks and colobus monkeys work the grass beyond the lounge. Meals run to three or four courses rather than buffets, taken as breakfast at the lake edge at first light, dinner in the open-sided dining room, or a barbecue out in the conservancy under the stars.
Game drives cross grassland that carried Delamere cattle for a century and now supports a breeding population of the Rothschild’s giraffe. Eland, dik-dik, klipspringer, buffalo and zebra share the ground with leopards and lions. After dark the spotlight beam picks out spring hares, porcupines, white-tailed mongooses and aardvarks. Walking is allowed too, out along the lake edge and through acacia thicket with a naturalist, and horseback rides follow the shoreline, none of it possible across the boundary inside Lake Nakuru National Park.
More than 450 bird species have been recorded in the conservancy, fish eagles and weavers in the acacias, waders strung along the shallows. Lake Elmenteita belongs to the Kenya Lakes System, recognised by UNESCO and registered as a Ramsar wetland, which is part of why the pelican breeding islands matter well beyond the view from a veranda. Nakuru town is roughly half an hour away, and the Nderit Gate into Lake Nakuru National Park is close enough for a full day among the rhinos and a return in time for dinner.
Evenings run to sundowners on high ground, and hyenas and jackals somewhere out in the dark.
The drive from Nairobi covers around 135 kilometres, roughly two hours on the Nakuru road, and charter flights land at an airstrip beside the camp. Excursions reach further into the Rift Valley Lakes, to Lake Bogoria, where hot springs vent beside the flamingos, and to Lake Baringo for boat-based birding. Days begin early, with coffee brought to the tent before first light and the calls of feeding waterfowl carrying across the water. Evenings run to sundowners on high ground, and hyenas and jackals somewhere out in the dark. Dinner comes later, by the fire.
Between drives there is more to do here than the camp’s size suggests. Mountain bikes go out on the conservancy trails, and archery and yoga run on the lawns. Watercolour classes fill the quiet middle hours, there are Swahili and cooking lessons, and the guiding team give talks after dark. A pool sits on the lawn, with a spa for massages nearby. Children from three years old are welcome, and babysitting can be arranged. The rhythm suits anyone who wants game drives at first light and long, unhurried afternoons watching the water change colour.
accommodation
Twenty-four tents and one suite face the lake from private verandas along the lawns. Canvas is stretched over wooden frames on raised stone platforms. Inside are en-suite bathrooms with double vanities, timber writing desks and four-posters draped in netting. The suite adds a sitting room, a lounge and a jacuzzi above the water.
activities
Morning and afternoon game drives across Soysambu Conservancy, plus night drives, guided walks along the shore and horseback rides, permitted here because the land is private conservancy and not a national park. Birding, mountain biking, archery and yoga at camp. Full-day excursions run to Lake Nakuru National Park and to Lake Bogoria's hot springs.
conservation
Soysambu Conservancy, established by the Delamere family on former ranch land, protects the Rothschild's giraffe and the grassland around Lake Elmenteita. The camp holds a Gold Eco-Rating from Ecotourism Kenya, runs on a hybrid solar system installed in 2018, and invites guests to plant an indigenous tree before departure.
Get in touch and let’s start the conversation. An initial consultation helps us understand what you’re looking for, whether that’s specific experiences, luxury touches, or marking a special occasion, and from there we’ll guide you through what’s possible so you can decide if we’re the right fit.
Most guests drive, because the Rift Valley lakes sit within reach of Nairobi and the road is one of the better ones in Kenya. The camp also has its own airstrip and can arrange local airstrip transfers for anyone flying between safari areas.
It works well as the first stop on a road-based circuit, or as a break between Nairobi and the Mara. We build whichever fits the shape of the trip.
Yes, despite the altitude. TravelHealthPro, the UK's official travel health service, describes high malaria risk across most of Kenya below 2,500 metres and includes the safari areas, and the CDC takes the same line. Elmenteita sits below that threshold.
So take individual advice from a travel clinic or your doctor rather than assuming the highlands are exempt. Use repellent, cover arms and ankles after dark, and keep the tent zipped at dusk.
Children from three upwards are taken, with charges and room restrictions depending on the category booked. Some older trade material quotes a higher age, so we confirm the current position for your dates rather than rely on a printed line.
Elmenteita is a gentle introduction for a young family: flamingos on the lake, short drives inside Soysambu, and none of the long distances that make a first safari hard work with small children.
Mild rather than hot, which surprises people who expect classic safari heat. Days are comfortable, mornings and evenings genuinely cool, and daytime temperatures usually sit somewhere between the high teens and high twenties.
The long rains fall roughly March to May and the short rains October to December. Bring a warm layer for the evenings and early starts, neutral colours, a hat and strong sun protection, and binoculars, because the birding here is the point.
June to October and January to February give the most comfortable weather, the easiest roads and the best conditions for being outdoors.
For the birds, and particularly the flamingos and the migrants, November to February is the strongest stretch even though it overlaps the short rains. Since this is a lake rather than a big-game destination, we would usually place it for the birding rather than the weather.
rated five stars by our clients
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our approach
Every journey starts with a conversation. We take the time to understand your vision before we start planning.
Whether by phone or in person, we work with you directly to shape something that is considered, personal, and expertly delivered.
