Lake Elmenteita is situated in the Great Rift Valley, between the larger and more famous lakes of Naivasha and Nakuru. It is a small soda lake and, like its more famous neighbour Lake Nakuru, is home to large flocks of flamingoes.


We have been using the Sunbird lodge here for several years, a lovely property sitting on top of a small ridge with long views over the lake. Its gardens and pool are a wonderful place to relax after your Nakuru safari and the birdlife here is spectacular.


There is now a new property about to be completed, owned and run by Serena lodges. The Lake Elmenteita Serena Lodge will have a total of 25 rooms, each a seperate building beautifully fitted to look like the interior of a traditional safari tent. As well as four poster beds, each room has a luxury en suite bathroom and a private veranda offering sweeping views down to Lake Elementata.


The public areas are just as opulent, pools and fountains will give a cool feel to the bar and lounge areas, and a small intimate dining area allows for either indoor or al fresco dining. The gardens when completed - the lodge is due to open next month so we were one of the first operators to see the property - will be shady and offer lovely views. There is also a pool and in house spa offering most treatments.


Set in a small reserve there is a good selection of indigenous animals around, the largest being buggalo who live and graze the lake shore. The bird life is exceptional.


Both the Sunbird Lodge and the Lake Elmenteita Serena Lodge offer the perfect place to stay for a couple of nights on a tour around the main national Parks and sights of Kenya. It is only a 40 minute drive from Lake Nakuru National Park, famous for its flamingoes and Rhino and both offer a peaceful and relaxing place to stay and enjoy exceptional views.


Lake Elmenteita has its own secret as well. The flamingoes of Nakuru use the lake as a nursary, hatching and rearing their chicks here because of the comparative lack of predators that might harm them. The adults fly to Nakuru everyday to feed before returning in the evening to feed the chicks.


For photos of Lake Elmenteita Serena Lodge please click here.