I want to let you in on a secret. It’s the best time to visit Lake Elementaita to View Flamingos in Kenya. For a long time, Nakuru County in Kenya has been the best place to enjoy the marvel of Flamingos. Depending on the season, these beautiful birds flock to the shores of Lake Nakuru and Lake Elementaita, showcasing their unique pink shade that’s made the Rift Valley a global marvel – it’s one of the very few places in the world where you can enjoy this iconic flock showcase.
There are two species of Flamingos in Kenya – the lesser flamingo and the greater flamingo. The most common species of the two birds is the latter (greater flamingo), and it’s also the most widely dispersed. It’ll be spotted in both fresh and brackish watered regions all over east and central Africa.
The showstopper, the lesser flamingo, and also the most popular species can be found breeding on the shallow shores in soda lakes in the Kenyan Rift Valley. Still, you’ll spot both these species around Lake Nakuru and Elementaita.
What’s the Difference Between the Lesser Flamingo and the Greater Flamingo?
It’s quite simple to tell the difference between the lesser flamingo and the greater flamingo. Their difference is visual (on the beaks). The lesser flamingos have red and pink beaks (with a black tips), while the greater flamingos have light pink beaks that also have black tips.
Lesser flamingos are birds with a vivid pink color. However, the birds’ diet greatly influences how vivid the pink shade pops.
Want to Watch Some Pink Flamingos At Lake Elementaita?
Well, a lot has been changing about the weather in Kenya, and the environment is shifting. Over the last decade, there’s been a sharp decline in flamingos at Lake Nakuru. More and more of the pink-shaded birds are flocking to Lake Elementaitia—and according to experts, it’s due to the rising levels of Lake Nakuru.
Flamingos breed in the shallow shores of soda lakes, and since Lake Nakuru has experienced a rise in the water levels – its once popular shores aren’t of any benefit to the birds. As such, you’ll get the best view of the birds in Lake Elementaita, Bogoria, and Baringo (all in the Great Rift Valley).
In the last week, there have been many sightings of the birds around Lake Elementaita, and the local residents have not wasted any time in the evening enjoying the magnificent view of the breeding pink birds. Their vivid pink shade in the sunset is magical, and it is a wonder everyone should witness at least once in their lives.
“If you want to see flamingos, this is the best time to visit Lake Elementaitia. I spent my afternoon and evening today at the lake.”A well-known photographer on Facebook was quoted saying.
How to Get to the Flamingos At Lake Elementaita
Getting to the best flamingo spot at Lake Elementaita is quite simple. Don’t worry if you don’t have a private car—you can get to the flamingo spot via public transport. It’s on the Nakuru—Nairobi Highway (A104).
All you need to do is stop at Pelican Gate opposite Epashikino Resort and Spa in Gilgil (Nakuru—Nairobi Highway A104) and watch out for the Lake Elementaita Wildlife Sanctuary signboard. Walk or drive down the direction of the board points—your destination (about 3.3 miles) will be straight ahead (no turns). Motorbike transport (bodaboda) is available at the gate at a fee (of $1 or KES 100).
PS: If you are using a shuttle van or Matatu, your stop will be at the highway (Gilgil), about 3.3 miles away from Lake Elementaita.
How Much Does It Cost to View Flamingos at Lake Elementaita?
It’s very cheap to view the lesser flamingos breeding at Lake Elementaita. It costs about $2 or KES 215. However, when you pay through the E-citizen portal, the total cost is KES 265 ($1.2).
Rule of thumb: always have some money on M-Pesa for such trips.
Will I Get Accommodation At Lake Elementaita to View Flamingos?
You’ll be spoilt for choice on which accommodation to take at Lake Elementaitia when viewing flamingos. However, it’s advisable to make prior arrangements to visit this destination since it can get a little crowded, especially during this season when the birds flock to breed.
There are a host of resorts and wildlife spas in Elementaita alone that offer packaged tours of the flamingo breeding spot and other amazing attractions in the area, like the hot springs.