Soysambu Conservancy, Kenya: Wildlife, Activities, Entry Fees & Where to Stay
Soysambu Conservancy is a 48,000-acre private wildlife conservancy beside Lake Elementaita in Kenya’s Great Rift Valley. Its acacia woodland, open grassland and lakeshore support Nubian giraffes, buffalo, antelope and more than 300 bird species. Visitors can arrange game drives, birdwatching and other guided activities, or stay at a camp within the conservancy.
Soysambu is a good choice for travellers who want to experience the Lake Elementaita landscape beyond the view from their hotel. It also works as a stop between Nairobi and Nakuru, or as part of a longer Rift Valley safari.
Soysambu Conservancy at a glance
| Location | Beside Lake Elementaita, southeast of Nakuru, Kenya |
| Size | Approximately 48,000 acres |
| Landscape | Lakeshore, acacia woodland and open grassland |
| Known for | Nubian giraffes, birdlife, Great White Pelicans and Rift Valley scenery |
| Activities | Day and night game drives, birdwatching and prearranged outdoor activities |
| Main gate | Approximately 30 km southeast of Nakuru |
| From Nairobi | Approximately 150 km from JKIA to the main gate; allow around three hours, depending on traffic |
| Main-gate coordinates | -0.385102, 36.236635 |
Where is Soysambu Conservancy?
Soysambu Conservancy lies along Lake Elementaita in the Central Rift Valley, between the Nairobi–Naivasha corridor and Nakuru. It is a separate visitor area from Lake Nakuru National Park. Entry to one does not cover entry to the other.
The setting combines lake views with wildlife habitat. That makes Soysambu particularly appealing to guests staying at Elementaita who want a game drive or a closer look at the birds and landscapes around the lake.
Lake Elementaita is one of the three lakes in the Kenya Lake System in the Great Rift Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The other two are Lake Nakuru and Lake Bogoria.
Why visit Soysambu?
See Nubian giraffes
The conservancy protects a significant population of Nubian giraffes, also widely known as Rothschild’s giraffes. Its published wildlife information describes a population of around 187, although wildlife numbers change over time. Zebra, buffalo, eland and other antelope are also found here.
Watch birds at Lake Elementaita
The lake and surrounding habitat make Soysambu especially rewarding for birdwatchers. Lake Elementaita’s rocky islets are an important nesting site for Great White Pelicans, which also feed at nearby Lake Nakuru. Flamingos and other waterbirds may be seen, although their numbers and locations vary with lake conditions.
Explore a different Rift Valley setting
A drive through Soysambu takes in more than the lakeshore. Acacia woodland and open grassland offer opportunities to look for mammals and birds, while the broader landscape gives photographers varied scenery. Lions and leopards are among the species recorded in the conservancy, but sightings are never guaranteed.
Include Soysambu in a longer Kenya safari
Two nights at Lake Elementaita give you a full day to explore Soysambu Conservancy between major safari destinations. Take a game drive, watch birds along the lakeshore and enjoy a slower day before continuing to the Masai Mara.
Soysambu fits particularly well into either of these routes:
| Safari route | Why stop at Soysambu? |
|---|---|
| Amboseli → Lake Elementaita → Masai Mara | Break up the journey between two major safari areas and spend a full day exploring the conservancy. |
| Samburu → Ol Pejeta → Lake Elementaita → Masai Mara | Add lakeshore scenery and birdlife after the northern conservancies, with time to rest before the Mara. |
For either route, arrive at Elementaita on day one, explore Soysambu on day two and leave for the Masai Mara on day three. Allow generous time for the road transfers; journey times depend on your starting lodge, route and traffic.
Things to do at Soysambu Conservancy
| Activity | What to know before booking |
|---|---|
| Day game drive | Arrange a conservancy guide or drive through an approved tourism partner. |
| Night game drive | Available by arrangement; confirm the guide, vehicle and total cost in advance. |
| Birdwatching | Allow time for both lakeshore birds and species in the woodland and grassland. |
| Horse riding | Book through the conservancy’s designated partner; entry fees still apply. |
| Camel trek | Available through a designated partner, subject to advance arrangement. |
| Guided walking | Arrange an authorised guide and follow the conservancy’s visitor rules. |
The conservancy also lists activities such as cycling and sundowners. Availability, routes and partner prices should be confirmed for your travel date. When walking away from a lodge, camp or vehicle, visitors must use an authorised guide or armed KWS ranger.
Soysambu Conservancy entrance fees
The conservancy’s published conservation contribution is as follows. Vehicle entry, guiding and some activities cost extra.
| Visitor | Citizen/resident | Non-resident |
|---|---|---|
| Adult or teenager | KES 1,500 | USD 50 |
| Child under 12 | KES 750 | USD 25 |
| Additional published charge | Fee |
|---|---|
| Vehicle with fewer than 6 seats | KES 500 |
| Vehicle with 6–12 seats | KES 1,200 |
| Conservancy guide, day game drive, up to 3 hours | KES 1,200 |
| Conservancy guide, night game drive, up to 3 hours | KES 2,000 |
| Listed special-activity charge | KES 600 |
| Souvenir visitor map, if purchased | KES 600 |
The conservancy defines its child category as above three and under 12 years. Bring identification for the applicable rate. Charges can change, so confirm the full cost when arranging your visit.
Where to stay for Soysambu Conservancy
Your choice of hotel affects how easily you can fit a game drive into your stay. Lake Elmenteita Serena Camp offers a lakeshore stay associated with Soysambu. Hotels elsewhere around Elementaita can also serve as a base for a prearranged conservancy visit. Check whether entry fees, guiding and activities are included in your accommodation package.
- Lake Elmenteita Serena Camp – an intimate lakeshore camp for guests who want to spend more time in the conservancy setting.
- Sawela Capella Lodge – an Elementaita resort option for a stay combined with a conservancy visit.
- Lake Elementaita Manor – a smaller hotel option near the lake.
- Explore more Lake Elementaita accommodation – compare places to stay across the area.
The conservancy also lists Mbweha Camp among its accommodation options. Confirm its exact access route and the activities included with your stay.
How to get to Soysambu Conservancy
From Nairobi: Drive towards Nakuru on the A104. The conservancy places its main gate approximately 150 km from JKIA and estimates a journey of around three hours. Allow extra time for traffic and stops.
From Nakuru: The main gate is approximately 30 km southeast of town. Confirm which entrance to use when booking, particularly if you are staying at a camp or meeting a guide.
For your map: Enter the main-gate coordinates -0.385102, 36.236635, then confirm the entrance and final route with the conservancy or your accommodation before setting off.
A short history of Soysambu Ranch
Soysambu’s history as a ranch is closely linked to the Delamere family. The estate was acquired in the early 1900s, and livestock were moved to Soysambu in 1906. Soysambu Conservancy Limited was established in 2007 to manage and protect the area’s wildlife habitat alongside its long agricultural history.
Frequently asked questions
Is Soysambu Conservancy the same as Lake Elementaita?
No. Lake Elementaita is the lake; Soysambu is a private conservancy covering land along parts of its shore and surrounding habitat. A hotel with a lake view is not necessarily inside the conservancy.
What animals are in Soysambu Conservancy?
Nubian giraffes, buffalo, zebra, eland and other antelope are among the animals found here. Lions and leopards are recorded, but a short visit should be planned around the overall wildlife and landscape experience rather than an expected predator sighting.
Can you visit Soysambu without staying overnight?
Yes. Day visits and game drives can be arranged. Confirm your guide, vehicle and entrance arrangements before arrival.
How much is the Soysambu Conservancy entrance fee?
The published adult contribution is KES 1,500 for citizens or residents and USD 50 for non-residents. Children under 12 are listed at KES 750 or USD 25. Vehicle entry and optional guiding are charged separately.
Is Soysambu worth visiting if we are also going to Lake Nakuru?
Yes, if you have time for a different setting. Lake Nakuru and Soysambu are distinct areas with separate entry arrangements. Soysambu adds a private-conservancy experience beside Lake Elementaita, with particular appeal for giraffe viewing, birds and Rift Valley scenery.
Who owns Soysambu Conservancy?
Soysambu grew out of the Delamere family’s historic ranch. The conservancy organisation manages its conservation and visitor activities.
Plan your Lake Elementaita stay
Tell us your travel dates, number of guests and whether you would like a day visit or an overnight stay. We can help you choose accommodation around Lake Elementaita and plan time for Soysambu Conservancy within your Rift Valley itinerary.
Pic: Serena Elementaita
