Jacaranda Lake Elementaita Lodge

I stayed at Jacaranda Lake Elementeita Lodge for two nights as part of a larger trip to Kenya. My primary purpose was birding but I was interested in taking a little break from birding, maybe doing a nature walk and visiting Karandusi Prehistoric Site. The lodge has a beautiful garden area that is quite eye-catching. Staff are friendly and professional. Meal cost is reasonable and I would recommend trying to arrange the breakfast included option at least. I would like to single out the lodge’s guide: Joseph Kodonyo. He offered a flat rate to be a guide for daily activities and it was a really good, cost-effective way of navigating an area I did not know. The weather was not great for my visit but a window of good weather opened up, so I asked Joseph if we could do a nature walk and then visit Karandusi Prehistoric Site. Joseph is an excellent birder but also provides a lot of history for the area. After the nature walk, we walked over to Karandusi from the Lodge and once the tour was done there, we walked back. Joseph’s list of activities that he can arrange for you is quite extensive, so I would definitely hear him out when he introduces himself. He is a great option if you are not part of an organized tour but still want to do something around Lake Elementeita. Rooms are very comfortable and clean. Mosquito netting is provided around the beds. All in all it was a very comfortable stay and if travellers are interested in doing things around Lake Elementeita, this lodge makes for a great home base.

We spent 4 days with 3 families from the Netherlands at Jacaranda Lake Elementaita Lodge and still have the best memories of this place! Lake elementaita is not as popular as Lake Naivasha and Lake Nakuru, but definitely worth a visit. Very scenic with flamingos, pelicans, zebras and even hot springs. The lodge stands out because of it’s spacious, atmospheric gardens, which are frequently visited by monkeys. The lodge overlooks the scenic Lake Elementaita. The staff is amazing, very service oriented. In particular Zachari was great as a guide and great at facilitating games with the kids. We would definitely recommend the walking trip with him to the lake. The accomodation dates from colonial times, which gives it it’s charm, bit it also means that some amenities could use some renovation/upgrade to make the place like how it once was.

It's a real blast from the past. Nostalgia-filled classic Kenyan tourism. That said, the place is a little run down, but nothing a little touching up here and there won't fix. The staff were all friendly, with great meals all around, but it has to be said that the lodge does need a makeover to return it to its glorious past