Soysambu Conservancy
📍 Gilgil, Nakuru
Soysambu Conservancy is a 48,000-acre private conservancy situated on the shores of Lake Elementaita in the Rift Valley. It plays a critical role in the conservation of the lake’s alkaline ecosystem, which is a key breeding ground for flamingos, and protects numerous endangered species including the Rothschild’s giraffe.
- Location
- Gilgil, Nakuru
- Type
- Conservancy
- Status
- Open
- Typical Visit
- Full Day
- Booking
- Advance booking required
- Main Access
- Road
Visitor Information at a Glance
- Official Name
- Soysambu Conservancy
- Alternative Names
- Soysambu
- Attraction Type
- Conservancy
- County
- Nakuru
- Nearest Town
- Gilgil
- Established
- 1997
- Ownership
- Private
- Significance
- National
- Wheelchair Access
- Partially Accessible
- Visit Duration
- Full Day
- Families
- Couples
- Photographers
Why Visit Soysambu Conservancy
A top destination for birdwatching (especially flamingos and pelicans) and viewing rare Rothschild’s giraffes in a pristine, private setting.
Flamingo sightings, Rothschild’s giraffe, night game drives, and scenic Rift Valley panoramas.
History and Significance
History
Formerly part of the Delamere estates, it was converted into a conservancy to protect the Lake Elementaita basin.
Significance
Vital for the protection of Lake Elementaita’s UNESCO World Heritage status and supporting biodiversity in the Rift Valley.
Things to Do
Guided drives and walking tours.
Wildlife and Natural Environment
- Lake
- Hill
- Savannah
- Freshwater
- Grassland
- Woodland
Rothschild’s giraffe, flamingos, pelicans, various antelopes, and predators.
Leading conservancy in Lake Elementaita protection.
Opening Hours and Booking
- Advance Booking
- Required
- Walk-ins
- Not confirmed
- Lead Time
- 24_hours
How to Get There
- Main Access
- Road
- Road Surface
- Gravel
- Road Condition
- Good
- 4WD Required
- Not confirmed
- Public Transport
- Not confirmed
- Parking
- Available
- Nearest Air Access
- Naivasha Airstrip
- Distance from Nairobi
- 120 km
Well-accessible from the main Nairobi-Nakuru highway.
Facilities and Visitor Services
- Toilets
- Guides
- Camping
- On-site Accommodation
- Parking
- Payments: M-Pesa, Card, Bank Transfer
Lodge facilities available for guests.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair Access
- Partially Accessible
Visitor hubs are accessible.
- Families
- Couples
- Photographers
Best Time to Visit
- Best Months
- January, February, June, July, August, September
Rules and Safety
- General Safety Level
- Low Risk
Visitor Rules
Stay in vehicles during drives; do not disturb birds.
Safety Information
General wildlife safety rules apply.
Photography and Drone Policy
Commercial filming requires permit.