ELSAMERE - Lake Naivasha

Elsamere is the former home of the late Joy Adamson who, together with her husband George, became world famous for their pioneering conservation work and relationship with the Lioness Elsa, as told in her best-selling book and subsequent film: Born Free.

Joy Adamson wrote the following: "For years I had been looking for a house where George and I could live. Eventually I found a place that seemed to combine all we wished for. It would be impossible to imagine a more attractive site for a home. We decided to call our home Elsamere."

 

Elsamere Conservation Centre Located On Lake Naivasha
• The center provides accommodation for 15-18 people in cottages set in the gardens around the main house.
• Each Cottage has a veranda and is lake facing.
• The rooms are bright and attractive and all have en-suite bathrooms.
• Guest may also choose to stay in the main house in the Joy Adamson bedrooms, which also has wheelchair access.

 

Dining Experience At Elsamere Conservation Centre Located On Lake Naivasha

• Elsamere prides itself on its warm hospitality and home like atmosphere. The day starts with a hot breakfast and lunch is buffet style with plenty of outdoor tables and chairs for alfresco dining.
• Dinner is hosted each night and it is the perfect opportunity to get to know the guests, many of who may be visiting researchers and conservationists.
• Elsamere is open to the public day between 3pm and 6pm.Visitors are invited to watch a video: The Joy Adamson Story and visit the museum and shop. A traditional afternoon tea is served at 4pm.

 

Activities at Elsamere Conservation Centre Located On Lake Naivasha

 

• The museum contains a small collection of Joy Adamson's painting and artifacts. Memorabilia from the Born Free film and a range of photos documenting Joy and George Adamson's work with wildlife are on display.
• Guest may hire boats or arrange a guided tour to view birds and other wildlife on the nearby Crescent Island.
• The Elsa Trust shop stocks a variety of T-shirts, jewelry, books, carvings and prints of Joy Adamson's works, all available for sale.
• A video library of conservation and wildlife documentaries.
• A trek up on Mount Longonot, a 2800-meter extinct volcano, is another interesting day's outing.
• Spend the day also watching and learning about habits and characteristics of the resident colobus monkeys.
• African Spice Safaris can arrange trip or overnights to Crater Lake, Lake Nakuru and Hell's Gate National Park.

 

Elsamere Conservation Centre

Elsamere Conservation Centre is a haven for lovers of nature, set in Acacia forest on the banks of Lake Naivasha, in Kenya's Great Rift Valley. It is the former home of the late Joy Adamson who, together with her husband George, became world famous for their pioneering conservation work and relationship with the Lioness Elsa, as told in her best-selling book and subsequent film: Born Free.

The Adamson's devoted their lives to wildlife conservation and Elsamere continues to be maintained as a functioning Conservation Centre. By visiting and staying at Elsamere Conservation Centre you have the unique opportunity to visit an active base for local conservation projects and a chance to experience life in one of Kenya's most historic homes. Many of Joy Adamson's painting and artifacts still decorate the house to date.

The location of Elsamere Conservation Centre on Lake Naivasha is renowned for its beautiful scenery. Elsamere Conservation Centre is ideally situated under huge yellow Acacia trees directly overlooking the lake. The lush green forest and the distant blue rages provide a stunning backdrop to the changing colors of the lake. It is the perfect place to unwind and enjoy nature. It is also within easy driving distance of Nairobi, approximately two hours away on the tarmac roads.

 

About Elsamere Conservation Centre Located On Lake Naivasha, Kenya

Elsamere Conservation Center is a bird watcher's paradise, over 200 species of birds have been recorded and rare species such as the Verraux's Eagle Owl are regularly sighted. Early mornings at Elsamere Conservation Center are as special time: the African Fish Eagles herald the dawn with their memorable ringing cry and the chorus of the bird song continues through-out the day.

Morning boat rides are an ideal time to spot the many species of waterfowl and brilliantly colored kingfishers. The lake is home to the largest waterfowl population in Kenya

Elsamere Conservation Centre has also become famous for its resident troop of black and white colobus monkeys, which visit the centre regularly. African Spice Safaris guests may easily view the troop from the lakeside lawn. Other frequent visitors to the centre are pod of hippopotami, which often graze on the lawn at night.

Lake Naivasha is very important ecologically. The Elsamere Conservation Center provides information on the lake ecology and regularly hosts researchers who monitor the lake and local wildlife.