High Tea at Elsamere Lodge

Cup of tea on a terrace overlooking Lake Naivasha at Elsamere Lodge

Enjoy a quiet tea moment by the lake at Elsamere Lodge, Naivasha.

Few places in Kenya offer a setting as calm and inviting as Elsamere Lodge in Naivasha, where afternoons slow down by the quiet shores of Lake Naivasha. Here, the much-loved tradition of High Tea at Elsamere Lodge takes place under the shade of trees, with the sound of water close by. Guests enjoy freshly brewed Kenyan tea and trays of homemade pastries, each bite filled with warmth and care.

High Tea at Elsamere Lodge with lake view and pastries arranged indoors overlooking Lake Naivasha

Our picturesque High Tea setting on the tranquil shores of Lake Naivasha.

The scene is simple and relaxing: the soft chatter of guests, the splash of a hippo in the distance, and colobus monkeys moving through the branches above. It’s a moment to breathe, unwind, and take in the peaceful rhythm of nature.

After a slow and soothing afternoon by the lake, what lingers most is the genuine warmth of Elsamere’s hospitality.

A Tradition of Hospitality

The tradition of High Tea at Elsamere Lodge reflects the lodge’s long-standing reputation for warm and thoughtful hospitality. For years, Elsamere has been a place where visitors gather to share stories, enjoy nature, and relax by the lake. Every guest is welcomed with genuine care and a sense of belonging that makes the experience feel personal and memorable.

At Elsamere, afternoon tea is more than just a meal. It is a quiet celebration of community, comfort, and the natural beauty of Lake Naivasha. Each visit captures the spirit of togetherness that has always defined this special place.

That sense of togetherness is often best enjoyed over shared treats. And of course, no tea time would be complete without something delicious to enjoy

What’s Included

High Tea at Elsamere Lodge Naivasha with chef preparing pastries and refreshments

High Tea setup at Elsamere Lodge in Naivasha featuring homemade pastries and fresh juice.

Guests can look forward to a thoughtful spread designed to refresh and delight:

  • Freshly brewed Kenyan teas and coffee from trusted local farms.

  • Homemade cakes, pastries, and sandwiches made daily in Elsamere’s kitchen.

  • Optional extras: a short guided garden walk or photo session by the lakeside to remember your visit.


While you sip and savor, nature often joins in to make the experience even more special.

Wildlife Moments

High Tea at Elsamere often comes with a few wild visitors. You might see colorful birds darting through the trees, hippos grazing by the water, or monkeys playing in the garden. Each afternoon feels alive with small surprises.

Colobus monkeys eating in the garden during High Tea at Elsamere Lodge Naivasha

Colobus monkeys are frequent visitors around the garden, adding a touch of wonder to every afternoon.

These gentle moments show what makes Elsamere special, a place where people and animals share the same peaceful space. It’s a reminder of why the Adamsons’ work still matters and why conservation continues to be part of everything done here.

Two giraffes walking through the garden at Elsamere Lodge Naivasha

Two giraffes quietly exploring the garden capture the calm connection between wildlife and guests at Elsamere.

Perfect for Day Visitors

You don’t have to stay overnight to enjoy this experience. Day visitors and tour groups are welcome to join with a simple booking in advance. Whether you’re passing through Naivasha or taking a weekend break from Nairobi, High Tea at Elsamere is a calm and refreshing stop.

Book Your High Tea

Even if you’re not staying overnight, you can still be part of this calm and welcoming atmosphere.

How to Visit

Elsamere Lodge is only a short drive from Naivasha town and easy to reach from Nairobi via the Mai Mahiu Road. The route offers wide views of the Rift Valley and ends at the green, quiet edge of Lake Naivasha.

For directions, open our Google Maps location for easy navigation. Secure parking and guided access are available for all visitors.

Planning your visit is simple and scenic, with easy access to the lodge and clear directions to guide you there.

Two birds on Lake Naivasha near Elsamere Lodge

Birds on the calm waters of Lake Naivasha at dusk.

Reserve Your Experience

Book your High Tea at Elsamere today. Every visit helps support wildlife conservation.
Your tea time contributes directly to the Elsa Conservation Trust, which continues the Adamsons’ mission to protect Kenya’s natural heritage.

Reserve Your High Tea Experience

Before the day ends, many guests take a final quiet moment by the water, watching the sunset turn the lake golden.

Sunset view over Lake Naivasha from Elsamere Lodge garden

The sun sets gently over Lake Naivasha, marking the perfect end to a peaceful afternoon at Elsamere.

Eco Friendly Hotels in Naivasha Kenya | Elsamere Lodge

Elsamere Lakeview Point — shot from the lake, the showing lodge.

As dawn breaks over Lake Naivasha, the first light spreads across the water in soft shades of gold and silver. It’s a calm moment that shows how travel can connect with nature instead of harming it. Many visitors who come to this beautiful lake in Kenya often ask one question: “show me eco friendly hotels in Naivasha Kenya.” They’re looking for places that offer comfort while also caring for the environment.

Elsamere Lodge is one of those places. It sits quietly by the lake’s edge and offers an experience that feels close to nature. The lodge uses solar power, reduces waste, and supports local conservation work. The sounds of birds, the rustling trees, and the still water create a peaceful rhythm that helps visitors slow down and breathe.

At Elsamere Lodge, conservation, community, and comfort come together in a simple, genuine way. It shows that travel can be gentle on the earth while giving guests the chance to rest and enjoy Kenya’s natural beauty.

The main house at Elsamere Lodge offers a serene lakeside retreat surrounded by native trees and wildlife.

Quick Facts: Elsamere Lodge at a Glance

Why Elsamere Lodge Tops the List of Eco-Friendly Hotels in Naivasha Kenya

1. Rooted in Conservation and Heritage

Elsamere is more than an eco-lodge — it’s a legacy. Founded in honor of conservationists Joy and George Adamson, the lodge has become a sanctuary for wildlife and visitors alike. Its lush gardens often host playful monkeys and colorful birds that make Naivasha famous among ornithologists.

Colobus monkey at Elsamere Lodge eco friendly hotel in Naivasha Kenya

Colobus monkeys are frequent visitors at Elsamere Lodge, adding to its peaceful and natural charm.

2. Peaceful Lakeside Setting

Imagine waking up to the call of fish eagles and the soft lapping of Lake Naivasha’s waters. Guests at Elsamere enjoy a front-row view of nature’s rhythm, with sunrise walks along the lakeshore and sunset reflections that invite calm and connection.

Boat tour guide showing guests Lake Naivasha near Elsamere Lodge eco friendly hotel in Kenya

Local boat guides share the beauty and stories of Lake Naivasha, making every ride from Elsamere Lodge an unforgettable experience.

3. Sustainable Comfort

Every detail of the lodge reflects respect for the environment. From solar-powered water heating to locally sourced meals and biodegradable toiletries, sustainability is more than a buzzword — it’s a daily practice.

Top Sustainable Practices at Elsamere:

  • Solar energy for hot water 
  • Rainwater harvesting 
  • Composting and organic gardening 
  • Local staff training in eco-tourism 

4. Gateway to Naivasha’s Natural Wonders

Elsamere sits close to Kenya’s most breathtaking outdoor experiences:

  • Hell’s Gate National Park: Perfect for cycling safaris and geothermal walks. 
  • Crescent Island Sanctuary: A paradise for photographers and wildlife lovers. 
  • Lake Naivasha: Renowned for hippo spotting and boat rides amid flocks of flamingos. 

Guests can easily plan half-day or full-day excursions — or simply relax with tea on the terrace, watching zebras graze across the lake’s edge.

5. Supporting Local Communities and Eco Friendly Travel in Naivasha Kenya

Every stay contributes to the Elsa Conservation Trust (ECT), helping fund conservation education and community development around Naivasha. Visitors often leave inspired by how travel can give back to nature and people alike.

Among all the eco friendly hotels in Naivasha Kenya, Elsamere Lodge stands out for combining comfort with conservation in a truly authentic way.

Planning Your Stay at Eco Friendly Hotels in Naivasha Kenya

Best Time to Visit

The best months to visit Naivasha are generally June to October and December to February — when the skies are clear, wildlife is abundant, and outdoor exploration is easy.

How to Get There

Naivasha is just about 90 to 100 kilometers (about 55-62 miles) drive from Nairobi via the Nairobi–Nakuru Highway. Transfers can be arranged by clicking here.

 Activities Near Elsamere Lodge

  • Birdwatching along Lake Naivasha’s edge 
  • Boat rides among hippos and abundant wildlife 
  • Nature walks and cycling in Hell’s Gate 
  • Visits to geothermal springs and conservation center

For a complete list of tours and booking options, please visit our Activities Page

Why Eco Travelers Love Naivasha

Naivasha is one of Kenya’s most accessible eco-tourism hubs — combining lakeside peace, volcanic landscapes, and rich biodiversity. Staying at a lodge like Elsamere means you experience it all while supporting sustainable travel.

“When travelers ask me to show me eco friendly hotels in Naivasha Kenya, Elsamere always tops the list — not just for comfort, but for purpose.”

Cup of tea with Lake Naivasha view at Elsamere Lodge eco friendly hotel in Kenya

Book Your Eco Stay at Elsamere Lodge

Ready to experience Naivasha’s natural magic the sustainable way?
Reserve your stay at Elsamere Lodge today and be part of Kenya’s conservation story.

Staycation in Naivasha | Elsamere Lodge Nature Retreat

Elsamere Lakeview Point — shot from the lake, the showing lodge.

Sometimes the best getaways aren’t far from home. A staycation in Naivasha at Elsamere Lodge lets you slow down and reconnect with nature on the quiet shores of Lake Naivasha, where the morning mist hangs low and the air feels calm and cool. At Elsamere, you’ll experience the peace of nature and the heritage of Kenya in one unforgettable escape.

This is more than a place to stay. It is a chance to rest, reflect, and rediscover what makes Kenya beautiful. Once home to Joy Adamson, the author of Born Free, Elsamere Lodge carries the spirit of conservation and community. Every moment here, from your first cup of tea by the lake to the sight of hippos at dusk, feels simple and meaningful.

Explore the Natural Beauty of Lake Naivasha

A stay at Elsamere begins not with a schedule, but with a feeling. As dawn breaks, the lake orchestrates its daily symphony. The sub-aquatic grunts of hippos echo softly across the water, a fish eagle’s piercing cry cuts the morning air, and the lake’s still surface mirrors the pastel wash of dawn. The air, rich with the scent of damp earth and papyrus reeds, invites you to breathe deeply and move to a gentler rhythm.

image of a hippo spotted in elsamere-naivasha

This is where the stories of nature are written anew each day. Whether you glide over the calm water on a boat safari, wander through lush, fever-tree-lined gardens, or simply sit with a cup of tea as the clouds drift by, every moment is a chance to feel that wild, peaceful energy.

Insider Tip: Don’t miss Elsamere’s famous afternoon tea on the lawn — a tradition that started in Joy Adamson’s days and continues today, often shared with a few feathered visitors.

Things to do around Lake Naivasha:

  • Take a guided boat tour to spot hippos, fish eagles, and pelicans.
  • Visit Crescent Island for a walking safari among giraffes and zebras.
  • Go birdwatching early in the morning when the lake is alive with sound.
  • Enjoy a lakeside picnic surrounded by nature.
  • Capture sunrise or sunset photos for memories that last.

A staycation at Elsamere allows you to reconnect with Kenya’s natural beauty—calm, wild, and full of life. Explore the full range of activities to plan your meaningful escape.

Zebras grazing in the golden light of sunset near Lake Naivasha, viewed from Elsamere Lodge.

The Heritage Significance of Elsamere Lodge

Elsamere Lodge is more than a retreat; it is a portal to Kenya’s living conservation history. It’s impossible to walk these grounds without feeling the spirit of Joy Adamson, whose groundbreaking work with Elsa the Lioness changed the world.

A visit here means walking through Joy’s preserved home, a sacred space filled with her legacy. Here, you will find her original wildlife paintings and see the camera she once used, each item a silent testament to her courage and passion. As one returning guest puts it, “The well-worn floorboards of Joy’s study seem to hold her spirit. You feel her presence in every corner.”

Ways to explore heritage at Elsamere:

  • Visit the Elsamere Museum to see Joy Adamson’s art and personal collection.
  • Join guided tours to learn about the Adamsons’ conservation journey.
  • Attend talks and workshops by conservation experts.
  • Support community programs that promote environmental awareness.

Staying at Elsamere means being part of something bigger — helping protect Kenya’s wildlife while enjoying a peaceful, meaningful holiday.

Stay in Comfort Surrounded by Nature

At Elsamere Lodge, you can relax in comfortable rooms that open to views of Lake Naivasha or flower-filled gardens. The sound of birds in the morning and the sight of calm water make it easy to unwind.

Each room offers simple comforts — private verandas, cozy beds, and all the essentials for a restful stay. You can read on the porch, enjoy a cup of tea as the lake awakens, or walk through the gardens before breakfast.

Tranquil view of Elsamere Lodge’s garden overlooking Lake Naivasha, surrounded by lush greenery and calm waters.

Highlights of your stay:

  • Choose between lakeside rooms or garden cottages with modern amenities.
  • Enjoy outdoor dining with fresh, local meals.
  • Enjoy nature walks that begin right on the lodge’s grounds.

The lodge’s eco-friendly design ensures comfort while respecting the environment, showing how hospitality and conservation can work hand in hand.

Why Choose Elsamere Lodge for Your Staycation?

Sunset over Lake Naivasha viewed from Elsamere Lodge, with golden light reflecting on the calm water.

A stay at Elsamere is a vacation with a deeper purpose. It’s a chance to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Naivasha while becoming part of a living legacy of conservation. You don’t just observe nature here—you help protect it.

Like the visitor who described their trip as life-changing, you too will arrive seeking peace and leave with a renewed spirit. In the quiet moments by the lake and the historical reflections within the lodge, you’ll find a connection that feels truly profound.

Make your next staycation meaningful. Book your stay at Elsamere Lodge today and experience the peace, purpose, and natural beauty where Kenya’s history comes together.

Why Elsamere Lodge is the Best Hotel in Naivasha

Looking for the best hotel in Naivasha? Elsamere Lodge offers more than just luxury—it’s where history, wildlife, and authentic Kenyan hospitality meet. Nestled on Lake Naivasha’s shores, this former home of Born Free conservationists Joy and George Adamson blends rich heritage with modern comfort. From hippo-spotting boat rides and legendary high teas to eco-friendly cottages and personalized service, discover why Elsamere creates unforgettable Kenyan experiences.

Ready to book your Naivasha escape?

Elsamere – Where Lakeside Comfort Meets Conservation

Step into the legendary world of ‘Born Free’ at Elsamere Lodge, Joy Adamson’s former lakeside sanctuary on Lake Naivasha. Today, this 4-star eco-retreat blends history with wild charm – sip tea with colobus monkeys, explore Joy’s personal museum, and sleep to hippos’ nighttime serenades. Discover how your stay fuels vital conservation in Kenya’s Rift Valley.