Pelicans and other birds in Lake Elementaita
I previously posted information about the KWS plans to translocate over 1000 Zebras from the Soysambu ranch in Kenya to Amboseli National park. In the post, I was looking at it as a case of robbing Peter to pay Paul.
But it seems that nature has not frowned upon this private wildlife conservancy. The Standard newspaper reports that about 400,000 migratory birds (white storks) from Europe have found a temporary home in Lake Elementaita, right at the middle of the ranch. The lake has in the past hosted a few of these birds, but not in such substantial numbers as this time. You can find full details of this story in the online edition of the Standard here.
About Soysambu Ranch
The ranch is associated with the family of Lord Delamere, probably the most remembered British settler of the colonial period. Soysambu has for many years existed as a private farm and ranch. In the year 2008 it was transformed into a conservancy whose stated goals include “protecting the fragile ecosystem and Rift Valley wildlife corridor”. The ranch now has a website and even a page on facebook.
The most dominant feature in the Soysambu conservancy is Lake Elementaita. This lake hosts hundreds of bird species, among them pelicans and flamingos. Some birdwatching enthusiasts therefore consider Soysambu as “the” birdwatching place in Kenya. These birds often feed in Lake Nakuru a few kilometers away, while breeding mostly in Lake Elementaita.
Besides the birds, other animals found in the park include a few Giraffes, monkeys, thousands of Zebras, and other herbivore species like antelopes. None of the big five however.
There are a number of small lodges and resorts around the conservancy, among them the Lake Elementaita lodge. The conservancy is thus a suitable alternative for relaxing away from the often crowded national parks and game reserves while on your holiday in Kenya.
Leopards have been recorded during the NWC game census within Soysambu conservancy. Therefore at least they have one of the big five!!
Thanks Njeri for the information. Considering Soysambu’s proximity to Lake Nakuru National Park, it’s not very surprising if some leopards have indeed been spotted here. Unfortunately, I could not find the anything in the NWC website (http://www.nakuruwildlife.org/) or the conservancy’s blog (http://soysambuconservancy.wildlifedirect.org/) and official website (http://www.soysambuconservancy.org/) to ascertain your info.
If the census results were published anywhere in the web, please share the link with us.
The conservancy has lots of buffaloes,and you may also spot lions which jump through the fence from the Nakuru National Park. I was there on 11 june 2011 for a familialization trip and during the dry season they go to Bweha Camp to take water. Its a wonderful place to be.