Sleeping Warrior Camp Lake Elementaita

Sleeping Warrior Camp is a serene eco-retreat nestled on the slopes of a dormant volcano within the 48,000-acre Soysambu Conservancy. Overlooking the shimmering waters of Lake Elementaita in Kenya’s Great Rift Valley, the camp is framed by the iconic Sleeping Warrior Hills.

This crater rim resembles the profile of a resting Maasai warrior. Blending rustic charm with modern comfort, this exclusive camp offers a tranquil escape from the city. The architecture is unique and environmentally conscious, using sustainable materials such as lava stone and straw bales to create structures that evoke a Tuscan villa while remaining distinctly African.

Whether relaxing in the “Eagle’s Nest” star bed or hiking the volcanic ridges, guests are invited to unwind in a pristine wilderness that has remained untouched for decades.

Location & Accessibility

Sleeping Warrior Camp is located approximately 160 km from Nairobi, set on the slopes of the Sleeping Warrior crater within the 48,000-acre Soysambu Conservancy. It overlooks Lake Elementaita and offers direct access to a private wilderness that remains off-limits to the general public.

By Road:

✓ Route: Drive north from Nairobi along the scenic Nairobi-Nakuru Highway (A104) toward Gilgil
✓ Journey Time: The drive typically takes 2 to 3 hours, depending on traffic along the Rift Valley escarpment
✓ Final Stretch: Follow the signs for ALADI / Sleeping Warrior Camp for another 4 km along the all-weather access road, which winds through the conservancy to the camp
✓ Directions: Continue past Gilgil town for approximately 4 km toward the Kikopey trading center. Just before the Kobil (now Rubis) petrol station at Kikopey, turn left onto the access road

By Air:

✓ Scenic Flight: Balloon safaris and helicopter excursions can also be arranged to view the stunning crater and lake from above
✓ Airstrip: The camp is served by the nearby Soysambu Airstrip (located near the main gate) or the Loldia Airstrip in Naivasha
✓ Flight Time: Scheduled flights from Nairobi (Wilson Airport) to Loldia/Naivasha take approximately 25–30 minutes. Private charters can land directly at Soysambu Airstrip
✓ Transfer: From Loldia Airstrip, it is an approximate 1-hour scenic game drive transfer to the camp. Transfers from the local Soysambu airstrip are much shorter (approx. 15–20 mins)

Accommodation

The camp offers a variety of accommodation styles, from luxury tents to solid-structure cabins, all designed to maximize privacy and views.

Moran Tents (26 Units)

✓ Private terraces offer serene views of the surrounding bush and hills
✓ Located near a communal fireplace, creating a warm atmosphere for groups
✓ Spacious, luxury ensuite canvas tents designed for a “cozy-in-the-wild” experience
✓ Each tent features a semi-permanent bathroom finished with black terrazzo and white firestones

Premier Hillside Cabins (Batian & Nelion)

✓ Both cabins feature luxurious amenities, electric safes, and mini-fridges
✓ Nelion Cabin: A favorite for couples (2 pax), perched on elevated ground with a bathtub offering the same stunning panoramic experience
✓ Batian Cabin: A 3-pax unit nestled on the hillside, boasting a large terrace and a bathtub strategically positioned for soaking while enjoying the sunrise and forest views

Warrior Tents

✓ Arranged in a circular formation to enhance a sense of community
✓ Features private terraces with canvas chairs, perfect for stargazing
✓ Rustic and charming tents pitched on elevated ground surrounded by black volcanic rocks

Specialty Rooms

✓ Ututu Room: Located within the main house, offering solid walls and a private bathroom for those preferring a more traditional room structure
✓ Eagle’s Nest: A secluded, lava-stone honeymoon getaway located on a rocky outcrop. It features a Star Bed, allowing guests to sleep open to the African night sky

Room Features & Amenities

✓ Wi-Fi connectivity
✓ Private verandas/terraces with views
✓ Solar-powered electricity (eco-friendly)
✓ Daily housekeeping and turndown service
✓ Mini-fridges and electric safes (in Cabins)
✓ Complimentary bottled water and toiletries
✓ Comfortable sitting areas and reading desks
✓ Ensuite bathrooms with hot and cold running water

Dining & Culinary Experience

Dining at Sleeping Warrior Camp is a celebration of fresh, locally sourced ingredients, served in the Ututu House—a central building styled as a Tuscan villa with a large natural-stone terrace.

Culinary Highlights:

✓ Bush Dining: Options for sunrise breakfasts or shaded lunches amidst the lush greenery
✓ Scenic Terrace: The main dining room opens onto a terrace with magnificent views of the crater and lake
✓ Home-Cooked Meals: Menus feature high-quality, seasonal produce prepared with exceptional Kenyan flavors
✓ Sundowners: Traditionally taken on one of the surrounding volcanic hills, accompanied by a campfire, drinks, and homemade “bitings” (canapés)

Lounge & Common Areas

✓ Swimming Pool: A refreshing pool with scenic views, perfect for cooling off after a hike
✓ Fireplace Areas: Inviting stone fireplaces near the tent clusters for evening storytelling and warmth
✓ Ututu House: The heart of the camp, housing the lounge and dining area. Constructed almost entirely from straw bales and lava stone from the ranch, it remains cool and airy

Experiences & Activities

✓ Geothermal Learning: Educational opportunities to understand the unique geology of the Rift Valley
✓ Hiking the Sleeping Warrior: Guided treks up the extinct volcano offering unrivaled views of the Rift Valley
✓ Lake Shores: Guided walks along the shores of Lake Elementaita to view the flamingoes and pelicans up close
✓ Sericulture Tour: A unique “Signature Experience” where guests can learn about silk farming at the on-site project
✓ Weddings & Events: A picturesque venue for “In the Wild” weddings, with facilities to host ceremonies under open skies
✓ Game Drives: Escorted day and night drives within the Soysambu Conservancy to spot buffalo, leopards, hyenas, and the rare Rothschild’s giraffe
✓ Bird Watching: The area is an ornithological haven with over 450 species, including millions of flamingos and pelicans that flock to Lake Elementaita

Facilities & Guest Services

✓ Swimming Pool
✓ Wi-Fi in rooms and public areas.
✓ Ample Parking for self-drive guests.
✓ Family Friendly: Special meals and family tent enclosures available.
✓ Conference & Event Facilities: Adaptable spaces for workshops, meetings, and team building.
✓ Eco-Friendly Operations: Solar power, rainwater harvesting, and sustainable wood sourcing by local Maasai women.

Highlights of Sleeping Warrior Camp

✓ Star Bed Experience: The Eagle’s Nest offers a romantic night under the stars
✓ Exclusive Access: Located in a private conservancy, ensuring a crowd-free safari experience
✓ Architectural Charm: A distinct blend of Tuscan villa styling and African bush materials (lava stone and straw bales)
✓ Cultural & Community Impact: Supports the local Maasai community through employment and education sponsorship
✓ Unique Location: The only camp set on the slopes of the Sleeping Warrior crater with direct access to Soysambu Conservancy

2026 Sleeping Warrior Camp Lake Elementaita Accommodation Rates;

Notes;

* Maximum room occupancy applies
* Easter, WRC and festive season supplement will apply
* Rates are applicable for both residents and non-residents
* Additional guest (1 pguest) supplement is  6,000 Kenya Shillings
* Complimentary hiking at Sleeping Warrior Hills and Ugali Hills

Child Policy;

* Children above 12 years pay adult rates
* Additional child is charged at 50% room rate per night
* One or two children (below 11 years) sharing with one or two (2) adults is free. (Maximum 2 children)

Sleeping Warrior Camp Lake Elementaita is an exclusive tented camp nestled on the slopes of a volcano, on the 48,000 acres of Soysambu Conservancy located on the east side of Lake Elementaita. The camp is 140 kilometers from Nairobi- a 2-3 Hour journey and a 1 Hour drive from Loldia Airstrip.

The Sleeping Warrior Camp has 6 Units (maximum capacity 12 adults and two children).  Each tent is locally-made and eco-friendly. All have thatched roofs. Electricity is solar-powered. 2 of the six tents are en suite, have a private terrace, and sleep 2-3 guests.

The 3^rd  tent comes with a private leleshwa enclosure and a private bathroom 2 meters from the tent. The tent sleeps 1 or 2 guests, with the option of a separate tent for children. The 4th tent is located on a lava outcrop, 2 meters from the tent, and includes a private bathroom and a private terrace. It sleeps 1 or 2  guests.

The 5th tent is a secluded getaway with lava stone/canvas walls and a thatched roof with an en-suite bathroom. There is a star-bed that can be rolled out onto the large private terrace for stargazing. The 6^th  tent is a double bedroom located within the main building, the room has its own bathroom with bathtub, large sink and a mirror decorated with lava stone.

The Ututu House is a simple building, styled to replicate a Tuscan villa. It has a central dining room and lounge, as well as a natural-stone terrace. The restaurant serves a wide range of bush dining options as well as local and international cuisines. The fully stocked bar offers a wide selection of non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks.

The Sleeping Warrior Camp can be adapted to accommodate small meetings, conferences, or workshops. The lodge also features outdoor swimming pools.

Activities include guided walks, hiking, day and night game drives, biking, bird watching, nature walks,  bush dining and sundowners, and visits to Lake Nakuru National Park.

Mobile: + 254-721-242-711
WhatsApp: +254-721-242-711
Reservations: +254 718-179-967
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://africanspicesafaris.com