Lake Ellis is located within Mount Kenya National Park. It sits near the bottom of the Eastern slopes of Mount Kenya. To get to Lake Ellis, visitors take the Nanyuki to Nairobi road and turn off at Nanyuki town towards the national park.
From the park headquarters, it is about a 2-hour hike uphill on foot along well-maintained trails to reach Lake Ellis. The lake was formed when volcanic activity caused lava flows to dam a valley, creating a natural reservoir. It sits at an elevation of 3,160 meters (10,360 feet) above sea level, making it one of the higher lakes on Mount Kenya.
In total, there are 8 major lakes within the boundaries of Mount Kenya National Park. These lakes provide important habitat for many bird species and aquatic life found nowhere else. Lake Ellis is a scenic spot popular with hikers visiting this region of the mountain.
Camping Packages to Lake Ellis for Solo Travelers
Hitting the road for a solo camping trip to Lake Ellis can be an incredible adventure. But when planning, you have a decision to make: go it alone with your own gear, or join a guided camping package? Here's a breakdown to help you decide.
| Factor | Solo Camping | Guided Camping Package |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Generally cheaper. You only pay for campground fees, food, and your gear. | More expensive. Covers guide fees, meals, equipment rentals (tent, sleeping bag, etc.), and potentially park entrance fees. |
| Experience Level | Requires camping experience and knowledge of setting up gear, campfire safety, and wilderness survival basics. | Ideal for beginners or those wanting a hassle-free experience. Guides handle everything from setting up camp to campfire cooking. |
| Flexibility | Complete freedom to choose your campsite within the campground regulations and plan your itinerary around Lake Ellis. | Itinerary is set by the guide, with campsites chosen based on the group's needs and the package inclusions. |
| Social Interaction | Up to you! You can choose to be social with other campers or enjoy the solitude. | Great for meeting fellow adventurers and sharing the experience. Guides often encourage campfire chats and group activities. |
| Safety | Relies on your preparedness and knowledge. | Guides are trained in wilderness first aid and ensure proper safety protocols are followed. |
Solo Camping Pros:
- Budget-friendly
- Complete control over your itinerary
- More opportunities for solitude and self-reliance
Solo Camping Cons:
- Requires camping experience and gear
- Can be more physically demanding (carrying gear, setting up camp)
- Safety concerns if you're inexperienced
Guided Camping Package Pros:
- Perfect for beginners or those wanting a hassle-free experience
- Great for meeting new people
- Safety and guidance from experienced professionals
Guided Camping Package Cons:
- More expensive
- Less flexibility in itinerary and campsite choice
The Verdict?
The best option depends on your priorities and experience level. If you're a seasoned camper who thrives on self-reliance, then solo camping is a great way to experience Lake Ellis on a budget. But if you're new to camping or want a more social and stress-free adventure, a guided package might be the perfect fit.
Remember:
- Do your research on Lake Ellis campground regulations and solo camping safety tips before heading out.
- Look for reputable guided camping companies with good reviews and experienced staff.
Activities
Lake Ellis offers several outdoor activities suitable for solo travelers. The hike up to Lake Ellis is moderately challenging but rewarding, taking you through beautiful montane forests and moorland.
Upon reaching the lake, consider relaxing with a book or going for a short walk along the shoreline to appreciate the alpine scenery. Fishing is also popular on Lake Ellis, offering a chance to catch trout.
Back at the campsite, spend evenings stargazing or socializing around the campfire with other visitors. The Lake Ellis camping area provides a prime base for day hikes to other nearby lakes and viewpoints within Mount Kenya National Park.
Accommodation
Camping is the only accommodation option available near Lake Ellis. The Camping Grounds are a short walk from the lake shore with several well-spaced sites among deciduous trees. Campers should bring tents, sleeping bags, and cooking equipment.
While camping in Mount Kenya National Park requires registration at the gate, the Lake Ellis sites are free for backpackers on a first come, first served basis. The sites have basic pit latrines for sanitation.
Ideally, camping at Lake Ellis provides a safe, affordable base for solitary travelers exploring this area of Mount Kenya.
Ellis Lake trail
The hike up to Lake Ellis follows a well-maintained footpath. From the park headquarters at Mount Kenya National Park, the trail winds uphill through scenic montane forest for approximately 10 kilometers.
Along the way, solo hikers may spot blue monkeys and baboons in the trees. After passing through open moorland with giant lobelias, the trail descends to reach the shoreline of the lake.
Signposts mark the way and trail markers are spaced at regular intervals to guide trekkers. Though strenuous in parts, the Lake Ellis trail is suitable for most reasonably fit backpackers and offers rewarding views of Mount Kenya as the destination comes into sight.
Lake Alice Mt. Kenya
Having explored the shores of Lake Ellis, more ambitious solo hikers may choose to continue deeper into Mount Kenya National Park to Lake Alice.
The higher-elevation Lake Alice sits at an altitude of 4,030 meters above sea level, presenting an additional challenge. But the extra effort results in unmatched views of the mountain's snow-capped peaks from the lake's edge.
While camping is not permitted at Lake Alice, reaching this less visited spot adds an adventurous multi-day element to any Mount Kenya itinerary.
Backpackers should carry adequate supplies and be adequately prepared for changing weather conditions at the mountain's heights before attempting this optional extension from a Lake Ellis itinerary.
Final Thoughts
Lake Ellis presents solitary travelers with accessible opportunities for hiking, camping, and intimate interaction with the natural beauty of Mount Kenya National Park.
From the colorful birdlife to the cooling waters and gazes of the mountain's peaks, experiences here will create lifelong memories for those visiting.
While it is certainly possible to independently plan logistics, choosing a safari package for your Mount Kenya itinerary helps eliminate stressors like securing permits and transport.
Operators offer hassle-free schedules spanning multiple national parks, guiding you to hidden corners like Lake Ellis and Alice. To maximize scenery and wildlife sightings along with a Supported camping experience, a curated safari voyage deserves strong consideration.
