Lake Elementaita Mountain Lodge

The setting is beautiful, with stunning views, but our stay was disappointing overall. We’d booked and paid through Booking.com for two nights on half board, yet were asked to pay again when we arrived. I had to follow up for several days before they issued the refund. For dinner, the policy said half-board guests were automatically assigned a table. We still asked a waiter the day before to reserve ours, then called again on the morning of 14 February to confirm. When we went to dinner that evening, after checking in on the 13th, there was no table for us. We waited while staff tried to find a seat. While I sat temporarily at another table waiting for ours to be made ready, a waiter told me to move because that table was reserved, so I had to explain the situation all over again. The food was served cold, too. The next morning, loud club-style music from the poolside DJ didn’t fit the calm, quiet atmosphere that had first drawn me to the property. Service was acceptable, but the whole experience left us disappointed.

The beautiful views were about the only good part of our stay at Lake Elementaita Mountain Lodge. Getting there was a problem from the outset: the access road was in terrible shape, our cars got stuck outside, and nobody came to welcome or help us. I had to walk up a long, steep climb to reception. Staff seemed overwhelmed and poorly trained once I arrived. Communication was confusing, and no one took responsibility. The food was disappointing and didn’t feel worth the full-board price. I’d paid for full board and clearly said I wanted dinner that night, followed by breakfast and lunch the next day. They said that wasn’t allowed because I’d missed lunch the day before. I showed written confirmation from the person who made the booking that this arrangement was agreed, but they still refused and insisted I pay full price again. The spa was frustrating as well. I waited an hour in the cold at night for a massage, then got vague excuses and was told to come back at 5:30 AM. That didn’t feel like a realistic or respectful way to treat guests on vacation. On the final morning, I fell going downhill on the steep, uneven slopes and fractured my ankle. The lodge sits on a hillside with a lot of walking, and I had to get help and rush to hospital. The injury has significantly affected my life. The layout may be scenic, but it wasn’t safe or practical for guests, especially without clear guidance or assistance. Similar views are available elsewhere without the poor access, service, and avoidable risk. Anyone going should be ready to leave the car outside and walk a lot on very hilly ground. This was the worst hotel experience I’ve ever had, with poor service, disappointing food, unfair full-board handling, unreliable spa scheduling, and a serious injury connected to the property layout.

You get fantastic views of Lake Elementaita and the valley from this magnificent spot. The staff were friendly and efficient, and the lakeside sanctuary is worth visiting. The road from the highway exit to the lodge is mostly off-road, so plan on bringing a 4x4. We hadn’t added dinner to our reservation, but we recommend including it.

We spent three days and two nights here for a birthday celebration and had a great time. The staff made us feel welcome, with especially kind service from Mary at reception and Alice, Clarence, and Lee in the restaurant. The food was fresh and delicious, and the kitchen could accommodate dietary restrictions when told in advance. We were on full board and would recommend it, since there aren’t many places to eat nearby and the drives are challenging. They decorated the restaurant for our birthday, making the evening fun and memorable. The clean, simple rooms all face Lake Elementaita, with lovely views and birdwatching opportunities. One shower in our family suite didn’t get hot water, so we couldn’t use the beautiful bathtub, which was disappointing. The hotel is lovely, but getting there takes some planning. It’s about 8 km from the main road on a well-maintained murram road, though rain could make the drive difficult. The last 900 m is a steep climb that needs a 4x4. There’s a longer, gentler route, but you still need an off-road vehicle. Rooms are spread along the hillside, so walking around means tackling steep paths. The shuttle service to and fro helped a lot. I’d recommend this place for a nature getaway, especially if you enjoy hiking. The customer service was excellent, and I’d definitely return.