Let’s be honest: after cycling the gorges of Hell’s Gate National Park, bouncing around on a game drive, or hiking up Mount Longonot, your legs deserve a break, something special to do in Naivasha. And when that moment finally comes, there is no better reward in the entire Rift Valley than pulling up a chair on the shaded lawn, letting a warm pot of Kenyan tea do the rest enjoying High Tea at Elsamere Conservation Centre.
This is not just afternoon tea. This is history on a plate, served lakeside in Naivasha, with Colobus monkeys in the trees above you.
It is, without question, one of the most special things you can do in Naivasha. An out of this world experience.
What Is Elsamere Conservation Centre?
Elsamere sits on the southern shores of Lake Naivasha, roughly 100 km northwest of Nairobi.
The property was once the private retirement home of Joy and George Adamson. Who are those you may ask?
These were conservationists who raised an orphaned lioness named Elsa, released her back into the wild, and immortalised the story in the book and film Born Free.
When Joy wrote “It would be impossible to imagine a more attractive site for a home”, she was describing this very spot, Elsamaere. A 36 – acre lakeside sanctuary shaded by ancient yellow fever acacia trees.
After both Adamsons passed away, the property was entrusted to the Elsa Conservation Trust, which continues their mission today through wildlife education, conservation, and community programs.
That legacy makes every sip of tea here feel a little more meaningful.
Why High Tea at Elsamere Conservation Centre Naivasha Is Unlike Any Other in Kenya
The Lakeside Lawn Setting
The tables are laid out on manicured green lawns, shaded by the same ancient acacia canopy the Adamsons sat beneath. Lake Naivasha stretches out just metres from your chair, and on a clear afternoon, you can see all the way to Crescent Island.
There is almost always a gentle breeze off the water, a welcome relief from the equatorial sun.
The atmosphere is deliberately unhurried. No loud music. No rush. Just the soft clinking of teacups, birdsong, and the occasional splash of something large moving in the shallows.
Wildlife Joins You at the Table
You are never truly eating alone at Elsamere. A resident troop of black-and-white Colobus monkeys lives in the acacia trees directly above the tea lawn, and they have a well-established tradition of making dramatic appearances just as the scones arrive.
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Watching these long-haired, acrobatic primates leap overhead while you sip your tea is one of those moments that makes you understand why the Adamsons never wanted to leave.
Keep your eyes open for: Superb Starlings hopping between the grass, the haunting call of the African Fish Eagle echoing across the water, Marabou Storks patrolling the shoreline, and… if you’re lucky, the eyes of a hippo bobbing just a few metres from the lawn’s edge.
What’s on the Menu – High Tea at Elsamere Conservation?
The Elsamere kitchen team have spent decades perfecting their recipes, and it shows. This unique spread is served starting from 3:00 PM. The high tea is served buffet-style, with a spread that typically includes:
- Freshly baked scones – served warm with clotted cream and jam
- Homemade cakes – rich chocolate cake, lemon drizzle, fruit tarts
- Savory bites – finger sandwiches, quiches, and sausage rolls
- Kenyan tea and coffee – brewed from locally sourced farms; your cup is never left empty
Kenya produces some of the finest tea and coffee in the world, and Elsamere Restaurant serves it with the kind of care that makes you want a second (and third) cup. Whether you prefer a robust cup of Kenyan black tea or a freshly brewed pot of Arabica coffee, the choice is yours, and the quality is exceptional.
What’s Included in the Elsamere Day Visitor Package
High Tea, Museum Tour and Born Free Documentary
One of the best things about visiting Elsamere as a day tripper is how much is bundled into a single entry fee. The standard day visitor package typically includes:
- Afternoon high tea on the lakeside lawn (served from 3:00 PM)
- A guided tour of the Joy Adamson Museum where you get to see her botanical paintings, personal effects, and archival photos
- Screening of the Born Free documentary is approximately 40 minutes, and it’s genuinely moving.
- Access to the conservation grounds and lakefront gardens.
Entry Fees for the high tea at Elsamere conservation experience (2026 Estimates)
Note: Always confirm current rates directly with Elsamere before your visit, as prices are subject to change. Check out their current pricing here and the special offers they have can be found here.
| Visitor Type | Estimated Fee | What’s Included |
| Kenyan Residents | KES 1,500 – 2,000 | Tea, museum, documentary |
| Non-Residents | USD 15 – 30 | Tea, museum, documentary |
For context, a museum-only guided tour has been listed at around KES 1,000 separately. The full day visitor package is genuinely excellent value, especially when you factor in the wildlife viewing.
Practical Tips for Your Visit to Elsamere
Best Time to Arrive
High tea is served daily from approximately 3:00 PM. Arriving right at 3:00 PM gives you the best pick of pastries and the prime tables closest to the water. The golden light in the late afternoon is also ideal for photography.
How to Get to Elsamere conservation from Nairobi
Elsamere is located on the South Lake Road near the Olkaria Gate This is about 100 km from Nairobi, and about 24 km from Naivasha town. Travel time from Nairobi is roughly a 2-hour drive via the Nairobi – Nakuru highway A104. From Naivasha town, it will take you about 30 to 40 minutes.
The route offers sweeping Great Rift Valley views, which are half the adventure.
For something truly memorable, you can also arrange a boat arrival via Lake Naivasha, and ask local boat operators to drop you at Elsamere’s private wooden jetty.
Book in Advance
Walk-ins are sometimes possible, but we strongly recommend calling ahead, especially on weekends, public holidays, and during school holiday periods when groups from Nairobi flood in. A simple phone call or WhatsApp ensures your spot and avoids disappointment.
Pair High tea at Elsamere conservation centre with Other Naivasha Highlights
Elsamere makes an ideal afternoon anchor for a full Naivasha day. Spend your morning at Hell’s Gate National Park (cycling or hiking), grab lunch at the Elsamere lodge restaurant, then settle in for high tea as the afternoon winds down. Other natural pairings include Crescent Island for a walking safari, Lake Naivasha boat rides for birdwatching, and Crater Lake Game Sanctuary for a peaceful nature walk.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time is high tea served at Elsamere?
High tea at Elsamere is served daily starting at around 3:00 PM, typically wrapping up by 5:00 PM. Arrive early for the best pastry selection and table choice.
Can I visit Elsamere just for high tea without staying overnight?
Yes Elsamere actively welcomes day visitors. The day visitor package typically includes high tea, the museum tour, and the Born Free documentary screening, all bundled into one entry fee.
Do I need to book Elsamere high tea in advance?
Walk-ins are occasionally possible, but booking ahead is strongly recommended, especially on weekends, public holidays, or during peak school holiday seasons when the lodge fills up quickly.
What animals can I see during high tea at Elsamere?
Resident Colobus monkeys are frequent visitors to the tea lawn. You may also spot a wide variety of birdlife including Superb Starlings and the African Fish Eagle. Hippos are often visible in the shallow water nearby, particularly in the early evening.
Is Elsamere suitable for families with children?
Absolutely. The grounds are spacious and safe, the wildlife is fascinating for children, and the Born Free documentary is engaging and educational for older kids. It is one of the most family-friendly cultural experiences in the Naivasha area.