Camping at Lake Elementaita costs about KSh 3,650 per person for one night at Camp Bedouin. That covered the tent, bedding, and a bonfire; we bought our own nyama choma from Kikopey for KSh 1,300 (1kg with fries, split between two of us) and carried our own drinks.
We travelled from Nakuru to Kikopey town and walked to Camp Bedouin, which was about 30 minutes away on foot (5 minutes by car). Every number in this post is from our actual trip on 29th May 2026.
What Camp Bedouin Actually Costs
Here’s exactly what we paid, per person, based on two people sharing one tent:
| Item | Cost (per person, 2 sharing) | Notes |
| Camping fee | KSh 1,000 | Tent + 2 sets of bedding, full grounds access |
| Bonfire | KSh 500 (1,000 ÷ 2) | Per group/tent |
| Nyama choma (Kikopey, 1kg + fries) | KSh 650 (1,300 ÷ 2) | Bought outside the camp |
| Drinks | KSh 1,250 (2,500 ÷ 2) | Brought own |
| Transport (Nakuru–Elementaita) | KSh 250 | Matatu there + ride back |
| Total (excl. Nairobi transport) | KSh 3650 | Per person, 2 sharing |
| Total from Nairobi | KSh 4,900–5,100 | KSh 600–700 each way for Nakuru-route matatu |
Tea bags and cups from the Kikopey supermarket, under KSh 100; worth packing if you want morning tea, since the camp has a kettle.
Why I Decided to Try Camping
Growing up in a rural village in Kenya, surrounded by tall maize plants and chilly mornings, I never imagined camping would interest me since I was already living in nature. But the more time I spent in towns, the more I missed it.
A few months ago, a camping series I came across (about a girl who camps solo near Mount Fuji) made me want to try it properly. I mentioned it to my friend Joane, who had been wanting to get back into nature too, and one day before the trip, we made the most spontaneous decision: we were going camping.
What’s Included in the KSh 1,000 Camping Fee:
- Tent (set up by camp staff on arrival)
- Bedding – two full sets per tent
- Clean bathroom and toilet facilities (separate for men and women, with hot showers)
- Kitchen access – fridge, microwave, and electric kettle
- Charging points throughout the campsite, including outside nearby cottages
- Use of all lounging and relaxation areas
- Parking
- Camp staff and overnight security
The campsite itself is well thought out; there are shaded sitting spots under trees, some tented, with log benches throughout. The central area has beautiful evening lighting and a dedicated bonfire spot, which is exactly where we spent our night.
What Costs Extra:
- Bonfire (KSh 1,000 per group): This covers a generous amount of firewood. If you’re staying more than one night, it could easily last the whole trip.
- Chef services: The camp has a chef on site who can prepare some or all of your meals at an extra cost. We skipped this since we’d bought nyama choma at Kikopey, more on that in the tips section.
- Swimming: Nearby lodges have pools you can pay to use. Ask at reception for current rates.
The morning after, we heated water with the camp’s kettle and made black tea from bags we’d brought from home.
Getting There from Nairobi
From Nairobi
Elementaita sits on the Nairobi-Nakuru highway, so if you’re coming from Nairobi, you’ll pass it before you reach Nakuru town.
- Board a Nairobi-Nakuru matatu from Accra Road
- Ask the driver to drop you at Kikopey junction. Elementaita is not a town, so there’s no dedicated stage
- Expect to pay the full Nakuru fare of KSh 600–700, even though you’re not going all the way since matatus price by route, not drop-off point
- Journey time is roughly 2–2.5 hours from Nairobi, depending on traffic
- From Kikopey junction, walk 30 minutes to Camp Bedouin or take a boda-boda (about KSh 150–300, roughly 10 minutes). Note: you may be quoted a higher fare since the camp sits near several luxury lodges; prepare to negotiate if needed.
From Nakuru
I made this trip from Nakuru, which is the shorter and cheaper direction. Take a matatu headed toward Elementaita/Kikopey; the fare is about KSh 150 per person, and the journey takes roughly 40 minutes to an hour. We walked the 30 minutes from Kikopey junction to Camp Bedouin on arrival, and got a shared ride back for about KSh 150 each.
If You’re Driving
Continue past Kikopey town for about 5 minutes and look for a dirt road branching off on your left. You’ll know you’re in the right place when you see signs for the lodges along this stretch; Zeituni Lodge, Flamingo Bay Lake Elementaita, and Lake Elementaita Manor are all clearly marked from the road. Follow the dirt road, and you’ll reach Camp Bedouin shortly after.
What to Expect at Camp Bedouin
The camp was exactly as shown in the pictures and videos; not a detail was exaggerated. If anything, it might have been undersold. We were looking for greenery and to be outdoors, and Camp Bedouin delivered exactly that: spacious, quiet, with fresh air and a dusty off-road feel that’s entirely fitting for a camping experience.
The sunset was breathtaking. We took an evening walk as the light faded, came back to the bonfire, and sat talking late into the night with some drinks. The roads outside the camp are dusty, but that’s part of the charm. The nights were warmer than we expected; no freezing cold, just comfortable camping weather.
Sunrise at Camp Bedouin is unlike anything else. We woke up to birds chirping and a soft morning glow, took our breakfast outside, and sat on the grass using tree logs as tables while the morning sun warmed everything without getting too hot. The camp’s beauty in the morning is unrivaled.
We couldn’t do the Sleeping Warrior hike. Coincidentally, both our sneakers turned out to be ill-fitting, so we skipped it and spent the morning exploring on foot instead. We tried to find our way to the lake, but the lodges along the shore seemed to control the best access points and required you to be a resident to get close.
Views of the lake from outside the lodges are hard to find and require a longer walk than we had time for. If seeing the lake is a priority, ask Camp Bedouin staff on arrival; they may know a route we didn’t find.
If you prefer an affordable lodge instead of camping, check out my stay at Dove Nest Lodge in Naivasha for two nights at just KSh 14,000 per person.
Tips Before You Go
- Sort your footwear before you go — the Sleeping Warrior hike is one of the highlights of the area, and you don’t want to miss it over ill-fitting shoes as we did
- Buy your nyama choma in Kikopey — stop at any of the nyama choma spots right in town before heading to camp. We got 1kg with fries for KSh 1,300, which was more than enough for two people and made for great leftover breakfast the next morning
- Bring your own drinks — the camp doesn’t restrict outside drinks, and you’ll save significantly versus buying at nearby lodge prices
- Pack tea bags — the camp has a kettle, and you can buy cheap cups at the Kikopey supermarket. Morning tea while watching the sunrise costs almost nothing
- Budget for the chef if you can — next time I’d set aside extra for a proper camp-cooked breakfast. Leftover nyama choma is fine, but the scenery deserves a better meal
- Go on a weekday if possible — we went on a Friday. We had the grounds almost entirely to ourselves early Saturday morning before an event that was taking place in the later afternoon was set up.
We left the camp at about 11 am. The event organizer and the chef were busy setting up that morning, but even with all the activity, the camp felt surprisingly relaxed; we enjoyed one last sit outside our tent before packing up and saying our goodbyes.
As we waited for a matatu at the Nairobi-Nakuru highway near the camp turnoff, the event organizer spotted us and offered us a ride. She was heading to Nakuru to pick up friends for the event. A quick, comfortable ride that saved us the fare home. She was lovely, and even invited us to come back for the event later that afternoon. We politely declined; knowing ourselves as the introverts we are, making the same trip twice in one day was never going to happen.
Camp Bedouin vs Other Elementaita Camping Options
Lake Elementaita camping costs will vary based on the camping option you choose. Here’s how Camp Bedouin compares to the other main choices in the area, so you can pick what suits your budget and style.
Camp Bedouin – Best for Budget Campers
At KSh 1,000 per person with tent and bedding provided, Camp Bedouin is the most affordable camping option in the area. It is ideal if you want a simple, no-fuss outdoor experience without spending much. The gear is provided, the grounds are well-maintained, and the location near Flamingo Lodge gives you easy access to the Kikopey area. The trade-off is that direct lake access is limited, as the nearby lodges control most of the shoreline.
Lemon Valley Farm – Best for Views and Amenities
Lemon Valley Farm charges KSh 1,500 per person for camping with your own gear, which includes use of the pool, grounds, and showers. It sits on a hillside with sweeping panoramic views across Lake Elementaita toward Sleeping Warrior. It is a step up in amenities, with a swimming pool, restaurant, farm animals, and hiking trails, making it better suited for families or those who want more activities. Budget a little extra for meals if you plan to use the restaurant.
Oasis Eco Camp – Best for Lake Access
Oasis Eco Camp sits on the southern side of the lake, close to Kikopey Hot Springs and Sleeping Warrior, with thatched bandas for shelter, hot showers, and clean flush toilets. If getting to the lake shore is your priority, this is the better option. Camp Bedouin’s lake access, as we discovered, requires a long walk and some luck navigating the lodge-controlled shoreline.
Lake Elmenteita Serena Camp – Luxury End
For context, the luxury end of Elementaita camping looks completely different. Lake Elmenteita Serena Camp sits among acacia trees on the shores of the lake inside Soysambu Conservancy, offering five-star facilities including game drives, nature walks, archery, and horse riding. Rates run from around $843 per night, which is a completely different category of experience and budget.
Prices for Lemon Valley Farm and Oasis Eco Camp are based on research and correct as of mid-2026. Always confirm directly with the camp before booking.
If you are in need of a longer rest in the coast of Kenya and are worried about the budget, I got you. Check out my 4-Day trip to Mombasa at only KSh 40,000 staying at an AirBnB in Nyali, First Avenue.
FAQs
How much does it cost to camp at Camp Bedouin, Lake Elementaita?
Camping at Camp Bedouin costs KSh 1,000 per person per night, including a tent, bedding, and access to all facilities. Budget an extra KSh 1,000-2,500 per person for food, drinks, and a bonfire (KSh 1,000 per group).
How do I get to Camp Bedouin from Nairobi?
Take a Nairobi-Nakuru matatu from Accra Road and ask to be dropped at Kikopey junction. Expect to pay the full Nakuru fare of KSh 600-700. From Kikopey, walk 30 minutes to Camp Bedouin or take a boda-boda for KSh 150-300.
Is Camp Bedouin good for first-time campers?
Yes. The tent and bedding are set up by camp staff on arrival, and the site has hot showers, a kitchen, and a chef on site. You do not need any camping experience or your own gear.
What should I bring to Camp Bedouin?
Bring your own food, drinks, and a light jacket for the evening. Buy nyama choma at Kikopey before heading to camp; it is cheaper and better than anything nearby.
For more on budget travel in Kenya, please check out my guide on how to travel Kenya affordably. Save money and explore magical Kenya from the mountains to the coast.