Lake Magadi Conservancy
Lake Magadi Conservancy
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.0
35 reviews
Excellent
12
Very good
11
Average
8
Poor
2
Terrible
2
Waweru Macharia
Nairobi, Kenya10 contributions
Feb 2017 • Family
This is a good place for a daytrip with friends not recommended for the young ones, the temperatures are high and the water tastes funny so you are highly recommended to carry your own water.
Written March 31, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sukhwinder N
Durham, UK25 contributions
Sep 2014 • Couples
I was born in lake Magadi Soda in 1951. Our parents left Kenya before the Uhuru in 1963. After 40 years me and my wife returned for a nostalgic visit to Magadi soda in 2005. Driving from Nairobi, on the tarmac road, we left on the Magadi Road, passing Rondai, Kiserian and then Ngong Hills down to the Rift Valley. The road was ok then and when we visited Magadi Soda (under ICI management), and the town was clean and I managed to visit the house I was born in, the Hospital, Supermarket, the old post office, St Thomas church and a good look around the town and the scenery of the lake and surrounding mountains and Shombole volcano. We took pictures and a video. On the way back, we stopped at the pre-historic site.
In September 2014, we visited Kenya/Tanzania again and on our last day, went back to Magadi Soda. This time the towns of Rondai and Kiserian were huge and crowded. Passing the Ngong hills and then the pre-historic site, the road got very rough and difficult. The new management of Tata have obviously completely ignored the road which had portholes all over the place, making over journey very bumpy. It is one of the worse roads we have ever travelled on. There was even a pickup truck upside down in the middle of the road.
The Magadi Soda town was not as clean, the hedges had not been cut and visiting the old houses was impossible. There is of-course a large new factory there and a new electricity lines were been brought in to Magadi Soda. Since most of the Soda is transferred by rail, the road from Nairobi has be left to rot. We had to come back to Nairobi on this same road, giving our coccyx a bad jolt. The poor matatus were still driving fast on this road.
We did see a few pale flamingos around the causeway and it was very hot as usual. It was sad to see and feel the road to Magadi Soda in such an state and the general up keep of the town. There was hardly any wildlife to be seen. However, we enjoyed the natural volcanic scenery and the large lava flows on the side of the road.
We hope some thing could be done about the tarmac road to Magadi Soda, to improve comfort and safety.
In September 2014, we visited Kenya/Tanzania again and on our last day, went back to Magadi Soda. This time the towns of Rondai and Kiserian were huge and crowded. Passing the Ngong hills and then the pre-historic site, the road got very rough and difficult. The new management of Tata have obviously completely ignored the road which had portholes all over the place, making over journey very bumpy. It is one of the worse roads we have ever travelled on. There was even a pickup truck upside down in the middle of the road.
The Magadi Soda town was not as clean, the hedges had not been cut and visiting the old houses was impossible. There is of-course a large new factory there and a new electricity lines were been brought in to Magadi Soda. Since most of the Soda is transferred by rail, the road from Nairobi has be left to rot. We had to come back to Nairobi on this same road, giving our coccyx a bad jolt. The poor matatus were still driving fast on this road.
We did see a few pale flamingos around the causeway and it was very hot as usual. It was sad to see and feel the road to Magadi Soda in such an state and the general up keep of the town. There was hardly any wildlife to be seen. However, we enjoyed the natural volcanic scenery and the large lava flows on the side of the road.
We hope some thing could be done about the tarmac road to Magadi Soda, to improve comfort and safety.
Written October 13, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
traveller2469
Grabouw, South Africa14 contributions
Aug 2014 • Family
My wife and I drove down for the day from Nairobi. The scenery all the way to Lake Magadi is stunning and varied, with wildlife including Baboon families and lots of different birdlife. On arriving at Lake Magadi, the number of pelicans, flamingos and other birds on show number in 1000s if not 10s of 1000s. The views are breathtaking and it is well worth the trip. One caution - you pay a community fee on arrival (about 750 KES for us and the car) and are told that it gets you access to the hot springs and wildlife area; you are told to ignore / avoid others trying to extract money from you as you head down to the lake and the hot springs. However, two Masai wait where progress is slowed by water near the hot springs seeking to extract another 2500 KES claiming that the entrance fee already paid was a lie. If you don't pay they threaten you with physical action and effectively block the vehicle with logs.
Written August 31, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ManishMax
Nairobi, Kenya338 contributions
Aug 2023 • Friends
Thr roads are fairly and patched up. You can get there in 1.5 hours to main gate. The charges online show 5usd whilst they were seeking 2000 per person. They will negotiate to about 1000 p.p. you will need a guide who will agree a low fee and make multiple stops to buy soda, fuel, and other stuff to make money out of you. The hot springs are nothing great. Picnicking in hot sun not possible so u will need tent. We took shed in Magadi factory area and were rudely chased away. The pink salt lake is a fair view. It would be good of not for hunger of money of every person you meet.
Written September 6, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kathyhan1
Nairobi, Kenya133 contributions
Nov 2023 • Friends
First some people will stop you on the road, before the gate, to get some money from you.
Once at the gate they asked for KES 4000 per resident.
The G4S guards ate in on it as they don't let you pass if you don't pay this fee.
All so called guides and other people at the gate work together.
I would call it daylight robbery.
My advice : Avoid at all costs
Once at the gate they asked for KES 4000 per resident.
The G4S guards ate in on it as they don't let you pass if you don't pay this fee.
All so called guides and other people at the gate work together.
I would call it daylight robbery.
My advice : Avoid at all costs
Written November 3, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Vincent Mokaya
Nairobi, Kenya51 contributions
Feb 2018
I got to enjoy the hot spring sites at the Lake Magadi, perfect time to visit is at sunset. It has been proved to have medicinal effects especially on any skin ailments. It's generally very sunny in Magadi, so drinking alot of water is advised because of high rates of dehydration. The food there at the Tata Chemicals Magadi Club Restaurant is awesome with a variety of fruits and meals. Most tourists who visit there also engage in community service i.e. in local schools. The restaurant also has a swimming pool open from around 10am to around 6pm. The trip to Magadi will be more enjoyable with some scenic views of the Tata Chemicals Magadi factory complimented by several site photography.
Written September 8, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Charles K
Nairobi, Kenya141 contributions
Mar 2019 • Friends
We started off from Nairobi heading to lake Magadi. It's like a two hour drive.
Because of my previous experiences, I kept my water bottles and juice in the freezer from Thursday. Saturday morning they were frozen.
Water becomes undrinkable when hot and you yourself are melting.
Clothing I suggest shorts and light dresses for the ladies. Open shoes, large brim hats, shades.
Also if you can carry extra, extra water for the locals you'll find. Coz there's nothing as bad as someone borrowing water. They really have water problems.
When you get to the water springs watch your step it's quite slippery. Sit down first then slide into the water. Don't be scared if it feels hot.
Once in the water stay for a few minutes then get out completely. Feel the breeze then go back in. Don't over stay in water.
After that you'll look ashy but don't worry you'll take a shower at the hotel you left at the entrance. Carry soap and towel.
Have a nice meal and continue drinking water.
Because of my previous experiences, I kept my water bottles and juice in the freezer from Thursday. Saturday morning they were frozen.
Water becomes undrinkable when hot and you yourself are melting.
Clothing I suggest shorts and light dresses for the ladies. Open shoes, large brim hats, shades.
Also if you can carry extra, extra water for the locals you'll find. Coz there's nothing as bad as someone borrowing water. They really have water problems.
When you get to the water springs watch your step it's quite slippery. Sit down first then slide into the water. Don't be scared if it feels hot.
Once in the water stay for a few minutes then get out completely. Feel the breeze then go back in. Don't over stay in water.
After that you'll look ashy but don't worry you'll take a shower at the hotel you left at the entrance. Carry soap and towel.
Have a nice meal and continue drinking water.
Written March 25, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
travellingzebra
Berkhamsted, UK215 contributions
Aug 2015 • Couples
The lake itself is a soda lake, kind of pink soda ash used in toothpaste and many other household uses. It's collected here and sent by train to Mombasa for export or bagged and sold in Kenya. There is not much to see here, it's a pretty area but so is a lot of Kenya. The road from Nairobi to get there is atrocious, potholes galore,many roads in Kenya are bad, this one is particularly bad and makes for a pretty grim journey. It took us 3 hours from Karen in a Sunday morning, not much other traffic about, just the roads made the journey slow.
On arrival at the lake you go across a causeway to the magadi sports club and here you pay 1,000 Kenya shillings for your car and 500 Kenya shillings per person (citizen rates) to continue further into lake area and the hot springs. It's more money for a foreigner or international tourist.
The flamingoes are plentiful in this part of the lake.
The hot springs are poorly signposted and quite honestly not worth the drive, there were a few Masaii in the water there, it's quite hot water. Not a spectacular beauty spot though.
There is a small tented camp near the springs, we didn't go in there.
It's very hot and dry at the lake, take plenty of water especIlly if you have dogs or children with you.
If you really want to see a beautiful lake I would suggest lake bogoria for flamingoes and lake baringo which has ample choice of overnight accomodation. All price ranges catered for.
I've been in Kenya over 4 years now and have been to many beautiful places, lake magadi will not be a place I'd visit twice.
Hope this has helped someone.
On arrival at the lake you go across a causeway to the magadi sports club and here you pay 1,000 Kenya shillings for your car and 500 Kenya shillings per person (citizen rates) to continue further into lake area and the hot springs. It's more money for a foreigner or international tourist.
The flamingoes are plentiful in this part of the lake.
The hot springs are poorly signposted and quite honestly not worth the drive, there were a few Masaii in the water there, it's quite hot water. Not a spectacular beauty spot though.
There is a small tented camp near the springs, we didn't go in there.
It's very hot and dry at the lake, take plenty of water especIlly if you have dogs or children with you.
If you really want to see a beautiful lake I would suggest lake bogoria for flamingoes and lake baringo which has ample choice of overnight accomodation. All price ranges catered for.
I've been in Kenya over 4 years now and have been to many beautiful places, lake magadi will not be a place I'd visit twice.
Hope this has helped someone.
Written August 17, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mamu Jorge
Nairobi, Kenya66 contributions
Apr 2019 • Couples
The drive to Magadi was ok despite the road diversions with poor signage. Not so much traffic on that road which was really nice. On arrival, there's a barrier where you record your vehicle. Gave us a sense of security. Got to the country club - the buildings are run down and clearly lack maintenance. The sofa sets in the club house are old and tired. The pool area is well cordoned off against young children. Service was average. We booked the tent. It's very squeezed. The bathroom in the tent was shaky and leaked when one showered. The beds were ok. The cost of accommodation in the tent is not worth it. Should be lower but of course, they are the only provider...so.... tough luck. The tents are so close to each other and noise from other users can be disturbing. There are however new cottages which are more expensive than the tents. Although in their brochure, the tents look like they are right next to the lake, that's not true. It's a bit of a distance to the lake and it's cordoned off from the tents and cottages. Visiting the hot water springs was exquisite - I can do this again and again - I highly recommend the visit to the hot water springs.
Overall - the drive to Magadi was good, the club house was disappointing, the service in the club house was disappointing, the tented accommodation was not worth the price but the hot water springs was the best part of the trip.
Overall - the drive to Magadi was good, the club house was disappointing, the service in the club house was disappointing, the tented accommodation was not worth the price but the hot water springs was the best part of the trip.
Written June 10, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stephen M
20 contributions
Feb 2015
Magadi is one place that offers adventures seekers the opportunity to be out of town within few hours of driving and with no lots of swarms of people.. Although the road leading down to Magadi is not too ideal for saloon cars, it is still manageable but not during rainy season. At Magadi, you will get a chance to be at the hot springs natural sauna and thereafter unwind at the sports club with good food and swimming at very favorable costs. An overnight is still possible and the sunset is amazing
Written June 16, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Can you help? Can you get to the hot springs in Sept. Sure that is when we went last time.
Written September 5, 2016
I have visited here a few times and to get to the springs in Sept know there is now a cost. Anyone know roughly what the cost is?
Written March 2, 2016
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