Joy Adamson and Elsamere
Elsamere stands on the shore of Lake Naivasha. It was Joy Adamson's house. Today it belongs to the Elsa Conservation Trust, which supports the Centre for Education in Sustainability there. A day visit combines a film about Joy, a museum visit and high tea in the garden.
Many people connect Joy Adamson with Elsa the lioness and the book Born Free. The house and the story are linked, but they are not in the same place. This page keeps the two apart. If you also plan a trip on the water, see the Lake Naivasha boat rides.
Elsa, Meru and Born Free
The story in four facts.
The book and the film
The book Born Free appeared in 1960. The film followed in 1966.
Where Elsa lived free
Elsa was released into the wild in Meru, not at Lake Naivasha. She died in 1961.
Where Elsamere fits
Elsamere is Joy Adamson's house on the lake. Do not expect a place where Elsa was raised or released.
Another place in Joy's story
Shaba, also tied to Joy Adamson's story, has its own guide at Shaba National Reserve.
Lake Naivasha tours and day trips
Boat rides, wildlife walks and day trips around the lake, with live prices and availability.
Visiting Elsamere
What the day package includes and what costs extra.
Day package
The package costs KES 1,200 or $15 per adult in 2026. It covers the film about Joy, the museum visit and high tea. Children aged 3 to 12 pay KES 600. It is a package price, so do not treat it as a museum entry fee alone.
High tea
Tea, coffee and refreshments are served in the garden. Ask for the serving times when you book, and do not assume a fixed daily tea hour.
Boat trip on the lake
A one-hour trip on Lake Naivasha costs from KES 4,000 per boat for up to 7 passengers, depending on the departure point (as of 2026). A boat to Crescent Island costs from KES 8,000 per boat, also for up to 7. Book ahead for boats and for groups.
Opening days and times
Ask for the museum days and hours when you book. Do not arrive without checking first.
Water level
The lake has risen since 2010, and shoreline gardens and jetties change with it. Ask what is open on your day.
How to fit Elsamere into your day
It works as a half-day stop.
The film, the museum and the tea fill a relaxed half day. Combine it with a boat trip on the lake, or visit it on a day without a hike. Mount Longonot takes most of a day, so keep the Longonot hike for a separate day. The hippos in the lake are a reason to keep to daylight on the water and to return to the boat before dark.
| Plan | Time needed | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Day package only | Half a day | Film, museum and high tea |
| Package plus lake boat | Half a day or more | The house plus one hour on the water |
| Package, boat and Crescent Island | Most of a day | The house, the lake and a walk among animals |
For most visitors, the package plus a one-hour boat trip is the simplest plan. Add Crescent Island if you have the full day.
Elsamere by type of traveller
Who gets the most from the visit.
Families
Children aged 3 to 12 pay KES 600 for the day package. The garden gives space to move, and a one-hour boat trip suits younger children better than a long day out. Keep children away from the water edge, because hippos live in the lake.
Readers and film fans
If Born Free or Joy Adamson's books brought you here, the film and the museum are the reason to come. Keep expectations modest on the lion story, which belongs to Meru.
Bird watchers
The garden sits on the lake shore and works as a calm place to watch water birds. See the bird guide for species and tips.
Travellers short on time
The package fits into a half day. Add the one-hour boat trip, and you have a complete lake outing without a long drive.
Crescent Island is the other classic lake stop. Entry there is $33 for a non-resident adult in 2026, paid on the island, with the boat paid separately. The island opens at 08:30 and closes at 17:45.
Plan the rest of your trip
Stops that fit with a visit to Elsamere.
Elsamere and Joy Adamson: frequently asked questions
What is Elsamere?
Elsamere is Joy Adamson's house on the shore of Lake Naivasha. The Elsa Conservation Trust runs it and supports the Centre for Education in Sustainability there.
Did Elsa the lioness live at Elsamere?
No. Elsa was released into the wild in Meru and died in 1961. Elsamere is Joy Adamson's house on Lake Naivasha.
How much does a day visit cost?
The day package with the film, the museum and high tea costs KES 1,200 or $15 for adults in 2026. Children aged 3 to 12 pay KES 600.
Can I take a boat from Elsamere?
A one-hour lake trip costs from KES 4,000 per boat for up to 7 passengers, depending on the departure point. Book ahead, especially for boats and groups.
Are there set opening hours?
Ask for the museum days and times when you book, and plan your visit around the answer.
Is this site the official Elsamere website?
No. This is an independent travel guide. It is not run by Elsamere, the Elsa Conservation Trust or any boat operator.