Lake Naivasha
Lake Naivasha is a fresh water lake nestled in the heart of the Great Rift Valley. It is located north west of Nairobi, outside the town of Naivasha in Nakuru County.
It is home to a litany of vibrant flora and fauna that attract nature lovers, bird waters, and adventure seekers. Its stunning beauty, the papyrus swamp, and the green valley combine to make Lake Naivasha a must-visit destination that you should definitely check out. It also has a wealth of outdoor activities meaning there is something for everyone.
As one of Kenya’s most accessible and picturesque lake destination, it gives you an opportunity to observe majestic African fish eagles, dive bombing kingfishers, and bloats of wallowing hippos. There are over 400 bird species for you to enjoy. That’s not all. There is a myriad of things to do here which we’ll find out below. The best part? There are no entrance fees applicable for entry into Lake Naivasha.
Unique Attractions
Natural Beauty and Scenery
Lake Naivasha is surrounded by papyrus swamps, forests, and open grasslands, creating an absolutely magnificent landscape.
The lake has several islands, with Crescent Island being the most famous. The island offers walking safaris and close encounters with wildlife.
Fauna
Lake Naivasha is rightly famous for its birdlife, with over 400 bird species recorded. Notable species include fish eagles, herons, egrets, pelicans, and kingfishers.
The lake is home to a large population of hippos that spend most of their day wallowing in the shallows and come out to the shores to feed at night.
The surrounding areas host a variety of game animals, including giraffes, zebras, buffalo, and various antelope species.
Boat Excursions
Boat safaris allow visitors to explore the lake and its wildlife up close. As you are gliding along the calm surface of Lake Naivasha in your safari boat, you may be surprised to discover that its name is derived from the local Maasai expression “Nai-Posha” that means “rough water”,
Walking Safaris
Walking safaris especially on Crescent Island offer a unique opportunity to see wildlife on foot in a relatively predator-free environment.
Fishing
Lake Naivasha is known for its fishing opportunities, with species like tilapia and black bass.
Hiking and Rock Climbing
If you are an adventure enthusiast, the nearby Hell’s Gate National Park provides excellent opportunities for hiking and rock climbing, with glorious landscapes and geothermal features.
Cycling
Hell’s Gate National Park also offers cycling safaris, where visitors can ride through the park and see wildlife along the way.
Exceptional Places to Visit in Lake Naivasha
Hell’s Gate National Park
This national park lies towards the south and is a top-rates attraction in Lake Naivasha. It is known for its stunning scenery, geothermal activity, and diverse wildlife. On top of that, the park offers hiking, rock climbing, and cycling opportunities.
Hell’s Gate National Park is renowned for hosting the WRC rally annually because of its favorable terrain.
Mount Longonot
This dormant volcano offers challenging hikes with rewarding views of the Great Rift Valley and the crater at the summit.
A trip to the mountain can be combined with other thrilling activities.
Elsamere Conservation Centre
The former home of Joy and George Adamson, now a museum and conservation center, is dedicated to wildlife and environmental conservation.
Lake Oloiden
This is another best attraction to have on your hot list and is famous for the splendid beauty and the abundance of flamingos. The lake area is perfect for a walking tour owing to the wildlife with the acacia woodlands and the green terrain.
Crescent Island
Crescent island harbors an affluence of wildlife and magnificent beauty that makes it one of the most visited destinations in Lake Naivasha. It is a suitable spot for safari and picnic since it is home to plenty of wildlife and exquisiteness.
Crater Lake Game Sanctuary
This sanctuary is a mass-favorite as it boasts endless wildlife with over 400 bird species. It is perfect for a day trip.
Kariandusi
This historic site is known to be the cradle of mankind in Kenya. It preserves historical facts and fossil remains that are dating back to the era of Stone Age.
Lake Elementaita
Lake Elementaita has quite a number of the beautiful pink colored birds. The ride to the lake is about 55km and will leave you feeling refreshed.
