Lake Naivasha a stunning shallow and fresh water lake, lies in the heart of the Kenya’s Great Rift Valley about 95 km north of Nairobi city. The name of the lake is derived from the local Masai word which means “rough water”. The lake stands at an elevation of 1884m above the sea level hence boasting biodiversity of ecosystem that has attracted travellers, wildlife lovers and conservationist for many years.
Lake Naivasha covers an area of 139 square kilometers a unique Lake among the rift valley lakes since its fresh water lake unlike the saline neighbors such as Lake Nakuru and Lake Magadi. The water levels of this Lake keeps fluctuating depending on rainfall seasons and the surrounding water systems like river Malewa and river Gilgil.
Wildlife and biodiversity
The lake and its surroundings are home to diverse wildlife both aquatic and terrestrials. This Lake is known for homing over 400 bird species this making a birder’s paradise and among these are African fish eagle, pelicans, flamingoes, cormorants, Herons and more others. This Lake 9s located near Hell’s Gate national park known for homing different birds. The lake is also a home to over 1200 hippos that can be seen wallowing along the shoreline of the lake.
Also, fish such as tilapia are found in the lake hence great food for the local people. In the surrounding savannahs covered with acacia trees and grasslands, find zebras, buffalos, impalas, giraffes grazing. Once in a while, predators like leopards are spotted, though are are very rare. The swampy areas provides grounds for amphibians like frogs, reptiles like snakes and small insects this thriving in the ecosystem. There are different activities tourists enjoy on their visit to Lake Naivasha and these are;
Boat safaris are major safaris in Lake Naivasha where you get exposed to wildlife sight including water loving animals and those at the banks quenching their thirsty. Among the animal’s that are commonly seen are the hippos, giraffes, antelopes and many more others. Birds like African fish eagle, pelicans and many more can be spotted while on this great activity.
Game drives is another experience enjoyed in this great safari where you enjoy grazers grazing such as impalas, giraffes, zebras and more. The game drives normally last for 2 to 3 hours and conducted in 2 shifts which are the morning and afternoon shifts. These are done under the guidance of the park ranger guide to get a high knowledge about the attractions meant while in the field.
Bird watching is another activity since the lake homes over 400 bird species hence a True birder’s haven. While birding around the lake, expect to meet birds like streaky seedeater, African Citril, Brimstone Canary, white billed canary and more. Birding normally is carried out during morning and late evening when birds are more active.
Nature walks and hiking since Hell’s Gate national park is near, hiking and nature walks are possible since the park comprises beautiful scenery, cliffs, gorges and geothermal springs. The walks and hikes provides an excellent wildlife viewing such as zebras, impalas, buffaloes and more others.
Cultural visit (Masai and Kikuyu) gives you an insight of what some of the unique African cultures poses. This will be through tasting their traditional dishes, taking part in the music dance and drama, learning about their daily way of life. Also visiting localarjets around the lake gives a sight of what is sold in the market in daily basis like fish, handmade crafts and more. Cultural experience brings more sight outside the wildlife.
Other experiences are Fishing, Horseback riding, cycling and more. All you need to do is to book your tour to Lake Naivasha to get the real picture of adventure. We are ready to take you there!!!