Lake Naivasha is undoubtedly one of Kenya’s best kept secrets, most visited spots and it is such a magical destination worthy exploring. It derives its name from the freshwater lake; Lake Naivasha and the word Naivasha which to the Maasai is best known as Naiposha denotes ‘rough water’. Besides Lake Naivasha, there are other 2 beautiful lakes; Lake Oloidien and Lake Sonachi-which is also famous as the green Crater Lake.
Also best referred to as the ‘Sheer Adventure’, Lake Naivasha National Park is a spectacular protected area in Kenya lying on the raised Great Rift Valley floor side. It was founded in 1995 and occupies only 140sq.kms of land area. The largest portion of Lake Naivasha National Park is largely occupied by fresh water lake that isn’t very deep and seasonal. During the rainy/wet season, the volume of water in Lake Naivasha increases and during the dry season, it reduces.
Lake Naivasha itself is an incredible water body and considerably Kenya’s second largest freshwater lake. Most holidaymakers come to enjoy recreational experiences on this water body while on Kenya safari.
Lake Naivasha National Park isn’t only popular for its unique wildlife but also it shelters distinct features especially Mt. Longonot, an extinct volcano in the magical Kenya. It also protects a thick forest on the crater mountain and dominated by umbrella acacia trees.
Location
Lake Naivasha is situated in the Northwestern side of Nairobi just on the Great Rift Area. This region is found just nearby Hell’s Gate National Park and Aberdare Mountain range which are also close to the Maasai Mara National Reserve and Nairobi capital city. It is located at a close proximity to Nairobi capital city about 1 hour and 30 minutes’ drive. This park is ideally one exceptional bird watching safari destination in Kenya.
History
The history of Lake Naivasha can be traced back to 1937-1950. It was during this period that this beautiful lake served best as a landing site for most flying boats on the Imperial Airways passenger and mail route from Southampton in Britain to South Africa. It connected Kisumu and Nairobi while Joy Adamson the author of Born Free is believed to have stayed along the shores of Lake Naivasha Kenya.
He lived along Lake Naivasha’s shores around the 1960s and this is where there is Djinn Palace. It makes up part of the Oserian flower farm and in 1999, the Lake Naivasha Riparian Association was awarded the Ramsar Wetland Conservation Award. This was in recognition to its conservation efforts on the Lake Naivasha Ramsar Site. In 1995, Lake Naivasha was gazetted as a national park.
Lake Naivasha lies on the highest altitude of Rift Valley in Kenya about 1884m and occupies approximately 140sq.kms. It features a scenic swamp just adjacent to it occupying up to 64sq.kms and the deepest side is at Crescent Island 30m deep. In terms of ecology, Lake Naivasha boasts of distinct species of wildlife and they include over 400 bird species.
Wildlife.
Lake Naivasha national Park protects an estimated population of about 100 different species of grazers and hunters. They include the big cats especially the lions, leopards which can be spotted on game viewing. This park is also blessed with remarkable population of giraffes, hippos, buffaloes, zebras and others.
Birds.
Lake Naivasha is remarkably an exceptional birding safari destination, boasting of an estimated number of 400 bird species. They include mostly the papyrus swamps, acacia tree dwellers.
The notable species of birds to expect to identify on Kenya safari in Lake Naivasha National Park include herons, African fish eagles, kingfishers, lovebirds, marabou stork, doves, jacanas, Porzana pusilla, red-knobbed coot, Palearctic duck, weaver birds, Oxyura. African spoonbill, little greb, papyrus gonolek.
Crater Lake Game Sanctuary.
The Crater Lake is a beautiful lake formed due to volcanic activity. This is found just at the heart of the park and has a bird species record of about 150 and also shelters incredible population of wildlife including zebras, giraffes, and leopards.
Mt. Longonot.
Mount Longonot is one of the extinct volcanoes in Kenya rising up to 2776m. This volcano last erupted in the 1860s. The Maasai locals call it as Olo Nongot denoting the Mountain of Many summits.
This extinct volcano features a vast crater rim on its summit but has no water. Hiking to the summits takes hikers 2-4 hours although it depends on hikers’ speed.
Lake Naivasha
Lake Naivasha is remarkably an iconic attraction within this incredible region of Kenya. It is a shallow and seasonal water lake. Along the shores, there are papyrus plus several forest species which protect different bird species and wildlife.
Crescent Island.
The Crescent Island is one magnificent private island sanctuary lying on the Great Rift Valley area. This island isn’t fenced and wildlife species freely roam. It is accessible by boat or using 4WD vehicle via the narrow swampy route leading to the sanctuary. It is one area at Lake Naivasha National Park where holidaymakers can engage in guided nature walks.
ACTIVITIES TO DO IN AND AROUND LAKE NAIVASHA – KENYA?
Lake Naivasha is one outstanding destination with interesting safari activities to explore and experience. They leading activities to enjoy on Kenya safari in this park include;
Wildlife viewing/game drive.
Game drive/game viewing is one exciting activity you shouldn’t miss to enjoy on a holiday in Lake Naivasha National Park. The park is endowed with incredible species of wildlife most of which can easily be spotted on a game viewing including giraffes, waterbucks, hippos, birds and others.
Bird watching
Lake Naivasha is a remarkable birding destination on its own. It has an estimated number of about 350 bird species and some of the interesting birds to keep an eye on here include weaver birds, flamingos, Kingfishers, African fish eagle and others.
Horseback riding
A horseback ride on a safari in Lake Naivasha is such an amazing experience you shouldn’t miss out. It is an incredible and a distinct way to see diversity of the park’s wildlife rather than using a 4WD car. Visitors are accompanied by experienced game ranger and this is one unique experience for honeymooners on Kenya safari.
Boat trip
Lake Naivasha National Park is blessed with a magnificent fresh water lake-Lake Naivasha and this offers the best boat ride experience. This is enjoyable especially during the rainy season and on a boat ride, you get to explore the great sight of birds.
Hiking Mount Longonot
A trek to the summit of Mt. Longonot takes about 2 to 4 hours but this various from visitor to visitor depending on your level of physical fitness. It is at the base of Longonot Volcano where you can find most of the giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, and hartebeest and at the summits, hikers enjoy the breathtaking view of the crater and the entire Lake Naivasha National Park.
Best time to visit Lake Naivasha.
Lake Naivasha has the most pleasant weather and climatic conditions making it an all-year-round travel destination. Daytime temperatures range from 26-30 degrees Celsius and this is normally during warm/dry period.
Rainfall amount Lake Naivasha National Park receives ranges from 500-700mm. The best months of to travel for a holiday in this park are; January to March and July till October.
Accommodation options in and around Lake Naivasha.
Traveling to a new destination can be challenging especially when it comes to choosing the right accommodation. Accommodation being one essential factor for Naivasha trip, holidaymakers can choose from the nearby safari camps and lodges. These include Chui Lodge which is hidden within the Oserian Wildlife Sanctuary. This is one of the best lodges with independently designed rooms and the rooms provide a world class service to holidaymakers before/after fishing tours on Lake Naivasha or game viewing.
Kiangazi House lies just between Lake Naivasha and Hell’s Gate National Park. It is a comfortable accommodation with well decorated rooms and strategically situated for visitors to enjoy the breathtaking view of the Kenya Great Rift Valley. While here, it is possible to participate in bush walks, boat tours, game viewing, sundowners and a lot more.
Lake Naivasha Country Club; this is one of the best places to stay on Naivasha safari holiday. It lies along the lawns that take visitors towards the Lake Naivasha shores. It is credited for its tranquility and ideally, the most favorite place to chill from.
Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort; This lies on the Southern Lake Naivasha shores which is one of the only 2 freshwater lakes along the Great Rift Valley in Africa. This accommodation facility is 15 minutes from Naivasha Town and from Nairobi, about 1 hour’s drive. This resort sits on 120 acres of land just on elevation of 1900ft and surrounded by acacia bushes and trees.
Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort is strategically found in an area where most giraffes, vervet monkeys, waterbucks and other interesting species of wildlife can be spotted. While at this resort, it is possible to engage in a guided nature walk, swimming, boat trips, cycling, birding, horse back riding and others.
