Everything you need to know about lake Naivasha : The complete safari guide to Kenya’s Lake Naivasha: The name Lake Naivasha, which refers to “rough water” in Maasai, comes from the region’s propensity for abrupt storms. The lake is a rejuvenating day trip or weekend getaway from Kenya’s hectic metropolis and is easily reachable from Nairobi City. Do you have a Kenya safari planned in Kenya? Masai Mara, Samburu, Nairobi National Park, and Lake Nakuru are definitely on your list of must-visit safari sites. Lake Naivasha is a location that might not be on your list but could show up on your safari schedule.
This freshwater lake, which sits at 1880 meters (about 6200 feet), making it the highest elevated lake in the Great Rift Valley, is midway between Lake Nakuru and Nairobi National Park. The waters of Lake Naivasha can become quite tumultuous during sudden storms, which are common in the region. Naivasha is a well-liked weekend getaway site for locals due to its proximity to Nairobi, and for good reason: it’s an excellent location for relaxation, wildlife viewing, and active hobbies like hiking, horseback riding, and cycling.
LAKE NAIVASHA WILDLIFE
Your chances of capturing some decent hippo pictures are fairly strong because the lake is home to more than 1500 hippos alone. With more than 400 bird species calling it home, including pelicans, African fish eagles, hammerkop, and huge kingfishers, it is also a birder’s paradise. It’s also a fantastic location for fishing safari, with some of the local catches being carp, tilapia, and catfish. Giraffe, zebra, waterbuck, impala, warthog, buffalo, and various kinds of monkeys, notably the alluring colobus monkey, are among the other prominent animals in Lake Naivasha, Everything you need to know about lake Naivasha.
TOURIST ACTIVITIES: WHAT IS THERE TO DO AT LAKE NAIVASHA?
Lake Naivasha Boat Safari: Boat safaris are one of the most popular activities on Lake Naivasha. The easiest way to get up close to the hippos and flamingos in the lake is to jet out into it. Zebras, wildebeest, and giraffes might be visible if you look toward the beach. The average boat safari on Lake Naivasha lasts for about an hour, and because of the lake’s immense expanse, you won’t be disturbed by the rumble of other boats.
Crescent Island: On the east side of the lake, close to the town of Naivasha, is Crescent Island, which is fittingly named due to its crescent-shaped shape. This region has the majority of the lake’s lodging choices. A game refuge is located on Crescent Island. Highlights of the 1.5- to 3-hour tours include getting up close to the giraffes and zebras that live there. One of the most visited destinations in the Lake Naivasha region is Crescent Island, which served as the main shooting location for the 1985 romance movie “Out of Africa.”
Crater Lake Game Sanctuary: The Crater Lake Game Sanctuary is on the opposite side of the lake. This little sanctuary is a wonderful place to go hiking and is home to giraffes, zebras, and more than 150 different kinds of birds. Walking paths within the refuge follow the crater’s rim and provide breathtaking views. At Crater Lake, night game drives are an excellent way to spot elusive animals like leopards, aardvarks, caracals, and many others.
Longonot National Park: Lake Naivasha is about 20 kilometers away from Longonot National Park, and the drive there by car takes around 45 minutes. The stratovolcano Mount Longonot, which towers over the park at a height of 2,776 meters, is where the park gets its name. The dormant volcano may be climbed in 4-5 hours, and the summit offers breathtaking views. The walk is not particularly physically challenging despite its length. If you finish the hike in the morning, you can take a pleasant boat ride or game drive in the afternoon, Everything you need to know about lake Naivasha
Elsamere Conservation Center and Lodge: Joy Adamson, a naturist, artist, and writer, formerly lived in Elsamere. Adamson is well-known for her book Born Free, which details her adventures taking care of the orphaned lion cub named Elsa. The old residence of Danish author Karen Blixen, the Karen Blixen Museum in Nairobi, can be combined with Elsamere. Adamson’s life and work are displayed in the lovely house and gardens, which have been turned into a museum. Additionally, visitors can enjoy tea in the gardens and colobus monkey viewing.
HOW LONG TO SPEND AT LAKE NAIVASHA
One to three days are ideal, depending on how many activities you wish to participate in while visiting. Two days are ideal because you can cram in most of the major activities during that time.
WHAT IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT LAKE NAIVASHA?
Any time of year is an excellent opportunity to visit and explore Lake Naivasha. The region is prone to afternoon storms and rain showers from April to June, although they can happen at any time of the year. Even though it can become rather chilly in July and August, especially in the evenings, many campgrounds and lodges feature fireplaces so you can stay warm.
WHERE DOES LAKE NAIVASHA FIT INTO YOUR KENYAN SAFARI ADVENTURE?
The 98-kilometer trip through the C88 and the Old Naivasha Road to Lake Naivasha from Nairobi takes around 2.5 hours. Due to its proximity to the city, Naivasha is a well-liked day trip destination, and the lake can get crowded on the weekends. You should go during the week or spend a few days there as part of a longer itinerary if you want to avoid the throng.
Also a cab ride can take less than an hour from Hell’s Gate National Park to Lake Naivasha, which is nearby making it easy combined in one itinerary and visited together. Lake Naivasha is conveniently located between Nakuru and Nairobi and can be reached from either city, or it can serve as a convenient halfway stop while traveling between Nakuru and Nairobi.
LAKE NAIVASHA ACCOMMODATION
The lodging alternatives near Lake Naivasha are excellent and varied enough to suit most budgets. There is a lodge option to suit every budget and accommodation preference, ranging from the extremely opulent Chui Lodge to the beautiful mid-range Sopa Lodge to the well-run camp sites like Camp Carnelley’s. Other lodges in Lake Naivasha includes:
Sawela Lodges
One of the most well-known hotels in the Naivasha region is Sawela Lodges. Sawela is 85 kilometers (km) from Nairobi and 90 minutes by car. Choose between Superior Rooms, Deluxe Rooms, Business Deluxe Rooms, a Business Suite, or an Executive Suite out of the 90 rooms available at the resort.
Lake Naivasha Resort
The Lake Naivasha Resort is a short distance from Lake Naivasha and is situated on Moi South Lake Road. Three outdoor swimming pools, the Acacia Restaurant, a Jacuzzi, two bars, and a gym are among the resort’s amenities. The spa is the ideal spot to unwind following a game drive or a trek up Mount Longonot. Numerous massage therapies, hydrotherapy, facials, and other options are available. The resort even boasts a conference center with space for up to 2,000 people, making it a fantastic location for team-building exercises and training sessions, Everything you need to know about lake Naivasha.
GETTING TO LAKE NAIVASHA
Nairobi is nearby, making Lake Naivasha easily accessible from the nation’s capital. The C88 and the Old Naivasha Road, which make up the 98 kilometers of the journey, take about 2.5 hours. The least expensive mode of transportation is a matatu, a privately owned minivan that can accommodate 7 or 8 people. The Naivasha Junction stop on the Mololine Express, which runs from Nairobi to Nakuru, is where you should disembark.
IS LAKE NAIVASHA WORTH VISITING?
Travelers seeking a day trip from Nairobi might consider going to Lake Naivasha. The 98-kilometer trip through the C88 and the Old Naivasha Road to Lake Naivasha from Nairobi takes around 2.5 hours. Due to its proximity to the city, Naivasha is a well-liked day trip destination, and the lake can get crowded on the weekends. You should go during the week or spend a few days there as part of a longer itinerary if you want to avoid the crowds, Everything you need to know about lake Naivasha
WHAT IS LAKE NAIVASHA FAMOUS FOR?
Hippos and flamingos are renowned for their large concentrations in Lake Naivasha. You are almost certain to witness one of the nearly 1,500 hippos in the vicinity. With almost 400 different bird species living there, the lake is a birder’s delight. Lesser and larger flamingos congregate around the lake, creating a vivid pink wash across the water’s surface.
