Lake Naivasha; Fresh Lake Providing Amazing Exploration

Lake Naivasha is a freshwater lake in Kenya, Nakuru County. The word Naivasha came from the Maasai word ‘enaiposha’, meaning ‘rough water’. Naivasha arose from the attempt of the British to pronounce the name. It is located on the outskirts of Naivasha town. This blue lake is the highest lake within the Great Rift Valley with a surface area of 139 kilometer squared and the second largest in Kenya.

It is approximately 98km from the capital city of Kenya, Nairobi. The lake is known for a high number of flamingoes, hippos, and a variety of fish like tilapia, cart fish, and carp. There are over 1500 hippos in the area which guarantees you that you are likely to see a few of them. Other animals in the area include giraffes and zebras. The lake is home to over 400 species of birds making it a great place for bird watching.

The flamingos also flock to the lake making the experience even more interesting. Apart from the swampland, the lake is encircled by a forest full of fever trees. The lake is close to Hell’s Gate National Park making it easier to combine the two, hitting two birds with one stone they say. However, on the weekends the lake can be crowded with visitors from the capital.

The lake does not have any entrance fee making it one of the best and budget-friendly places to be.

Activities to Do at Lake Naivasha

1. Take a boat ride

This should be one of the most interesting activities that you do not want to miss in huge Lake Naivasha. The water is home to a variety of animals and fish, enabling one to see the beauty of nature on a boat. The dead trees reach up to the water like grasping hands enabling one to experience the beauty of nature. The serene and tranquil environment with chirping birds all over is a calming experience in case one is stressed and looking for a place to relieve themself. Taking a boat ride in this cool blue water is something you will not regret.

2. Look at flamingos at Lake Elementaita

Lake Elementaita is home to vast flocks of flamingoes. The huge flocks of these pink birds are distributed all over the lake. It is sometimes seasonal but even in their absence, the lake is one of the best places for bird watching. There are a variety of bird species that can be spotted in the lake as well making it a haven of bird watching.

3. Visiting the Hells Gate National Park

Contrary to what the name suggests, Hells Gate is one of Kenya’s most beautiful parks. The stone pillars and cliffs and a few animals make it a beautiful place to visit. Cycling its dusty roads, hiking, and climbing its pillars are some of the many activities you can experience there. This is an experience of a lifetime that you do not want to miss. There is something for everyone.

4. Bird watching

Lake Naivasha is a haven for bird watching with over 400 bird species. Some of the birds spotted include Laughing Doves, Ring-necked doves, Black Cuckoo, herons, and kingfishers among others. For lovers of birds, this is one of the best spots for bird watching in Kenya.

5. Game viewing

The park is home to over 100 animal species therefore game watching is one of the best places for this activity. Some of the animals you can spot include hippos, giraffes, zebras, and wildebeests among others.

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6. Horse riding

This can be done with a company of the park guide for safety. This experience enables you to see wildlife while at the back of a horse making it one of the best experiences.

7. Hiking in Mount Longonot

Hiking is fun but it requires physical stability. Hiking Mount Longonot can take 2 to 4 hours depending on one’s fitness. It does not require experience. Make sure you are fit and have your own protective gear on just to be safe.

A visit to Lake Naivasha is a must-try for lovers of nature and explorers. There are a variety of activities for everyone, boat riding being one of the best to experience the serene and tranquil environment. A trip to Naivasha is budget-friendly for most people. In case you are wondering where to spend a night or two as well, there are a variety of places to accommodate you depending on your budget. For example The Great Rift Valley Lodge, Panorama Park Hotel, and Mwanzo Lodge among others. A lifetime experience is guaranteed.

Apart from Lake Naivasha, there are several tourist attraction sites in Nakuru County like Menengai Crater, Lord Egerton Castle, Kariandusi Museum, Lake Nakuru, and Hyrax Museum among so many others. Nakuru should be your next destination. What are you waiting for, plan your trip!