Top Things To Do In And Around Lake Naivasha
Top Things To Do In And Around Lake Naivasha : Lake Naivasha is the second-largest freshwater lake in Kenya. It can be found in the Great Rift Valley, not far from Naivasha town. Nairobi and Lake Naivasha are separated by 110 kilometers. It will take you roughly 2 hours and 30 minutes to travel by road. The lake is overflowing with beauty, and its serene surroundings are adorned by the presence of numerous wild animals and bird species from all over the world.
More than 400 different bird species can be found in the forest that surrounds the lake, making it the ideal location for birders from all over the world. As you enjoy the magnificent sight of buffalos wallowing in the swampy, marshy areas or the enormous hippos sleeping in the shallow ends of the lake, a trip to the lake will treat you to a stunning forest of Acacia Xanthophloea.
The lake is the ideal location to observe monkeys swinging from tree to tree while tall giraffes majestically cross the acacia trees in the background. We’ll provide you with all the information you need in this article to make your Kenya safari to Lake Naivasha a reality.
TOURIST ATTRACTIONS: THINGS TO DO IN NAIVASHA
Bird Watching
The lake is a premier destination for bird watchers, with over 450 different species of birds. From October through March, when the migratory birds arrive, the number of bird species in the lake is at its peak. In the lake, common birds include:
ü The pink-backed pelicans
ü Long-tailed cormorants.
ü Goliath heroine.
ü Black-lored babblers.
ü Grey-capped warblers.
ü Pelicans.
ü White-fronted bee-eaters.
ü Great white egrets
ü Brimstone canaries.
ü Weavers,
ü And the iconic fish eagles.
The lake is also home to turtles, crocodiles, rock hyraxes, owls, fish eagles, and other raptors that prey on hatchling flamingos.
Visit the Crescent Island Game Sanctuary.
On the eastern shore of Lake Naivasha, there is a peninsula known as the Crescent Island Game Sanctuary. You can expect a lot from the private island that is frequently referred to as “Lake Naivasha’s well-kept secret.” On the island, you might see a variety of animals, including:
ü Impalas
ü Wildebeests
ü Giraffes
ü Zebras
ü Waterbucks,
ü And the Eland people call this beautiful island home.
Over 200 different bird species can be found on the island, including herons, fish eagles, lily-trotters, and ospreys.
Boat rides along Lake Naivasha offer the best views of the island, which is home to zebras, hippos, and kongoni. The island is also perfect for weekend getaways and activities like hiking, biking, and walking.
Boat trip
The opportunity to go on a supervised boat safari out onto the water is without a doubt the most well-liked activity at Lake Naivasha.
An enormous variety of birds can be seen flying around as dead trees reach up from the cool blue water like grasping hands. Everything is on display, including pelicans, cranes, and smaller, more vividly colored birds. Hippopotamuses can be seen wallowing in the waters, and Cape buffalo and other herbivores can be seen along the shores.
Explore Hell’s Gate National Park
Hell’s Gate isn’t as scary as its name might imply, but it is one of Kenya’s most gorgeous parks in terms of its natural beauty!
Hell’s Gate’s volcanic scenery may make you feel as though you are visiting another planet. It is unlike anything else you’ll find because of the red earth, soaring stone pillars and cliffs, and a small number of animals. Hell’s Gate National Park visitors can climb its towering pillars, bike its arid roads, hike its picturesque canyons, and more!
Climb Mt. Longonot
The chance to hike a dormant volcano might be too alluring for the more daring! The ascent to Mount Longonot’s crater requires a 4-5 hour hike through terrain that is home to buffalo, antelopes, and even leopards.
The half-day Mount Longonot hike is a simple day trip from Lake Naivasha or Nairobi and can be combined with other nearby activities.
Oserian Wildlife Conservancy
With the intention of safeguarding all forms of biodiversity and developing into a viable ecotourism destination, the conservancy was established in 1988. Herbivores such as the white rhino, Grevy’s zebra, Burchell’s zebra, wildebeests, impalas, Thomson’s, and Grant gazelles can be found in the conservancy.
Giraffes, warthogs, waterbucks, and buffalos will also be present. The sanctuary has a strong presence of predators as well. Caracals, leopards, hyenas, servals, and cheetahs are a few of them. Over 300 different bird species can be found in the sanctuary. The endangered Somali ostrich is one such bird.
Visit the Lake Elementaita
Despite the fact that Lake Bogoria is the more well-known flamingo location, Lake Elementaita also has a fair number of the lovely pink-colored birds. You won’t need more than two hours to travel the 55.5 kilometers to the lake, but it is extremely refreshing.
Ol Karia Geothermal Spa.
24.8 kilometers from Lake Naivasha, in the Hell’s Gate National Park, is where you’ll find the Ol Karia Geothermal Spa. On the continent, the spa is the largest of its kind. Our safari guides, who were all born and raised in Kenya, will be happy to take you to the man-made Ol Karia pools for this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
