Why visit Lake Naivasha?

Why visit Lake Naivasha? Do you intend to go on a safari in Kenya? Safari destinations that are likely on your list of must-see locations include the Masai Mara, Samburu, Nairobi National Park, and Lake Nakuru. Lake Naivasha is a location that might not be on your list but might be on your safari itinerary.

Lake Naivasha wildlife.

Located halfway between Nairobi National Park and Lake Nakuru, this freshwater lake sits at 1880m, or around 6200 ft, making it the highest elevated lake in the Great Rift Valley. The Masai phrase meaning rough water is where the name Naivasha originates.

During unexpected storms, which are common in the region, the waters of Lake Naivasha can become extremely choppy. Naivasha is a well-liked weekend getaway site for locals due to its close proximity to Nairobi, and for good reason it’s a great place to unwind, see animals, and engage in energetic activities like hiking, horseback riding, and cycling. Since there are around 1500 hippos in the lake alone, you have a decent opportunity of capturing some quality hippo photos.

With over 400 bird species, including pelicans, African fish eagles, hamerkops, and huge kingfishers, it’s also a birder’s paradise. Carp, tilapia, and catfish are among the local catch, making it an excellent place to fish. The giraffe, zebra, waterbuck, impala, warthog, buffalo, and various monkey species, notably the lovely colobus, are among the other noteworthy animals.

What activities are available at Lake Naivasha?

Taking a boat ride around Lake Naivasha is a popular pastime. One of the best ways to see hippo on the water is to take a leisurely boat trip during the day.

Along with numerous other water bird species, you’ll also have a high chance of seeing the African fish eagle. For photographers in particular, early mornings are usually the finest because of the excellent light. A guided bush walk on Crescent Island is an additional choice that complements a boat ride. Numerous plains species, like as buffalo, zebra, and giraffe, call the island, which is part of a volcano crater rim, home. If you are into cycling you can head to Hell’s Gate, a small national park where you can hire a bike and go for a ride through the cliffs. Hell’s Gate is named for its geothermic springs, and it is around these springs that you can spot wildebeest, topi, zebra, and giraffe. There is also an interesting canyon that you can walk through with one of the local guides.

If walking and hiking is your thing, just 25 minutes down the road is Mount Longonot, an extinct volcano, which sits in another lesser-known national park named Mount Longonot. The walk up and down and around the crater takes around four hours and is well worth the time, because on reaching the crater rim you will have amazing views of the surrounding area, including Lake Naivasha.

When is the ideal time of year to go to Lake Naivasha?

Any time of year is an excellent opportunity to explore Lake Naivasha. During the rainy season, April to June, the area is prone to afternoon winds and rain showers, although these can occur at any time of the year. In July and August the weather can be quite cool, particularly in the evenings, but many of the camps and lodges will have fireplaces that you can warm yourself by.

Additionally, there are a number of farms and ranches in the vicinity where you may go horseback and see wildlife.

How much time should be spent at Lake Naivasha?

One to three days works well, depending on how many things you wish to partake in. You should be able to fit in the most of the major events in two days, which works especially well.

Where to stay around Lake Naivasha?

The accommodation options around Lake Naivasha are very good and with a variety that will suit most pockets. From the very luxurious Chui Lodge to the wonderful mid-range Sopa Lodge to the well-run camp sites such as Camp Carnelley’s, there is a lodge option to meet every budget and lodging preference.