Everyone may think of only Masai Mara, but have you ever imagined that Kenya could also have a very unique and interesting destination that though uncovered, it is recommendable; Lake Naivasha National Park is the place.
Situated outside the town of Naivasha in Nakuru County, lying northwest of Nairobi and part of the Great Rift Valley, Lake Naivasha is one of the freshwater lakes in Kenya and an Ultimate refreshment point for Kenyans. Its name is derived from the local Masai word Nai’posha, meaning “rough water” because of the sudden storms which can arise.
This lake seats at the highest elevation of Kenyan Rift valley at 1,884 meters in a composite geological combination of volcanic rocks and sedimentary deposits from a larger Pleistocene era lake.
Also, the Lake Naivasha receives some of its water from perennial Malewa and Gilgil rivers though there is no visible outlet, besides the lake water is relatively fresh; it is assumed to have an underground outflow.
Lake Naivasha has a surface area of 139 km², and is surrounded by a swamp which covers an area of 64 square km, and varies depending on the amounts of rainfall. The lakes’ deepest area is at Crescent Island, at a maximum depth of 30m. Also, Njorowa Gorge that in the past formed the lake’s outlet is now high above the lake and forms the entrance to Hell’s Gate National Park.
Initially, between 1937 and 1950, Lake Naivasha was used as a landing place for flying boats on the Imperial Airways passenger and mail route from Southampton in Britain to South Africa. It connected Kisumu and Nairobi. In 1960s Joy Adamson, the author of Born Free lived on the shores of the lake, which gained infamy in the Happy Valley days between the two world wars. Interestingly, in 1999, Lake Naivasha Riparian Association received the Ramsar Wetland Conservation Award for its conservation efforts regarding the Lake Naivasha Ramsar site.
However, Due to the unregulated use of lake water for irrigation, the level of the lake is getting reduced; another factor is fishing and related human activities. There is variation in the levels of the lake and almost dried up entirely in the 1890s.
Lake Naivasha is a host to several hippos and much other aquatic life. Visitors to this destination choose to sail on water as they get close to these creatures; the boat ride is located in a place that gives you a chance of spotting these creatures from a distance and not putting your life in any form of danger.
A unique feature of Mount Longonot offers a scenic view of the mountain across the beautiful Rift Valley to Lake Naivasha. Some of the wildlife found here includes buffaloes, elands, lion, leopard, bushbucks, common zebra, giraffe and Grant’s gazelles among others.
Lake Naivasha also serves as home to numerous wildlife such as buffalos, elands, impalas and waterbucks, something that makes it a perfect destination for game viewing;with a lot of game viewing opportunities. Despite all this wonderful gifting, there is no chance of sighting a leopard during a game drive experience.
Horseback Riding Safari
What a perfect opportunity to get close to the wildlife than to ride on a horse by yourself! at sanctuary farm in the Naivasha area, Visitors encounter the unique type of safari – a guided day tour on horseback. The land here is heavy with acacia trees rich forest coming upon giraffe, wildebeest, impala, zebra, gazelle, dik-dik and buffalo. However, the horse is familiar with this territory and the animals so it will let you ride up close to the wildlife.
The Lake has become a recreational center for Kenyans and some Tourists who opt to enjoy their relaxation moment in amazing places. The blowing winds which send ‘dust devils’ cavorting wildly across the plains making it very perfect for sailing on the lake which is set at the foot of Mount Longonot, on the north side
Game viewing includes giraffe, buffalo, Colobus monkeys, large lazy hippos, hartebeest, lion, leopard, and cheetah. Birdlife at the lake includes Long-tailed and Great Cormorants, Fish Eagles and Pied Kingfishers, Black Herons, Babblers, and Lovebirds.
Lake Naivasha is a Great site, a set aside to reflect the ecological importance of the wetlands around the lake. In records, More than 450 distinct birdlife species have been identified, and the resident avi-fauna is joined by several other species migrating from other countries from October to March. This is home to beautiful weavers, red-billed fire finches, grey-backed fiscals, Grey-capped warbler and many other interesting and colorful aerial creatures. The most famous of these, are the cormorants and pelicans while the African fish eagles are the most majestic of the raptors. As you traverse the acacia forests, you will encounter hawks, cuckoos, shrikes and other bird species not forgetting a solo giraffe that enjoys the thorn-leaves branches out of curiosity. The papyrus swamps are where you find jacanas, herons, and kingfishers. So don’t be left out, take a step and book your trip since you have known what you never knew.
