Lake Naivasha
Lake Naivasha is situated northwest of Nairobi, just a short distance outside the town with the same name. This beautiful lake is in Nakuru County, part of Kenya’s famous Rift Valley. The Rift Valley is recognized for its stunning lakes and landscapes, making it a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers.
Lake Naivasha is surrounded by acacia woodlands, papyrus swamps, forests, and striking geological features that reflect the area’s volcanic history. The lake is home to a significant number of hippos and 400 species of birdlife, including the Goliath heron and eight other species of herons, as well as numerous ducks, geese, grebes, guineafowl, storks, kingfishers, bee-eaters, parrots, and owls.
Furthermore, the lake is a watering hole for zebras, buffaloes, waterbucks, impalas, and other grazing animals. The Maasai people, who reside in this region, named the lake ‘Naiposha’, which means ‘rough waters’ due to the occasional rough waves of the lake.
To fully enjoy Lake Naivasha, you should spend at least one night near the lake.
Features & Wildlife Species
Crescent Island, situated on the eastern side of Lake Naivasha, is a wildlife sanctuary. It became an island in 1988 due to a significant drop in the water level of Lake Naivasha, connecting it to the mainland. The island has a flat terrain, making it ideal for hiking, and features a private boat club on its eastern side.
At Crescent Island, observing wildlife is convenient, enabling visitors to see various animals such as giraffes, elands, wildebeests, and zebras. The island is also home to multiple bird species and aquatic habitats. Lake Naivasha is home to many hippos and is easily visible from the island. Avian residents on Crescent Island include the fish eagle, herons, ospreys, black crakes, and lily-trotters. Numerous herbivores and mammals graze in the surrounding areas of the Lake, including zebras, impalas, buffaloes, kongonis, giraffes, and hippos, (often seen at night).
Crescent Island, situated on the eastern side of Lake Naivasha, is a wildlife sanctuary. It became an island in 1988 due to a significant drop in the water level of Lake Naivasha, connecting it to the mainland. The island has a flat terrain, making it ideal for hiking, and features a private boat club on its eastern side.
At Crescent Island, observing wildlife is convenient, enabling visitors to see various animals such as giraffes, elands, wildebeests, and zebras. The island is also home to multiple bird species and aquatic habitats. Lake Naivasha is home to many hippos and is easily visible from the island. Avian residents on Crescent Island include the fish eagle, herons, ospreys, black crakes, and lily-trotters. Numerous herbivores and mammals graze in the surrounding areas of the Lake, including zebras, impalas, buffaloes, kongonis, giraffes, and hippos, (often seen at night).
AREA ACTIVITIES
- Boat ride
- Bird watching
- Crescent Island walking safari
- Widlife viewing
- Hiking Mount Longonot
- Trip to Hell’s Gate National Park
- Horse riding
WHEN TO VISIT
June to October, the Dry Season. Mid-Dec to February are also favourable.
WHAT TO SEE
- Lake Naivasha
- Hippos
- Great number of bird species
- Crescent Island with wildlife like zebras, impalas, buffaloes, kongonis, giraffes
HOW TO GET THERE
- By road: Lake Naivasha is approximately a 2 hours’ drive from Nairobi.
