Lake Naivasha : Named from the Maasai word for “rough water” in reference to the sudden storms that are known to arise on the lake, Lake Naivasha is a large freshwater lake which sits just outside the town of Naivasha at an elevation of 1,884m making it the highest lake within the Great Rift Valley.
The Lake dominates the landscape with a surface area of 139km² and it is surrounded by a swamp which covers an area of around 64km², beyond the swampland the lake is encircled by forests of the fever tree.
The surface area of the Lake depends on rainfall and in the early 20th century, the lake dried up completely.
How to Include Lake Naivasha into your Kenyan Adventure
Lake Naivasha – a birder’s paradise is easily accessible from Nairobi and the 98km journey takes around 2.5 hours along the Old Naivasha Road and the C88.
The proximity of Lake Naivasha to Nairobi City – the capital of Kenya makes it a popular day trip, and the lake can get busy at the weekend. If you want to avoid the crowds, you should visit during the week or spend a few days in the area during as a part of your wider Kenya Safari Itinerary.
The Lake is in a short distance from Hell’s Gate National Park and a taxi journey is less than an hour. Some travelers choose to combine both attractions.
Lake Naivaha is equidistant between Nakuru and Nairobi, and it is easily accessible from both cities and a suitable halfway point if traveling between Nakuru and Nairobi.
Wildlife at Lake Naivasha
Lake Naivasha is famous for its high populations of flamingoes and hippos, there are over 1,500 hippos in the area and you are almost guaranteed to see one. The lake is a birder’s paradise as it is home over 400 bird species. Lesser and greater flamingoes flock to the lake, forming a plumage of bright pink across the lake’s surface.
Animals like giraffes, zebras, impalas and waterbucks can be sighted at Crescent Island found in the middle of the Lake. Other areas to see animals around Lake Naivasha are Crater Lake Game Sanctuary and Longonot National Park.
Activities at Lake Naivasha
Lake Naivasha Boat Safari
Boat safaris are one of the most popular activities at L.Naivasha, this is the best way to get up close to the hippos and flamingoes in the Lake. While at the shores, you many see zebras, wildebeests and giraffes.
A typical safari to Lake Naivasha takes around an hour, and the sheer size of the lake means that you will not be distracted by the rumble of other boat engines.
Crescent Island
Crescent Island, aptly named because of its crescent moon shape is found on the east side of the lake near the town of Naivasha. Most of the accommodations of at the lake are found here, the island is home to a game sanctuary and tours of the sanctuary last between 1.5-3 hours, and highlights include walking amongst the resident giraffes and zebras.
Crater Lake Game Sanctuary
On the other side of Lake, you will find the Crater Lake Game Sanctuary, this small sanctuary is a great destination for hiking and it is home to giraffes, zebras and over 150 bird species.
The sanctuary has walking trails which follow the rim of the crater, these route offer breathtaking views of the area. Night game drives can be done at Crater Lake, and they a great opportunity to see leopards, aardvark, caracal and many other elusive species.
Longonot National Park
Located just 20km from L. Naivasha and a road journey takes around 45 minutes, Longonot National Park derives its name from Mount Longonot, a stratovolcano which tours over the park at an elevation of 2,776m.
Elsamere Conservation Centre and Lodge
Elsamere is the former home of the naturist, artist and author, Joy Adamson. Adamson is famous for her book “Born Free” which documents her experiences of raising Elsa, an orphaned lion cub.
Elsamare can be paired with a visit to Karen Blixen Museum in Nairobi, the former home of Danish author Karen Blixen. The house and gardens are beautiful, and they have been converted into a museum which showcases Adamson’s life and work.
Also, visitors can see the colobus monkeys and have tea in the gardens. This is a great spot to relax after exploring the park.
Getting to Lake Naivasha
Lake Naivasha is only a short journey from Nairobi, so it is easily accessible from the capital. The 98km journey takes around 2.5 hours along the Old Naivasha Road and the C88. The cheapest way to travel is via a matatu, a privately owned minibus which seats 7 or 8 people.
The Mololine Express will travel from Nairobi to Nakuru and you should get off at Naivasha Junction.
Where to stay
Best accommodations to stay at include Sawela Lodge and Lake Naivasha Resort.