Lake Naivasha, a fresh water lake 100kms west of Nairobi, is one of the Great Rift Valley lakes and a popular holiday getaway.
Lake Naivasha is also a diverse bird and animal habitat, with the lake itself supporting animals such as hippo and over 200 species of birds. The lake is also known for fishing though this is subject to restrictions to preserve fish stock. It is also possible to enjoy boat rides and water sports at the lake.
The Lake is also famous for its hippo population, and there are more than 400 here. Lake Naivasha boat trips can be taken from many lakeside lodges and campsites, providing an ideal opportunity to see large pods of Hippo lying half submerged in the water. At night they emerge to graze on the Lakeshore. At some Lakeshore lodges and campsites, the remarkable sight of these massive 3 tonne creatures grazing across the lawns is a nightly occurrence. Most visitors are amazed when they see just how large a hippo is when it emerges from the water. It is an awe-inspiring sight, even more so when they are grazing a few feet from the door of your tent. Hippos are a common cause of sleepless nights for lakeside campers.
Colobus monkeys are often seen in the canopy of the Acacia forests around the lake, and on the north shore of the lake Buffalo, Waterbuck and Eland are often seen grazing.
The region surrounding the Lake is well worth exploring. There are two smaller lakes nearby, Oloidien, and Sonachi, a bright green cater lake.
Lake Naivasha is a birdwatchers dream comes true. Some areas of Lake Shore have recorded over 400 species. The acacia forests teem with Hoopoe, Woodpeckers, Rollers, Shrikes, Hawks, cuckoos and much more.
Lake Naivasha
