Lake Naivasha

Naivasha and Lake Naivasha

Lake Naivasha is at the highest elevation of the Kenyan Rift valley at 1,884 metres (6,181 ft) in a complex geological combination of volcanic rocks and sedimentary deposits from a larger Pleistocene Era lake. Apart from transient streams, the lake is fed by the perennial Malewa and Gilgil rivers. There is no visible outlet, but since the lake water is relatively fresh it is assumed to have an underground outflow.

A visit to Lake Naivasha is ideal for a day trip from Nairobi or on the way to the Masai Mara. By boat you can spot some of the almost 500 bird species found in the area. For the more active safari-goer, a walk in the nearby Hell’s Gate National Park or exploring the region by bike is on offer. In the private nature reserve of Crescent Island, you will be able to spot wildebeest, zebras and giraffes on foot as you take part in a walking safari.

The lake had a normal surface area of 139 square kilometres (54 sq. mi) before 2010 and had increased to 198 square kilometres (76 sq mi) by 2020. [4] It is surrounded by a swamp which covers an area of 64 square kilometres (25 sq mi), but this can vary largely depending on rainfall. Situated at an altitude of 1,884 metres (6,181 ft) the lake has an average depth of 6 metres (20 ft), with the deepest area being at Crescent Island, with a maximum depth of 30 metres (98 ft) Njorowa Gorge once formed the lake’s outlet, but it is now high above the lake and forms the entrance to Hell’s Gate National Park. The town of Naivasha (formerly East Nakuru) lies on the north-east edge of the lake.

While a classic safari is spent mostly in the car, Lake Naivasha and its surrounding area invites you to stretch your legs and get active.

By boat you will explore one of the few freshwater lakes in the East African Great Rift Valley. Grab your binoculars and search for African fish eagles, pelicans and cormorants. Hippos can also be seen dozing off along the riverbank.

If you would like to spend a bit more time at the lake, a trip to Crescent Island, a small private nature reserve, is definitely worth a visit. Here you have the option to admire the animal kingdom up close on a walking safari. Look out for zebras, wildebeest, impalas and giraffes walking along the shimmering water. A unique experience indeed.

Those who would like to stretch their legs a bit after a long car ride, can explore Hell’s Gate National Park by foot or on a mountain bike. Travel through deep ravines and on top of huge cliffs and enjoy the great view of the spectacular Great Rift Valley landscape.