Lake Naivasha is a large freshwater lake located high up in the Great Rift Valley and famous for its hippos and flamingos. Lake Naivasha is just over 100 kilometres northwest of the capital city of Nairobi and perfectly positioned to make your holiday to Kenya a memorable trip. There are quite a few day trips to this majestic body of water to observe the abundant bird life.
Wildlife to spot on safari in Lake Naivasha
Described as the jewel in the crown of all the East African lakes, Lake Naivasha is fed by the Malewa and Gilgil Rivers that attract a variety of species to be spotted on a safari to Kenya. Lake Naivasha is a freshwater lake deriving its name from the Maasai word Nai’posha, meaning rough water as a result of the sudden storms that occur in the area. While the mornings at the lake are generally calmer, the afternoons can get a bit blustery with winds often creating high waves.
While the lake is only 13 kilometres long and just five metres deep, the banks of Lake Naivasha are covered by papyrus and various forest tree species. This is the ideal habitat for monkeys and baboons as well a large number of hippos that can be spotted on your Kenya vacation to Naivasha. Other species to be seen are buffalos, giraffes, warthogs and gazelles. The rich plantlife around the lake is home to more than 400 different birds that will delight avid twitchers on a safari to Kenya. The lake boasts a great variety of fish-eating birds like herons, kingfishers, fish eagles, black crakes, cormorants and pelicans.
Activities and Experiences
A guided boat safari on Lake Naivasha should form part of the itinerary on your Kenya vacation. Take out the binoculars to spot mammals like hippos, buffalo and antelope along the shores with dead trees on the water’s edge providing a stark contrast to the lush surroundings. Glance skywards to observe the assortment of birds crisscrossing the sky.
Make your safari to Kenya a unique experience with a visit to the Crescent Island Sanctuary. There are no predators at this wildlife haven and visitors are encouraged to take a walk on the wildside amid animals like giraffes, zebras, wildebeest and more than 150 bird species. An interesting fact is that the island was the primary location for the filming of the classic film “Out of Africa”.
Lake Naivasha Safaris with JENMAN
A boat cruise on the breathtaking Lake is part of the 10-day Kenya Safari Adventure that starts in the capital city of Nairobi and ends in the Masai Mara National Reserve. Explore the renowned Amboseli National Park and spot flamingos in Lake Nakuru National Park while on your Kenya holiday.
Combine the best of Kenya and Tanzania on the 15-day East Africa Migration Discoverer for the African safari of a lifetime. Spend a full-day game viewing in Amboseli National Park before moving on to the wonderful wildlife of Tanzania in Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara National Park and the famed Serengeti National Park. Your spectacular Africa safari ends with a visit to the astonishing Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya.
