Lake Naivasha is the Great Rift Valley’s highest lake and one of the few that is freshwater, with its clean waters providing a lovely setting for a boat ride across the lake. More than 400 species of bird reside here, as well as a large hippo population.
Lake Naivasha is home to an array of birdlife which includes fish eagles, ospreys and lily-trotters, as well as larger grazers such as zebra, impala, giraffe and hippos. The lake is ideally situated for some relaxation at the start or end of your holiday.
Lake Naivasha is a freshwater lake in Kenya, just outside the town of Naivasha in Nakuru County, which lies north west of Nairobi. It is part of the Great Rift Valley and one of the highest lakes from the sea level of all the Great Rift Valley lakes. The name derives from the local Maasai name Nai'posha, meaning "rough water" because of the sudden storms which can arise.
In the 1930s to the 1950's flying boats landed on Lake Naivasha en route from Durban South Africa to London United Kingdom. Joy Adamson, the author of Born Free, lived on the shores of the lake in the mid-1960s. On the shores of the lake is Oserian ("Djinn Palace"), which gained notoriety in the Happy Valley days between the two world wars. It now forms part of the Oserian flower farm.
As one of the two permanent lakes in the Rift Valley, the lake now provides vital water for horticultural irrigation. In fact the large flower farms around the lake produce the some of the most and best roses in the world.
A part 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 that has not yet been discovered or proven its location. The lake shores are surrounded by flower farms, old colonial houses, small wildlife conservancies, small luxury lodges and camps and small villages of clay and thatch houses.
The birdlife is beautiful and includes fish eagles, ospreys, lily-trotters, pelicans and black crakes. A number of wild animals can be found grazing in the lake environs, such as zebra, impala, giraffe, waterbuck and hippos.
There are two smaller lakes in the vicinity of Lake Naivasha: Lake Oloiden and Lake Sonachi (a green crater lake). The Crater Lake Game Sanctuary lies nearby, and is a worthwhile place to visit and stay at small but private lodge suitable for honeymooners. The Crescent Island located on the Lake a short boat ride away is also another place not to be missed while at Lake Naivasha.
The lake is ideally situated for some relaxation at the start or end of your holiday. It is also within easy reach of Hell’s Gate National Park, where you can enjoy hiking in spectacular scenery.
Why Visit Lake Naivasha, The Great Rift Valley Lakes, Kenya.
- The more than 400 species of bird life resident at Lake Naivasha.
- Visit the Great Rift Valley’s highest lake and one of the few that is freshwater.
- Discover the rich colonial history of Lake Naivasha.
- Take a boat ride across the lake to experience its true beauty.
- Walk along the shores of Crescent Island a short boat ride away on the lake.
- Visit one of the many flower farms that produce some of the best roses in the world.
- Visit the renowned Hells gate National park close by.
- Discover the natural spring Olakira Hot Spa next to a geothermal power plant.
Featured Lake Naivasha, Safari Holiday Vacation Trips