Below are the best Places To Visit In Lake Naivasha. Lake Naivasha is a freshwater lake outside of the town of Naivasha in Nakuru County. Over 450 different bird species may be seen at Lake Naivasha, which is known for its picturesque views of wild wildlife, papyrus marshes, and volcanic scenery. Crater Lake is located on the west side of the lake, and Mount Longonot and the Olkaria Geothermal Complex are visible to the south. The Maasai term “Enaiposha,” which means “heaving” or “rough water,” is the source of the name Naivasha. The Maasai gave it that name because of the lake’s erratic weather, which may produce large waves during afternoon wind and rain storms.
1. Boat Rides
You may get up close and personal with several bird species by taking a boat safari on Lake Naivasha. Hippos occasionally can be seen relaxing in the swampy areas. The majority of lakeside resorts, including Fisherman’s Camp, Crayfish Camp, Elsamere, and Camp Carnelly, provide boat cruises. The guide will fetch a fish and throw it into the water for entertainment so that you may see an eagle grab it. Make sure you are wearing a life jacket and that your guide is in radio touch with land because boating accidents happen frequently. It is recommended to begin this 60-minute ride at 8:00 am to avoid the heat of the day. Put on some sunscreen and insect repellent to stave against mosquitoes, then take in the scenery.
2. Visit Crescent Island
The best-kept secret in Naivasha is Crescent Island, which can be reached from Sanctuary Farm by car and by boat after crossing a muddy causeway. When Lake Naivasha’s water level significantly reduced in 1988, Crescent Island could be built. Many movies have included waterbucks, wildebeests, and zebras since this sanctuary for animals and birds contains more animals per acre than any other park in Kenya. On Crescent Island, giraffes, hippos, pythons, buffaloes, and hyenas can be found grazing or giving birth. The hours of operation for this sanctuary are from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm, and guided tours last roughly three hours.
3. Tour Crater Lake Game Sanctuary
Road access is available to the Crater Lake Game Sanctuary, which is around 20 kilometers from Naivasha town. Both a two-hour drive and frequent flights are available from Nairobi to Naivasha. This little sanctuary is a wonderful place to go hiking and is home to giraffes, zebras, and more than 150 different kinds of birds. Walking trails in the refuge skirt the crater’s rim and provide breath-taking vistas. At Crater Lake, night game drives are an excellent way to spot secretive animals like leopards, aardvarks, caracals, and many others.
4. Visit Elsamere Conservation Centre and Lodge
The Elsamere Conservation Centre and Lodge is a wildlife sanctuary and eco-lodge located on the shores of Lake Naivasha in Kenya. 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. Elsamere can be paired with the 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. Visitors can also see the colobus monkeys and have tea in the gardens. This is a great spot to relax after exploring the park.
5. Visit Longonot National Park
Only 20 kilometers—a 45-minute drive—separate Lake Naivasha from Longonot National Park. The stratovolcano Mount Longonot, which towers over the park at a height of 2,776 meters, is where the park gets its name. The dormant volcano may be climbed in 4-5 hours, and the summit offers breathtaking views. The walk is not particularly physically challenging despite its length. If you finish the hike in the morning, you can take a pleasant boat ride or game drive in the afternoon.
6. Bird Watching
Lake Naivasha is a paradise for birdwatchers, with over 450 species of birds recorded in the area. Some of the most popular birds to see are the fish eagle, cormorants, kingfishers, and flamingos.
7. Visit Hell’s Gate National Park
The park is a great destination for hikers and rock climbers. It is also known for its scenic views of the Great Rift Valley and hot springs.
8. Visit the nearby Lake Nakuru National Park
This is a popular destination for wildlife lovers, with over 400 bird species and large populations of rhinos and lions.
9. Enjoy a picnic
There are several picnic sites around the lake where you can relax and enjoy a meal while taking in the beautiful scenery.
10. Take a nature walk
Lake Naivasha is surrounded by a lush forest, which is home to a variety of wildlife. Take a nature walk to explore the forest and see the different species of animals and plants that call it their home.
