Lake Naivasha National Park
Lake Naivasha National Park is a hallmark safari destination, located a few kilometers away from Naivasha town in Nakuru County and in the northwest of Nairobi City. Lake Naivasha acts as one of the great rift valley lakes found in Kenya and lies at the highest elevation, measuring 1,884 meters in a combination of volcanic rocks and sedimentary deposits that flows from a large Pleistocene Era Lake.
Besides being water streams, the lake is fed to other closer river; River Maleewa and Gilgil rivers. The main point is that, Lake Naivasha water is fresh and safe, assuming it’s an underground outflow. More so, the park is cantered in the fresh water lake at the bottom in the center of the park. The word Lake Naivasha means ‘’rough water’’ by the Maasai locals who live around the park. It is also among the few fresh water lakes found in Kenya and sits a few kilometers away from the town of Naivasha.
More fact, Lake Naivasha is also part of the Great Rift Valley which acts as a tourist attraction to tourists. The word ‘’Naiposh’’ is got from the Maasai local language which means ‘’rough water’’ because of unpredictable sudden storms that tends to arise. The park is surrounded by other two small lakes; Lake OIoidied and Lake Sonichi which are named as green crater lake.
Lake Naivasha rises from the floor of the Great Rift Valley from the extinct Volcano of Mount Longonot. The Park offers an amazing feature like thick forest that lies within the crater of the mountain. At its edge, it provides great impressive views across the beautiful Rift valley all way to Lake Naivasha. Most spotted animal species include buffaloes, common Zebras, giraffe , elands, lion , leopard, bushbucks, Grant’s gazelles among others.
Generally, Lake Naivasha National Park was created early in 1995, on a surface area of 140 square kilometers which is surrounded by beautiful swamp area which covers an area of 64 square kilometers and it’s a good site for birding . Although, the largest park of the park is covered by the fresh water lake which is permanent. The water tends to increase on its level during the rainy season and then lowers during the dry season. It acts as one of the best birding destinations in Kenya, because it hosts more than 400 different bird species. Bird here is best spotted along the shores of the lake as well as viewing of large population of hippos. Lake Naivasha National Park is located closer to Hell’s gate national park.
This national park is a magical destination and a perfect place to enjoy life way from the city noisy. It’s location is approximately 1:30hour drive from Kenya Capital city ‘’Nairobi’’ with panoramic views for the stunning Rift Valley escarpment.
Attractions at Lake Naivasha National Park
Lake Naivasha National Park looks to be small in its size but gifted with many gorgeous attractions which makes your short safari unforgettable. It is a famous safari destination which can be combined with a visit to Hell gate National Park, Maasai Mara National Reserve and both can be adventure in the same day.
Crescent Island: This is one of an amazing private Island sanctuary that lies along the great Rift valley region and is worth rewarding. This Island can be reached by the boat or by 4×4 wheel drive through the narrow swampy route that leads to the sanctuary. The route is quite rewarding. Along the Island tourist can enjoy nature walk with scenic views of the Island.
Elsamere; This is stippled trees with sisal that form the forest along the edge of lake Naivasha. More so, it is a forest that consists of more tree species such as yellow fever trees and Candelabra Euphorbia among others. This park is popular home of great conservationist Joy Adamson who wrote about the bestselling book Born Free fame.
Lake Naivasha; This is the park’s main highlight. It is seasonal and best site for birders.
Crater Lake Game Sanctuary; Well, the word crater means small size but offers a beautiful Jade-colored Lake formed by the process of Volcanic activity. It is a right place to explore large game animals like giraffes , leopards , zebras among others.
Mount Longonot: It is an extinct volcano rising the height of 2776 meters above sea level. More to that, it last erupted in the 1860’s. Today, it has been recognized as a national park of its self -named by Maasai locals with the name Olo Nongot which means ‘’Mountain of the Many summit’’. Tourist interesting in hiking experience on Keny safari, Mount Longonot is good for you. The hike can take between 2 to 4 hours to access the summit.
Animals; The park hosts over 100 species of grazers and hunter. Big cats to see include leopards ,lions and other animals to see are hippos, giraffes, zebra, buffalos among others.
Activities to do in Lake Naivasha National Park
Game viewing; Game viewing in Lake Naivasha National Park offers great views of some animals like waterbuck, wildebeest, giraffes, zebras and game viewing can either be done on foot, horse ride, bike and safari vehicles.
Horseback riding safaris; This is a perfect activity for honeymooners as they get to enjoy cool breeze air of African environment.
Hike Mountain Longonot; This is one of the unique activities done in the park. The hike to its top, takes between 2 to 4 hours depending on hiker’s physical fitness. At the top of Mount Longonot, it gives aerial view of the entire Lake Naivasha National Park.
Birding; Lake Naivasha is home to over 400 bird species and best spotted around swampy areas, acacia trees. Some of the birds to sight see; heron, flamingo, fish eagle, kingfisher, marabou stork among others. Thus, marking it the best birding protected areas on Kenya safaris.
Boat cruise; On safari here, tourist like enjoying boat ride experience along this fresh water which dominates side of the park. You will get to spot water species of bird along the water banks.
Lake Naivasha National Park stands as one of the stopping safari destinations, most travelers choose to combine their itinerary with a visit to Maasai Mara National Reserve or Amboseli National Park or even Uganda’s Gorilla Safari – Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park can be reached by flying in to Entebbe International Airport from Kenya to Uganda. Get started now!
