It is one of Kenya’s freshwater lakes in Kenya situated in Nakuru County Naivasha town. The lake covers a surface area of 139 km2, surrounded by a swamp that covers an area of 64 square kilometers, but this can vary largely depending on rainfall. It also lies in the Great Rift Valley region with the highest elevation at 1,884 m in an interlocked geological combination of volcanic rocks and sedimentary deposits from a larger Pleistocene Era lake. It has an average depth of 6m, with the deepest area being at Crescent Island, at a maximum depth of 30 m (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 name Naivasha comes from a local Maasai name Nai’posha, meaning “rough water” this is due to the abrupt storms which usually arise on this lake.
The 2 perennial rivers Malewa and Gilgil act as water suppliers to Lake Naivasha and it also said to have underground outflow since there is no visible outlet.
The lake is a habitat to numerous wildlife species which include; hippos, fish like; Crayfish, Tilapia and Black bass. The lake is surrounded by swamps and forest which are habitats to over 400 species of birds of which Great Cormorants, Long-tailed, Fish Eagles, Pelicans and all types of Kingfishers, as well as the Grey-backed fiscal, are some. Floriculture and fishing are the main economic activities carried out. In 1999, the Lake Naivasha Riparian Association received the Ramsar Wetland Conservation Award for its conservation efforts regarding the Lake Naivasha Ramsar site.
Tourist Activities at Lake Naivasha.
The lake is a tourist destination, one of the best spots for a birding safari in Kenya. During the weekend, the residents visit the lake for recreational activities such as boat rides where you will encounter a great many fishermen as they drag their nets through the lake’s shallow waters, others fishing, forest walks. There is also game viewing since the animals are drawn to the water some of the animals include; Giraffes which are usually seen wallowing in the acacia trees, Buffalo relishing in the swamps and Colobus monkeys hooting in the canopies. The shores are worth exploring because of their spectacular beauty. There are also two smaller lakes nearby, Oloidien, and Sonachi, a bright green crater lake.
Accommodation in Naivasha
Once you plan to spend an overnight at Naivasha, where to stay should not be your worry. There are quite many accommodation facilities which are pocket friendly with quality customer service, delicious international and local dishes, comfortable spacious rooms and excellent natural views.
Some of the facilities include; Loldia House, Lake Naivasha Resort, The Great Rift Valley Lodge, Burch’s resort, Kagoni Lodge, Weleli House, Lake Naivasha Sopa Lodge, Hippo Safari Resort
Naivasha Treehouse, Crayfish camp just to mention but a few.
The best time to tour the lake is during the dry season. We also recommend you combine the visit to Lake Naivasha with the wildebeest migration experience which takes place in Masai Mara to have a spectacular Kenya wildlife Wrap up Safari.
The lake can be accessed from Nairobi covering a distance of approximately 76km, you take the A104 Nairobi-Nakuru road. Stop at Limuru and connect to the South Lake Road.
The new railway links Suswa, south of Naivasha, once per day. Journey time is about 1½ hours.
Engagi Safaris is a reliable tour operator, with professional staff. Our tour consultants are well trained with a passion, to help you understand all the details about the safaris you wish to inquire about.We have the best drivers and guides who are very highly skilled and knowledgeable about all aspects of tourism, and you can be rest assured that you will have a wonderful experience.
