Lake Naivasha is a beautiful freshwater lake, fringed by thick papyrus. The lake is almost 13kms across, but its waters are shallow with an average depth of five meters. Its reshwater shores fringed with papyrus and yellow acacias, hippos frolicking in the shallows and the cacophony of twittering birds, creates a lasting impression of Lake Naivasha. Lake Naivasha has many different types of wildlife with a good portion of hippos and fish including Crayfish, Tilapia and Black bass. There are 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.

There are many luxury lodges doddered around Lake Naivasha. Day trips are available to Hells Gate National Park which is at the north east edge of the lake and Joy Adamson’s Elsamere farm. She is British naturalist and author of the international bestseller “Born Free”, which describes her trials and tribulations of raising a lion cub called Elsa to adulthood. The farm house was bought in 1967 and is now a conservation centre, focusing on lake ecology and creating environmental awareness.

Climate

The climate around the lake ranges from cool to hot and humid. The annual rainfall is 965mm which is lower than many other parts of Kenya. The wettest months are March to May and October to December, but even at these times it is not as rainy as other areas.

Getting there

By Road: Use your own vehicle, take public transport, or book an open-topped minibus or safari van tour with a tour guide. It is 103km northwest of Nairobi to the lake and 14km from Naivasha town.