- Location: Great Rift Valley, Kenya (90 km from Nairobi)
- Height above sea level: 1880 m
- Accommodation: Great Rift Valley Lodge, Lake Naivasha Sopa Lodge, Lake Naivasha Simba Lodge, Enashipai Resort and Spa
Not far from the capital of Kenya there is a unique freshwater lake Naivasha, the territory of which is the National Park of the country. The name from Masai language is translated as "stormy water" - here really, when a strong wind begins to blow, an excitement rises, comparable to a storm in the sea.
More about the park
The reservoir is at an altitude of 1880 meters above sea level in the Great African fault and has a volcanic origin. At the beginning of the twentieth century, the lake Naivasha completely dried up, but a few years later, again filled with rainwater. The guidebooks indicate an area of 139 square kilometers, but this is a conventional figure, which varies greatly and depends on the rainy season. Lake Naivasha has a depth of up to thirty meters and only off the coast can be less than six.
The pond is famous for its rich fauna. Here live more than 400 species of birds, which is a paradise for ornithologists and attracts many tourists from all over the world. This fact, combined with beautiful landscapes, led to the creation of the National Park on the territory of Lake Naivasha.
The climate and structure of the National Park
Since the lake Naivasha is located at an altitude of two kilometers above sea level, there is no exhausting heat. The rainy season lasts from October to November and from April to June. At this time, the pond is poured, and traveling is a little more difficult (you can fall under the downpour several times a day). Around the lake there are mountains formed by extinct volcanoes of the Great Rift Valley, which provide underground sources of water. Here, there are equatorial forests, acacia and palm trees.
Crescent Island
Territory of the park Lake Naivasha includes several large and small islands, but the most famous of them is Crescent Island. It is a volcanic formation and has the shape of a crescent moon. There is a yacht club and a private nature reserve, which is considered to be the center of the wildlife. The territory of the island is not very large, but it is forbidden to move independently.
Curious fact : on the island of Crescent shot several scenes from the well-known film "From Africa". The best-selling director is Karen Blixen, who lived all her life in Kenya and in honor of whom the museum in Nairobi was later founded.
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Inhabitants of the park
Arriving at Lake Naivasha National Park, all visitors usually rent a catamaran and go to the lilies of water lilies and algae, where many hippos live. Local guides skillfully find habitats for hippos. They swim up to them and paddle on the boat, while making special sounds to attract the attention of mammals. Animals breathing under water release small fountains.
Observe the life of hippos can be from a fairly close distance. They live in families, and tourists often see how adults care about their babies. Local hippopotamuses are quite peaceful. If you do not break their space, you can not only watch them for a long time and get acquainted with their way of life, but also take pictures. Undoubtedly, this is one of the main attractions of the National Park Lake Naivasha. In addition, there live a large number of bird species, the number of which increases during the wintering period from October to March. Back in the reserve there are storks, herons, cormorants, also worth noting the majestic pelicans.
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In the forests of the National Park you can sometimes meet formidable buffalo, amazing giraffes, graceful zebras, attractive wildebeest and numerous packs of monkeys. The animal world is quite diverse, while there are practically no predators here, except for hyenas that go hunting at night and hide from visitors. There are also reptiles in the form of turtles.
The main pride of the park is the African predator, the bald eagle-fish (fish eagle). His hunting cry reminds the roaring of a lion and makes an indelible impression on tourists. Conductors take dry fish with them and whistle attract the attention of an angler. After this, the food is thrown into the water and the bird dives after it. The eagle itself is a rather rare specimen in nature, and in combination with the tricks that have been made, thanks to guides and excursionists, is unique.
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Accommodation in the National Park
Lake Naivasha is a very popular place for going out on yachts, as well as for fishing, which in the pond is full of lots. Several comfortable lodges were erected here, during construction of which the ecological balance was observed. You can also stay in the camping. You can stop overnight in such establishments:
- Lake Naivasha Sopa Lodge;
- Great Rift Valley Lodge;
- Malu Lodge;
- Lake Naivasha Country Club;
- Great Rift Valley Lodge.
In the north-east of Lake Naivasha is the eponymous town with a developed infrastructure. Here there are several hotels and restaurants, where visitors will be offered dishes of both traditional Kenyan cuisine and European. In these establishments, cooks always prepare food from fresh fish, vegetables and fruits, which are brought here from a nearby farm.
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How to get to the Naivasha Lake National Park?
From the capital of Kenya, Nairobi , buses go to the lake, but it's more convenient to get here by car. The distance is only 90 kilometers, and near the National Park there are signs. The best time to visit is the period from January to March, as well as September and October.
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