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Lake Naivasha is a beautiful freshwater lake. The lake is almost 4 miles across, but its waters are shallow with an average depth of sixteen feet. At the beginning of the 20th Century, Naivasha completely dried up and effectively disappeared. The resulting open land was farmed, until heavy rains a few years later caused the lake to return to existence, swallowing up the newly established estates. Afternoon wind and storms can cause the Lake to become suddenly rough and produce high waves. For this reason, the local Maasai christened the lake Nai’posha meaning ''rough water'', which the British later misspelt as Naivasha.
The lake and its surroundings are rich in natural bounty, and the fertile soils and water supply have made this one of Kenya’s prime agricultural regions, which you will observe as you drive through the area.
Much of the lake is surrounded by forests of the yellow barked Acacia Xanthophlea, known as the yellow fever tree. Other game near the lake includes giraffe, buffalo and Colobus monkeys. Lake Naivasha is also a birdwatchers fantasy. There are over 450 species in the immediate area including the highland escarpments which surround the lake to the south and west. From October to March the resident bird population is generously supplemented by large migratory populations as well. On the water pelicans and cormorants are numerically superior but pride of place must go to the African Fish Eagle whose haunting call remains as significant to lake visitors as does the roar of a lion in the parks.
Hell’s Gate National Park lies beside the lake. This Park was named for its pair of massive red tinged cliffs framing a geothermically active interior of steam vents and bubbling springs. The park is home to a profusion of plains game and birdlife. Walking is permitted, making it ideal for hiking, biking, and rock climbing. |
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Do not think, after all those early-morning game drives in Samburu or the Maasai Mara, that you are obliged to enjoy a 'lie-in' on your mornings at the Great Rift Valley Lodge! There are many more magical natural encounters to be had here - on the floor of the world's largest and most spectacular valley.
For those who want to experience the Great Rift Valley at its most tranquil and magical, there can be few more memorable ways to enjoy this stunning destination than afloat on the serene waters of Lake Naivasha. We will wake you (gently, we promise!) at 6am with a cup of tea or coffee, and by 6.30am you will be driving with James or Molu through some of the farming activities supported by the judicious use of Lake Naivasha's waters. Your destination is the northern shoreline of the Great Rift Valley's only freshwater lake.
After a brief introductory talk on safety procedures and the use of life-jackets, we'll embark on our 30-foot Cesse Canoe - an open-canopy boat powered by a 25hp outboard motor. For the next hour (or longer if you desire), one of our naturalists, John or Simon, will guide you on a pre-selected route along the shores of this fascinating and life-giving lake.
As the sun nudges its way above the Aberdare mountains, we will traverse open water towards the delta of the Malewa River, the most significant perennial river feeding Lake Naivasha. During the traverse, you'll learn more about the lake, its history, hydrology, game and stunning birdlife, which all combine to lend it significance as one of three internationally recognised wetlands protected by the Ramsar Convention in Kenya.
In the Malewa delta, we can usually see pods of wallowing hippo and buffalo behaving in an almost amphibious manner - not to mention innumerable examples of the birdlife that make this one of the richest avian theatres in the world. From the delta, we'll slowly return along the papyrus-fringed foreshore as the morning sun lights up the unique water-birds and aquatic life floating among the salvinia and hyacinth mats that dot the lake.
As the changing scenes bring ever more delight, you'll probably forget that you have not yet had breakfast. But by the time James or Molu drives you back up from the 6,100-foot elevation of the lake to the 7,000-foot Great Rift Valley Lodge, you'll undoubtedly have worked up a tremendous appetite for one of the lodge's famous cooked breakfasts!
Things to take: binoculars, camera, hat, sunglasses and sun-cream (if likely to be out on the lake after 9am).
Please note that, due to safety considerations, our boating excursions must always remain subject to weather, currents and aquatic weed conditions. |
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Lake Naivasha and the Great Rift Valle Lodge are a quick, one and a half hour drive from Nairobi. The scenic drive takes you through the lush highlands and along the edge of the spectacular Great Rift Valley. There are also scheduled flights daily from Nairobi and the property has a heli-port for easy access via helicopter as well
(please contact your local travel agent or tour operator for specific flight details.) |
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