Lake Naivasha, located in Kenya, is a freshwater lake. It is situated on the northwest side of Nairobi, in Nakuru country. It is located in the Great Rift Valley and is derived from the local Maasai, a name which means heaven. Its name changed when the British tried to pronounce Masai, which was Lake Naivasha. Lake Naivasha is the highest elevation in the Kenyan Rift Valley at 6,181 feet. The lake is home to various species. This lake was once described as the jewel in the crown of all the East African lakes.
Things To Remember Before Visiting Lake Naivasha
Here are a few things to remember before visiting Lake Naivasha for an unforgettable experience.
Location And Ecology
Image Credit: McKay Savage for Wikimedia Commons
Lake Naivasha is a geological mixture of volcanic and sedimentary rock deposits from the Pleistocene-era lake. The perennial Maleva and Gilgil rivers feed the lake. There is no exact visible outlet around the lake, but the water is fresh and assumed to have an underground outflow. Lake Naivasha had a surface area of 139 square kilometres before 2010, but it was increased to 198 square kilometres by 2020. A 64 km-long swamp surrounds the lake but sometimes varies depending on the rainfall. Since it is 6,181 feet above sea level, it has an average depth of 20 feet. Njorowa Gorge made the lake’s outlet, but it is now high above it and has become an entrance to Hells Gate National Park. Also, the town of Naivasha lies on the eastern edge of this lake.
This lake is home to nearly 400 species, especially birds and hippos. The fish population in the lake keeps changing because of changes in climate and fishing activities. There has been a shift in the fish population in recent years; in 2001, an accidental introduction of common carp happened, and nine years later, in 2010, it led to over 90% of the fish getting caught in the lake. There are also two other smaller lakes around Lake Naivasha. They are Lake Oloiden and Lake Sonachi. The lake shore is known for having a good population of European immigrants and settlers. There is also the Creator Lake Game Sanctuary near the lake.
Must Read: Things To Do In Nairobi
Agriculture, Industry And Water Levels
Image Credit: Arthur Buliva for Wikimedia Commons
Floriculture is the primary industry around Lake Naivasha. The rest of the lake is used for irrigation, reducing the lake’s level, which has become a subject of concern in Kenya. Fishing is also an activity that is a source of employment and income for the local population around this lake. This lake dried up in the 1980s but has been dramatically revived. It is described as the jewel in the crown of all the East African lakes. In 1989, the first geothermal plant for the lake was commissioned, and by 1985, 45 MW of electricity was generated in this area.
Initially, Lake Naivasha formed a single deep freshwater lake that eventually had a single deep freshwater lake with the neighbouring lakes, Lake Elementaita and Lake Nakuru, 10,000 years ago. But it later dried up and was divided into three lakes. The lake’s water level reached 0.6 m depth in 1945, which is very low, but the water level rose again with minimal improvements to a maximum depth of 6 m by 1968. It was also a concern in 1987, as it was doubted that this lake’s underground water might feed the geothermal reservoir at Olkaria. This became a cause for concern for the future of the geothermal industry in this area. The lake’s surface area has now increased by over 50%, which has led many people living around this lake to leave. It also supports many local companies, like boat rides and showing around the crescent island, which makes a living for the local people by taking tourists around.
Places To Visit Near Lake Naivasha
Here are a few places to visit near Lake Naivasha for a memorable trip.
1. Hell’s Gate National Park
Image Credit: Ninara for Wikimedia Commons
Hell’s Gate National Park is located in the southern region of Lake Naivasha, Kenya, in the northwestern part of Nairobi. It was established in 1984 and named after the narrow break in the cliffs that was once a tributary of a prehistoric lake used by early humans in the Rift Valley.
This National Park is a small area with various wildlife and beautiful scenery. It has three basic campsites, one of which includes a Maasai cultural centre that provides education about the Maasai tribe’s traditions. The park got its name in 1883 from the explorers Fisher and Thomson. Mount Longonot erupted in the early 1900s, and the ash around Hell’s Gate can still be felt. The park is open from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., with an entry fee of KSH 300 for adults and KSH 250 for children.
Location: Hells Gate National Park, Kenya
Timings: 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
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2. Crescent Island Game Sanctuary
Image Credit: Heigen Villacarlos for Wikimedia Commons
Crescent Island Game Sanctuary is a peninsula on the eastern side of Lake Naivasha. This island was created in 1988 when the level of Lake Naivasha dropped, which allowed it to become a part of the mainland. On the eastern side of this island, a private boating club is located for sailing. It is known to be one of the most beautiful reserves in Kenya but also the best-kept secret of Naivasha. It is surrounded by water, and hands can be accessed only through boats from the eastern or western sides. It is also home to various bird species that roam freely between the lake and the island.
Some species are found, like fish eagles, herons, black cranes, ospreys and many more. There are animals like giraffes, zebras, kongoni, waterbucks and many more. This sanctuary also has many activities, like bird watching, boat riding, nature walks, horseback riding and climbing Mount Longonot. This place is open from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., but the entry is closed at 4:30 p.m.
Location: Crescent Island Game Sanctuary, Crescent Island, Naivasha, Kenya
Timings: 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., but the entry closes at 4:30 p.m.
3. Mount Longonot
Image Credit: Hansueli Krapf for Wikimedia Commons
Mount Longonot is a stratovolcano located on the southeast side of Lake Naivasha. It is believed that it erupted in the 1860s. It got its name from the Maasai word, which means mountains of many peaks. Kenya Wildlife Services protects this amount. The tour from the Park entrance to the top takes nearly 4 to 5 hours of trek, with necessary breaks. It is a very steep area. Hence, it takes a lot of time. There is a forest with small trees that cover the crater floor, and small streams are found around the crater’s walls. The mountain has many species, like zebras, giraffes, Thomson’s gazelles, and buffaloes.
Location: Mount Longonot, Kenya
Timings: 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Further Read: Places To Visit In Kenya
Now that you have a list of things to remember while travelling plan your trip to Nairobi and Lake Naivasha to create amazing memories. Here, you can sit back and relax at the seashores while having your favourite glass of drink. Collect beautiful memories, click stunning photos, and book your tickets now.
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Cover Image Credit: Naivasha Lake for Wikimedia Common
Frequently Asked Questions About Lake Naivasha
What is the best time to visit Lake Naivasha?
The months of June to October are the best times to visit Lake Naivasha because it is hot during those times and the surroundings are green.
How to reach Lake Naivasha?
By air, Nairobi Airport is the nearest one. From there, tourists can take Matutu, a local taxi available around the city, to the place.
What is the climate in Nairobi?
Nairobi has a subtropical climate. It is a subtropical area because it is located at a high altitude, but it may get cool in June or July. It is recommended that you visit this place during this season.
What is Lake Naivasha famous for?
Lake Naivasha is renowned for its vast population of flamingos and Hippos. This lake is also home to many bird species, which tourists can observe.
What are some activities you can do near Lake Naivasha?
There are many activities, such as trekking to Mount Longonot, bird watching, photography, nature walks, horse riding, boat riding, and wildlife Safaris.
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