Lake Naivasha
The name Naivasha is synonymous with Kenya’s early settler community – and in particular with the decadent lifestyles of the notorious ‘Happy Valley crowd’. It is an undeserved reputation, for although a few lives were led to excess here during the 1930s and 40s, Naiveté was primarily a place of wheat farming, cattle breeding and hard work. Today, much of the old grazing ground has given way to more lucrative horticulture, but Naivasha remains a pearl for the visitor: a beautiful crystal clear lake, 6,000 feet above sea level, ringed by some of the country’s most charming and luxurious holiday retreats. The lake itself is home to hundreds of hippo, and plains game and cats still roam the game sanctuaries run by several of the lodges and farms. The lake also boasts one of the greatest diversities run by several of the lodges and farms. The lake also boasts one of the greatest diversities of birdlife in the world, with more than 400 species recorded to date.
Lake Naivasha is one of the few fresh water lakes in the Great Rift Valley and thus provides water for wildlife and agriculture alike. The verdant shores, fringed with papyrus are a haven for birds as are the huge acacia trees scattered through the lush pastures that border the lake. Spend a day on the lake enjoying the bird life, looking out for hippos and maybe even casting a line in the hope of catching a bass or tilapia, two of the delicious fresh water fish found in the lake.
Close by on the south eastern end of the lake is Hell’s Gate National Park. This small park, with its towering cliffs of a gorge that was once a river leading off Naivasha, is famous for its raptors.
Another lovely place to visit is a private reserve that encompasses a crater lake situated in a small volcanic “blow hole”. This emerald green lake hidden away in the crater and surrounded by towering trees is home to several troupes of colobus monkeys and many species of birds.
From Naivasha you can take an easy day trip to Lake Nakuru National Park. Here you can watch the vast flocks of flamingo feeding on the algae in the lake whilst taking a game drive in search of lion, buffalo and rhino that are to be found amongst the plains game that live in this spectacular park.
There are some of the largest flower and vegetable producing farms in the world situated on the shores of the lake and a tour around the vast rose and carnation plantations is an interesting experience and gives one an insight into the bouquet you buy in a store at home!
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