Lake Naivasha Kenya

Lake Naivasha is a freshwater lake in Kenya, outside the town of Naivasha in Nakuru County, which lies northwest of Nairobi. It is part of the Great Rift Valley. The name derives from the local Maasai name Nai’posha, meaning “rough water” because of the sudden storms which can arise.

Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha’s little brother, is located just to the northwest, this mirror-like body of water is one of the real jewels of the Kenyan Rift.

Shining in hues of sky-blue beneath the red rock ridges of Hell, as mentioned earlier in Gate Park, the spot is widely famed for its thriving birdlife.

For example, there are uber-rare bearded vultures to see, along with ospreys, hawks, and eagles.

Add to that the geothermal power plants and geological phenomenon that occurs in the nearby mountains and it’s easy to see why Naivasha is now considered such a fascinating place to visit!

Things to do in Lake Naivasha Kenya

Search for flamingos at Lake Elmenteita

While Lake Bogoria is the more famous haunt for both Greater and Lesser Flamingos, Lake Elmenteita is also home to the vast flocks of brightly coloured birds during the year.

Depending on conditions, Lake Elmenteita can be your best chance to spot the huge crowds of pink birds, even when absent.

Swim at Ol Karia Geothermal Spa

Located within Hell’s Gate National Park, Ol Karia (or Olkaria) is the largest geothermal spa of its kind in Africa.

Heated by the volcanic activity that gives Hell’s Gate its name, the man-made pools of Ol Karia are a great place to soak in the warm waters and wash away the dust of the road.

Discover the Karlandusi Cradle of Mankind

Much like Oldupai Gorge in Tanzania, Karlandusi claims to be the Cradle of Mankind.

Dating back more than 1 million years, this Stone Age site is rumoured to have been a prehistoric ‘factory’ where stone tools were produced for use elsewhere.

Boat excursion

The most popular attraction at Lake Naivasha is undoubtedly the chance to take a guided boat safari out onto the water.

Dead trees reach up out of the cool blue water like grasping hands as a huge assortment of birdlife moves about. Everything from pelicans to cranes to smaller, more brightly coloured birds is on display.

The waters themselves are home to wallowing hippopotamuses, and along the shores, you’ll spot Cape buffalo and other herbivores.

Experience Walking with the animals at Crescent Island

Easily combined with the boat safari, a visit to the Crescent Island Sanctuary offers a rare chance to literally walk with the animals.

The island sanctuary isn’t home to any predators, so you can safely trade the safari car for your own two feet as you wander alongside zebras, giraffes, and wildebeest!

Visit Hell’s Gate National Park

With its volcanic landscape, Hell’s Gate might put you in mind of paying a visit to another planet. Red earth, towering stone pillars and cliffs, and a sparse animal population make it something completely different from what you’ll find elsewhere.

Climb Mt. Longonot

For the more adventurous, the opportunity to hike a dormant volcano might be too hard to resist!

A relatively challenging 4–5-hour hike, the ascent to the crater of Mount Longonot takes you through land inhabited by buffalo, antelopes, and even leopards.