Explore Lake Naivasha 2024
Explore Lake Naivasha 2024 : The freshwater lake considered as being the highest on the rift system is Lake Naivasha, which is located on the eastern side of the East African Rift. The lake, albeit not strictly a national reserve, is still popular with kenya safari and nature lovers because of its rich biodiversity. The papyrus swamp, verdant valley, and breathtaking scenery of Kenya’s Lake Naivasha surpass even the most ardent kenya safari traveller’s expectations. Acacia woods with a varied ecosystem are found grazing the lush, fertile terrain of Kenya’s oasis. The Lake Naivasha woodland area is home to a variety of wildlife, including woodpeckers, hawks, cuckoos, shrikes, and other birds. The Lake Naivasha wetland is designated as a RAMSAR site that displays and protects a varied bionetwork due to its unique ecology.
The vast population of enormous hippos and water-beast crocodiles may be found in Naivasha Lake, where the woodland zone harbours an abundance of birds. Lake Naivasha’s freshwater is home to fish like crayfish, black bass, and tilapia. When it comes to the fauna that inhabits the lake region, one can see buffalos, zebras, impalas, and waterbucks meandering around the lake. The night safari excursion, which marks the existence of nocturnal animals, is frequently organised by the lodge near Lake Naivasha.
Popular places to visit around Lake Naivasha
Whereabouts
South of Lake Naivasha in the Great Rift Valley, near the Kenyan town of Nakuru, lies Hell’s Gate National Park.
There are 25.35 square kilometres in the Hells Gate National Park.
Past Events
Originally called after a gorge that fed residents of the Rift Valley and served as a stream of an ancient lake, Hells Gate National Park was formally formed in 1984.The Gorge was called “Hell’s Gate” by explorers Fisher and Thomson in 1883, and Mount Longonot Volcano is located close. The volcano erupted in the early 1900s, leaving behind traces that may still be seen today.
Entry Costs
Hell’s Gate National Park charges USD 30 for adults and USD 20 for children to enter.
Operating Hours
Hell’s Gate National Park is open every day from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
How to get there
Via Road
It takes almost two hours to go the 55 miles from Nairobi. The picturesque Rift Valley escarpment is traversed by the road.
Through Air
After a quick flight from Wilson Airport in Nairobi to Naivasha Airport, visitors can drive the final 17 miles to Hell’s Gate National Park.
The Best time to visit
Climate and Weather
The average daily temperature in Hell’s Gate National Park is 78 degrees Fahrenheit, which is reached during the dry winter season from June to August and into the spring months of September and October. The park has a temperate climate overall. November to early January is when the brief rainy season occurs. The lengthy rainfall occurs from March through May. If you want to go on a safari or go hiking, you might think about going between June and August, when it’s colder.
Avoid Crowds
If you want to avoid the crowds at Hell’s Gate National Park, try visiting outside of the dry, winter months of June through August. The best times to visit the park are in January and February, during the short and long rains. This will provide them the best opportunity of seeing more wildlife, fewer cars on safari, and greater availability.
Value for Money
Compared to other important reserves in the nation, Hell’s Gate National Park offers excellent safari and adventure experiences at a significantly lesser cost because it is one of the less frequented national parks in Kenya. There will be some lodging choices inside Hell’s Gate National Park, but most will be outside the area. Most of these are reasonably priced, mid-range to chain-style hotels.
Mount Longonot
Mount Longonot is an extinct volcano that rises like a monolith from the Great Rift Valley level. The dense forest that is located inside the mountain’s crater is one of its special features. In addition, the crater rim offers breathtaking views of Lake Naivasha and the stunning Rift Valley. The common zebra, giraffe, Grant’s gazelles, buffaloes, elands, lions, leopards, bushbucks, and other wildlife are among Mount Longonot’s main draws.
Lake Oloiden
Originally a part of Lake Naivasha, Lake Oloiden is now isolated from it by a 200-meter high area of land. Less expansive than Lake Naivasha, this lake is serene and serene, supporting more than 400 bird species, such as the captivating pelicans and the famous African fish eagle. The Maa term “oloiden,” which translates to “salty,” is a crucial breeding area for common and white-necked cormorants.
We heartily urge our Loldia House visitors to visit this little-known lake, which is both a refuge for lesser flamingos and a really beautiful location. Join one of our guides for a boat safari on Lake Oloiden, and they will point out every kind of wetland and water bird that can be seen along the lakeshore.
Kigio Wildlife Conservancy
Located between Lake Nakuru and Lake Naivasha in Gilgil, Kenya, in the Great Rift Valley, lies the community-owned, -operated, and -managed Kigio Wildlife Conservancy. Covering 3500 acres, the Kigio Wildlife Conservancy is a protected region of Leleshwa bushes, forests, euphorbia, and riverine flora.
The Kigio Conservancy offers breathtaking views of Lake Naivasha, Aberdares, and Mount Longonot to visitors, and it is located around two to three hours away from Nairobi, the capital of Kenya.
Originally owned by colonialists, European settlers utilised the Kigio Conservancy as a cattle ranch during the colonial era. The ranch’s primary uses were the rearing of cattle herds and other livestock-related operations. As the colonial era came to an end, the European settlers sold the ranch to the Kigio people, which is where the conservancy derives its name. Upon purchasing the ranch, the Kigio community made the decision to convert it into a wildlife habitat, reasoning that wildlife would do better there than cattle would.
The Kigio community’s choice to turn the ranch into a wildlife habitat has undoubtedly paid off, since the Kigio Wildlife Conservancy is one of Kenya’s most popular wildlife sites, drawing large numbers of visitors year-round. In that sense, the Kigio Wildlife Conservancy provides income for the local community, which also owns and operates the preserve.
Crater Lake Tented Camp and Game Sanctuary
Situated roughly 10 kilometres from Naivasha town and 90 km from Nairobi city, Crater Lake Game Sanctuary is a small private sanctuary centred around a volcanic crater lake with breathtaking emerald water. Due to the breathtakingly emerald water, the Crater Lake game reserve is particularly popular with flamingos. Other wildlife can also be seen there, as the lake is surrounded by a variety of grasslands and woodlands. The sanctuary serves as a tourism safari for all visitors, and it is best explored on foot in order to get up close and personal with all of the game that calls it home.
With over 170 bird species, the Crater Lake Game Sanctuary is a popular destination for Kenyan birdwatchers. Some of the species that can be seen there are the Greater and Lesser Flamingos, Little Grebes, Cape Teal and Ruff’s, Great White Pelican, Whiskered Tern, Maribou, Grey and Black Headed Heron, African Fish Eagle, Yellow-billed Storks, Pied Avocets, Egyptian Geese, and many more.
