ABOUT LAKE NAIVASHA

Lake Naivasha is a freshwater water lake in Great Africa Rift Valley. It is located north west of Nairobi. Its name is derived from local Maasai name ‘Nai’posha’ meaning rough water”. It is so called due to the sudden storms which can occur in the lake. The lake is a Ramsar site and is one of the highest rift valley lakes. It is fed by perennial Malewa and Gilgil River besides small streams.
The lake is surrounded by acacia woodland and is a home to considerable species of wildlife. Being a freshwater lake, it also has a healthy fish population such as Black bass, Tilapia and Crayfish. Mammals found here include dikdik, Masai giraffe, plains zebra, rock hyrax, Thomson’s gazelle, warthog, waterbuck, impala, Grant’s gazelle. The lake is also a home to over 400 species of birds like storks, white and pink-backed pelicans, African fish eagles and malachite kingfishers, long-tailed cormorant, African darter, black-crowned night-heron, squacco heron, hammerkop, African open-billed stork, red-billed teal and knob-billed duck.

WHEN TO GO ?

The best time to visit Lake Naivasha is during January when the season is dry. Though vegetation may not be lush, it is easier to spot animals huddled together near sources of water.