Lake Naivasha National Park

Lake Naivasha National Park, popularly known as “Sheer Adventure,” is located in the rising portion of the Great Rift Valley bottom. The park is centred around a freshwater lake. The freshwater lake is known as Lake Naivasha, which means “rough water” in Swahili. Lake Naivasha is one of several freshwater lakes in Kenya, located just a few kilometres from the town of Naivasha. It is also one of Kenya’s most frequently visited national parks.

The park is located northwest of the city, Nairobi, and is one of the significant rift valley landforms seen in the region. The park’s name is taken from the Maasai term “Naiposha,” which means “rough water,” in reference to the park’s frequent and unexpected storms. The park is flanked by two smaller lakes: Lake Oloidien and Lake Sonachi, also known as the Green Crater Lake.

Lake Naivasha National Park contains unique features such as an extinct volcano named Mount Longonot and a dense forest that runs along the crater Mountain. The park is dominated by Umbrella Acacia trees, which grow largely along the lake’s shores. The park reserve is now occupied by flower growing farms, which export to the majority of worldwide markets.

The national park was formed on April 10, 1995, and covers an area of 140 square kilometres. The majority of the park is covered by a shallow, seasonal freshwater lake. The amount of water grows during the rainy season and decreases during the dry season. Lake Naivasha National Park is located in the northwest of Nairobi, along the Great Rift Valley region. The park is well-known as a birding destination, particularly along the lake’s banks and at the adjoining Hells Gate National Park.

Lake Naivasha National Park is about an hour and a half’s drive from Nairobi and offers spectacular views of the Rift Valley escarpments. The park is an excellent spot to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life and experience something different. Lake Naivasha National Park offers a relaxing one or two-day safari.

Attractions in Lake Naivasha National Park

The little Lake Naivasha national park is endowed with a plethora of features, making your brief safari enjoyable. The park has been a popular destination since it serves as a transit route between Lake Naivasha National Park and Hells Gate, which are adjacent and can be completed on the same day. The following are the main attractions in Lake Naivasha National Park:

Elsamere:

These are stippled trees with sisal that make up the woodland along the borders of Lake Naivasha. The forest contains a variety of tree species, including yellow fever trees, which were named after their colour, Candelabra euphorbia, and many others. The park was originally home to the famed conservationist Joy Adamson, author of the best-selling book Born Free.

Crescent island:

This is one of the private island sanctuaries located in the Great Rift Valley region. The island is not walled, which allows animals to roam freely. The island is accessible by boat or 4×4 wheel drive over the small swampy road that leads to the sanctuary. The road is primarily utilised by buffalos and other animals, and it becomes impassable during the wet season. Nature hikes are permitted in only a few locations across the park.

Lake Naivasha

This is the park’s major attraction, and the park is called for the blue lake. The tiny lake is seasonal and particularly choppy during the wet season. The lake’s borders are covered with papyrus and other forest plants, which attracts more birds and animals. Birders enjoy boating at Lake Naivasha while looking for swamp bird species along the lake.

Mount Longonot:

Mount Longnot is an extinct volcano with a height of 2776 meters above sea level. The mountain’s last eruption occurred in the 1860s. Maasai natives named the mountain, which is now a park, Olo Nongot, which means “Mountain of Many Summits.” It features a big crater rim on top with no water, and the walk takes between 2 and 4 hours, depending on your experience.

Crater Lake Game Sanctuary.

Crater Lake’s name implies its diminutive size, but it is a magnificent jade-colored lake caused by volcanic activity. Located in the heart of the park, it is a popular destination for birders, with over 150 bird species documented around the crater wildlife sanctuary alone. It is also home to major wildlife species such as giraffes, zebras, leopards, and many others.

Birds:

Lake Naivasha National Park is one of Kenya’s two areas designated as wetlands of international importance under the Ramsar Convention. The park is home to approximately 350 bird species, which are supported by a diverse spectrum of vegetative cover, ranging from swamp vegetation to woods. More swamp species call the thick papyrus home, including weaver birds, gonolek, Palearctic duck, African fish eagles, Oxyura, flamingo, red-knobbed coot, small Greb, African Spoonbill, and Porzana pusilla, among others.

Animals:

Lake Naivasha National Park features deep blue lakes with Acacia woods on the shores, an extinct volcano, and dramatic bottomless canyons, all of which provide drama. The park is home to approximately 100 different grazer and hunter species. There are large cats like as leopards and lions, as well as hippos, giraffes, zebras, buffalo, and many other animals. Animals are seen all year and have no migratory history. Game viewing can be done by bike, on foot, in a safari van, or on horseback.

Despite its tiny size, Lake Naivasha National Park provides an excellent experience for visitors. It only stays silent if one is keen in seeing the African big five, but it has more game and can be complemented with visits to Lake Nakuru, Hells Gate, and Masai Mara. The park is parked with high drama.

Game viewing:

With over 100 animal species found in the park, travellers may experience full-day game drives that take them up close to see the animals in their natural habitat. The park can be visited all year, but the greatest time is during the dry season, when the park grass is short and animals congregate near the lake and water catchment region. Hippos, giraffes, zebras, waterbuck, wildebeest, and a variety of other creatures are available in the game.

Birding:

Lake Naivasha National Park is home to an astonishing variety of birds, with over 350 bird species. A diverse group of wetland birds that leave their nests in papyrus swamps, Acacia trees, and other habitats. The most commonly seen birds include kingfishers, jacanas, herons, flamigos, fish eagles, lovebirds, doves, marabou storks, weavers, and others. The park is regarded as a birding paradise that should not be missed on your birding trip in Kenya.

Horseback riding safari:

This is a popular activity in a few Kenyan national parks. Take a game drive on horseback and get up close to the wildlife. You will be close to the wildlife while escorted by a game ranger as your guide. You will be riding the horse as you sense concealment. They are ideal for honeymooners and first-time visitors to Africa to experience the fresh air of the African environment.

Hike Longonot Mountain.

Do you have no hiking experience yet want to realise your dream of reaching the top of several mountains? Hiking up Mount Longonot is an excellent opportunity that does not require any prior knowledge. It simply requires some physical fitness; the walk lasts 2 to 4 hours, depending on your fitness. Zebras, giraffes, buffalo, hartebeest, and other animals call the volcano base home. The mountain is also attractive, and the big crater on top provides an aerial perspective of Lake Naivasha National Park.

Boat Cruise:

The freshwater lake that comprises the majority of the park allows boat trips, especially during the rainy season. The birders interact with boat riders as they travel to the lake shores for birdwatching and other activities.

Lake Naivasha National Park is a popular stop for tourists travelling from Masai Mara National Reserve to Lake Nakuru National Park. It is the finest option for a one-day safari while in Nairobi on business.