Lake Naivasha, Kenya

Lake Naivasha is a beautiful freshwater lake, the second largest in the area after Lake Baringo. The lake is 12 kilometres across, but its waters are shallow. Lake area varies greatly according to rainfall, almost doubling it size after the rainy season.

At the beginning of the 20th Century, Naivasha completely dried up and effectively disappeared. The resulting open land was farmed, until heavy rains a few years later caused the lake to return to existence, swallowing up the newly established estates.  Today, the lake and its surrounds are rich in natural bounty, and the fertile soils and water supply attracts many animals.

Much of the lake is surrounded by forests of the yellow barked Acacia Xanthophlea, known as the yellow fever tree. These forests abound with bird life, and having recently been declared a Ramsar site (a site or wetlands of international importance for migratory wildfowl), Naivasha is now known as a world class birding destination.  Species to be found here include the great white pelican and the fish eagle, who come to feed on the fish that are so abundant in the lake's fresh water, as well as kingfisher, grey-capped warbler and cormorants to name but a few.

The waters of the lake draw a great range of game to these shores. Giraffes wander among the acacia, buffalo wallow in the swamps and Colobus monkeys call from the treetops.  Meanwhile, the lake's large hippo population sleep the day out in the shallows.  Boat trips on the lake are widely available depending on the water level, and is a great way to explore the lake.

Sunsets are always stunning, with the haunting call of a Fish Eagle high over the Lake bringing the day to a perfect end....

Photos of Lake Naivasha