Africa, the Dark Continent, brings to our mind a picture of extreme conditions – hostile terrains of the Sahara and Kalahari Deserts, vast endless grasslands, the Rift Valley cutting across the continent, some of the largest lakes in the world and the longest river on earth (as per our old geography textbooks). The beauty of Africa is difficult to describe, unless seen. It is relatively less disturbed by man’s interventions, compared to Asia, Europe or the Americas.
One of the most popular travel destinations in Africa is the Masai Mara. After 2 eventful days in the Masai Mara, it was time to head back to Nairobi. But with a small detour to one of the large lakes of Kenya, Lake Naivasha. The drive from Masai Mara to Lake Naivasha, is a mix of bad roads (towards the Mara side, and then smooth highways running through the undulations of the African Rift Valley.
This highway offers some of the most spectacular views of the Rift Valley. The road also passes by Mt. Longonot, an inactive stratovolcano. The geothermal activity in the area can be gauged by the puffs of steam being released from the ground and visible several kms away.
After a 5-hour drive, we reached the Lake Naivasha Country Club. The Nairobi Kenya resort dates back to the 1930’s when it was a stopover for flights connecting Britain with Africa. Since then it has transformed into a sprawling resort. Our lunch for the day, was scheduled at the resort.
The lawns of the resort regularly get visitors like zebras, waterbucks, other antelope, baboons, and several bird species. These animals freely graze on the resort lawns undisturbed by anyone.
Post lunch we went for an hour-long boat ride on the freshwater lake which is located on the highest elevation of the Kenyan Rift valley. The ride skirts by the periphery of the Crescent Island and covers about 10% of the overall 140 sq km surface area of the lake.
The views of the surrounding Kenyan Rift valley crests and troughs, makes for beautiful panoramic shots. You’ll find fishermen using traditional methods and wading through the chest high waters of the lake.
And this in relatively close vicinity of a Hippo herd, nearly fully submerged in the lake. Alongside, fishing eagles, cormorants, pelicans, geese and kingfishers and other divers and waders offer company on this boat ride.
After this, the only thing pending was a hot cup of chai accompanied by a Swahili song to complete the evening, before heading back to Nairobi.
How to get to Lake Naivasha:
Closest Airport: Nairobi, is 90kms away from Lake Naivasha, and is the best airport in Kenya. If you have booked your tour operator (which is definitely recommended), they will arrange for the pickup from Nairobi and ride upto Lake Naivasha.
Lake Nakuru National Park, another attraction about 70kms away, is famous for its population of flamingos, making it appear like a sea of pink, along with sighting of the Black and White Rhinos and the Rothschild Giraffes.
The best way to travel within Kenya is by road. Most tour operators will arrange for the inter destination transit as a part of the overall package.
