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Description
Lake Naivasha covers an area of approximately 139 square kilometers and has a circumference of approximately 64 kilometers. It's one of the larger freshwater lakes in Kenya and is situated at an elevation of about 1,884 meters in the Great Rift Valley. The lake's size can vary depending on the season and rainfall, but it's generally quite expansive. The lake is home to a variety of types of wildlife including over 400 different species of bird and a sizable population of hippos.
The most visible birds are cormorants, pelicans, Little Egret, Sacred Ibis, Hadada Ibis, African Spoonbill, Squacco Heron, African Jacana, Pied Kingfisher, Giant Kingfisher and you can't miss the African Fish-eagle. Depending on the water level many more birds can be seen on the lake and on the banks.
The edges of Lake Naivasha are fringed with yellow fever trees which host a wide variety of birds. Birds you can spot in the woodland include White-fronted Bee-eaters, Brown-backed Honeybird, Black-lored and Arrow-marked Babblers, Variable Sunbird, Green Woodhoopoe, African Grey, Cardinal and Nubian Woodpeckers.
Details
Access
Lake Naivasha is located in the Great Rift Valley, approximately 90 kilometers northwest of Nairobi. The most convenient way is to drive. It's about a 90-minute drive from Nairobi. You can rent a car or hire a taxi. For a more budget-friendly option, you can take a matatu (local minivan). These are available from various points in Nairobi.
There are numerous good birdwatching spots around the lake, but the lake's challenge is its accessibility. A large portion of the lake's shores are occupied by hotels and resorts, private reserves and conservancies, or privately owned plots. Parts of the shores are also built up with greenhouses and villages. Therefore, the best option is a boat trip, which can be arranged through various lodges and resorts around the lake. I have marked one of the spots where boat trips are offered with (1), no reservation needed. Press on the P next to the 1 on the map for directions (you may have to zoom in on the map to see the P). And I have marked one of the few spots with an unobstructed view of a beautiful marshy part of the lake with (2). But you need your own transport (4WD) to get there. Press on the P next to the 2 on the map for directions (you may have to zoom in on the map to see the P). Another option is to visit one of the many private nature reserves on the shore, or book a room in one of the resorts along the lake.
Terrain and Habitat
Lake , Scattered trees and bushes , WetlandConditions
Open landscapeCircular trail
NoIs a telescope useful?
Can be usefulGood birding season
All year roundRoute
Paved road , Wide path , Unpaved road , Narrow trailDifficulty walking trail
EasyAccessible by
Foot , CarBirdwatching hide / platform
NoExtra info
Be aware that this is a wildlife area and there are hippos living in the lake.