Situated in Kenya’s Great Rift Valley, around 90 kilometres north-west of Nairobi, Naivasha is a lively town that serves as the gateway to Lake Naivasha, one of the country's most important freshwater lakes. The surrounding Lake Naivasha basin is a popular base for exploring volcanic landscapes, nature reserves and national parks. Visitors can take boat trips across the water to spot hippos and a wide variety of birdlife, walk among free-roaming giraffes, zebras and antelope on Crescent Island, or explore the dramatic gorges and cliffs of Hell’s Gate National Park on foot or by bicycle. Surrounded by acacia woodland and Rift Valley escarpments, the region offers a distinctive blend of outdoor adventure, wildlife encounters and natural beauty.
Elmenteita, meaning ‘place of dust’, is a photogenic, little soda lake situated in Kenya’s Great Rift Valley. Famously attracting many visiting flamingos as well as many other birds, it has been named as a World Heritage Site for its prolific birdlife. This is where Kenya’s most famous settler Lord Delamere lived and he was responsible for much of Kenya’s early agricultural experimentation in this fertile area; it is still inhabited by some of his descendants. The shores are often filled with wildlife and the surrounding forests are perfect for long walks and bird watching. Visitors can look forward to visiting the idyllic Kekopey hot springs, game viewing along the lake’s edge, and numerous other activities. Look out for eland, kudu, zebra, gazelle, and warthog families.
Resting in the Kenyan Rift Valley, Lake Baringo National Park features a large freshwater lake. Considered Kenya’s most popular bird watching site, it is home to at least 470 of the country’s 1200 known avian species. Pelican, cormorants, fish eagles, and flamingos are among the most common birds sighted on and around the lake, which also provides a habitat for crocodiles and hippos. Boat trips are the best way to explore this aquatic park and its three islands. Don’t miss a visit to Baringo Community Museum and Reptile Park, which displays several species of snakes, lizards, crocodiles, and tortoises.
