Lake Naivasha

Lake Naivasha is a beautiful freshwater lake, fringed by thick papyrus. Lake Naivasha is the highest lake in the Rift Valley, located at an elevation of 1,884 meters above sea level. Lake Naivasha has a surface area of 139 square kilometers. The lake is a Ramsar site — a wetland of international importance — since 1995. Lake Naivasha is almost 13 kilometers across, but its waters are shallow with an average depth of five meters.

Lake Naivasha is fed by the perennial Malewa and Gilgil rivers, both of which originate from the Aberdares Ranges. Other streams that empty their water into the lake have their source in the Mau escarpment. There is no visible outlet, but since the lake water is relatively fresh, it is assumed to have an underground outflow. Lake Naivasha is a well-known world-class birding and safari destination in Kenya. It is a perfect place for a day birding tour, as it is conveniently close to Nairobi. Birdwatching in Lake Naivasha is done by Boat ride and also walking along the shoreline. The African Fish Eagle, Africa’s most iconic bird species, with its haunting cry which symbolizes “wilderness Africa,” will be seen in huge numbers, perfectly perched in the gigantic Yellow-backed Acacias.

Lake Naivasha is home to a variety of types of wildlife, including over 400 different species of birds and a sizeable population of hippos, buffaloes, wildebeest, impalas, zebras, giraffes, and waterbucks. There are two smaller lakes in the vicinity of Lake Naivasha:

Lake Oloiden

Once a saline lake, Lake Oloiden has undergone remarkable ecological changes over the decades. In the early 1980s, when Lake Naivasha’s water levels began to drop, Oloiden became increasingly isolated and gradually turned saline. By the mid-1990s, it had lost most of its aquatic plants and fish life, but conditions became ideal for the growth of Spirulina (Arthrospira) — a green photosynthetic bacterium that serves as a favorite food source for Lesser Flamingos.

Today, Lake Oloiden has reverted to freshwater, reconnecting with the broader Naivasha ecosystem during high water periods. The lake now supports a growing diversity of birdlife, including Great White Pelicans, African Fish Eagles, African Spoonbills, and flocks of both Lesser and Greater Flamingos that still visit its shallows. Its tranquil setting makes it a popular spot for both birdwatching and photography.

Lake Sonachi (Green Crater Lake)

Tucked within a dramatic volcanic crater just west of Lake Naivasha lies Lake Sonachi, also known as the Green Crater Lake — a small, saline-alkaline lake surrounded by steep, intact crater walls. The lake’s vivid green hue and tranquil setting create a striking contrast to the open waters of Lake Naivasha nearby.

Though believed to be connected to Lake Naivasha through underground seepage, this link remains unproven. The crater floor is partly wooded, providing habitat for Black-and-white Colobus Monkeys and a variety of bird species. Among the Leleshwa bushes, patient birders may be rewarded with sightings of the rare Grey-crested Helmetshrike, one of the area’s most sought-after species.

Other attractions around Lake Naivasha

There are other attractions close to Lake Naivasha are; Mount Longonot National Park which is known for hiking, Hell’s Gate National Park (named after a narrow break in the cliffs, once a tributary of a prehistoric lake that fed early humans in the Great Rift Valley).

Mau Eburu Forest is the easternmost conservatory of the 22 gazetted forest blocks that form the vast 420,000 hectares Mau Forest Complex good for birding and hiking, it has a healthy population of the endangered Bongo with more than 100 believed to be living in the forest

To explore the Lake, there are two options; taking a boat ride for an hour or more, also walking along its shore, There are various accommodation facilities within the lake from the budget to luxurious