Lake Naivasha

Located in the Rift Valley relatively close to Nairobi, Lake Naivasha is a beautiful freshwater lake almost 13 kms across, yet shallow-watered.

This existence of fresh water makes the area very fertile, and the surrounding forests are renowned as a world class birding destination. A considerable range of game is drawn here too, as recorded on the Information Tab below. Sport fish, including the Nile perch, have also been introduced here of late.

During colonial times Naivasha hosted the infamous 'Happy Valley' social set, who lived and partied to excess in the huge mansions and ranch houses that grew up around the lake. They are long gone, but the colonial ambiance remains to the benefit of visitors here.

Situated just south of Lake Naivasha, Hells Gate National Park covers 68sq km of mainly grassland and shrubland with acacia.  The route through the park is spectacular leading through a gorge lined with sheer red cliffs.  There is a river in the bottom of the gorge into which hot springs flow. It is also possible to visit Lake Nakuru from here (see the Other Information Tab below)