Why is Naivasha famous?
Why is Naivasha famous? One of the main settlements in the Rift Valley is Naivasha, Kenya, which is located northwest of Nairobi. It was one of the first depots built during the colonial era, acting as an airport for flying boats, which were the most common way for people to go from Europe. The first international airport in Kenya is located in Naivasha, where European aircraft land to drop off and pick up passengers in the waters of Lake Naivasha. Around 1958, when improvements in aviation made it possible for large planes to land on land, flying boats—as the passenger planes were then known—came to an end.
The Maasai phrase “nai posha,” which roughly translates to “a place of rough waters,” is where the word Naivasha originated. Because Nakuru is vulnerable to flash floods and violent storms, particularly during the extended rainy season (March to May), the Maasai used to refer to the city as “a place of rough water.” In addition to being a popular kenya safari domestic travel destination, Naivasha is also a popular international travel destination. It is definitely competing with Mombasa, which was named Africa’s Cruise Port and Africa’s Leading Destination in 2024. Naivasha is the perfect place to get away from major cities like Nairobi (voted Africa’s Leading Meetings & Conference Destination, 2024) and Diani (voted Africa’s Leading Beach Destination for the third consecutive year in 2024).
Despite its association with Lake Naivasha, the largest lake in the Rift Valley of Kenya, the town is home to a number of Kenya safari attractions that make it a must-see location on the world travel map. A trip to Hells’ Gate National Park, which is named after the two red-tinged cliffs that encircle the park’s bubbling hot springs, and Oserian Wildlife Sanctuary, which is home to leopards, Beisa Oryx, cheetahs, white rhinos, and more, are a couple of these attractions. My usual recommendation to clients on a multi-day trip to Lake Naivasha is to spend one day away from the wildlife in order to take advantage of one of the greatest climbing opportunities on the neighbouring Longonot mountain.
There is a lot to learn and admire in Naivasha, which is different from living in advanced countries. If you’re the adventurous kind, Naivasha offers the ideal chance to sample the regional cuisine or to zip line the Muratina, a traditional Kikuyu bear. For those who are travelling with children, Naivasha, Kenya, is an ideal place. The list of things to do is infinite, and the weather is pleasant. I recommend planning a family-friendly event with local families and elders if you’re on vacation in Kenya. Lake Naivasha, surrounded by dense papyrus and home to incredible fauna, is a refreshing natural scene all by itself.
The Climate and Weather of Naivasha
Since Naivasha is located roughly 1800 meters above sea level, the weather is usually mild and cool throughout the year, but the best time to go is during the dry season, which runs from December to March. Even so, remember to bring a jacket or two; Naivasha nights are typically chilly, especially during the rainy season.
How to get to Naivasha
Naivasha is easy to get to. Both public and private travel are readily available in the town from other towns and even from Nairobi. In Kenya, public transport is known as Matatu. It takes about two hours to go on a safari from Nairobi to Lake Naivasha. It takes roughly one and a half hours to go from Nakuru to Naivasha on safari. Booking a flight or renting a light aircraft from Wilson Airport is the quickest method to get to Naivasha.
What is the Best Time to Visit Naivasha?
Generally speaking, the busiest holiday season is not the best time to go, particularly if you are on a tight budget. Prices rise as a result of the influx of tourists in Naivasha. But from December to March, Naivasha has a lot to offer if adventure is more your style than money. Your safari plans in and around Naivasha are greatly influenced by the weather. The behaviour of plants and animals depends on the amount of rain or the lack of it. From July to October, the region endures a long, chilly, dry season. This is followed by brief rains in October and November, which could continue until December. April and June provide the long rainy season, whereas January and February bring the short-lived hot-dry season.
July to October is when the region’s lengthy, chilly, dry season occurs. This is followed by brief showers in October, November, and maybe December. The short-lived hot-dry season begins in January and February, and the long rainy season begins in April and June. Choose the dry months if you want to see more animals because it’s much easier to detect them because they congregate close to water sources. It is best to schedule your trip around periods of high rainfall if you want to enjoy the flora because this encourages the growth of luxuriant vegetation.
Naivasha is less crowded than Nairobi if traffic is a concern. You anticipate unhindered automobile and pedestrian traffic. The beautiful thing about Naivasha is that you might not have to rely entirely on cars to get from one camp to another.
Kenya safari destination in Naivasha
It is situated on the floor of the Rift Valley, this community is well-known for many reasons than just its extensive hotel and lodging options. In addition to its breathtaking flower farms and friendly locals, Naivasha has a number of other kenya safari attractions that are unmatched elsewhere. The following are only a handful of affordable Kenya safari destinations to visit in Naivasha.
Lake Naivasha
The most visited Kenya safari destination in Naivasha is Lake Naivasha. At 1,884 meters above sea level, the lake serves as both the highest elevation and the sole freshwater lake in the Rift Valley. The lake is roughly 139 square kilometres in size and 13 kilometres wide. The depth is 20 feet. It’s interesting to note that two rivers feed Lake Naivasha, although there are no obvious outflows. What happens to all the water that comes in? You have the opportunity to see more than 400 different species of birds in the lake. There are also grazers like waterbucks, antelopes, buffalo, and hippos.
Numerous fish species, such as crayfish, black bass, and tilapia, can be found in the lake. Taking a boat trip around this beautiful lake is a great chance to observe the local wildlife and plants. Two smaller bodies of water, Lake Oloiden and the Green Crater Lake Sonachi, border the lake.
Hell’s Gate National Park
A visit to Naivasha wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the renowned Hells’ Gate. Located just 14 kilometres off the old Nairobi-Naivasha highway, the park is a representation of diverse geological scenery—possibly one of the most beautiful in Kenya. To get to Hells’ Gate, take the Elsa Gate or the Olkaria Gate, which leads to the Olkaria Geothermal Station.
Explore the Central Tower, Fischer’s Tower, and the park’s intriguing canyon after entering Hell’s Gate. You will also have the opportunity to see steaming volcanic geysers, granite towers, and gorges sculpted by water. You may enjoy rock climbing, bicycling, and the Olkaria Geothermal Spa, a natural wonder where you can splash in the warm water, in addition to the stunning scenery. There are camping areas where you can sleep under the stars if you’re an adventurous person. The only park where you may stroll about and see nature in its natural state is Hells’ Gate.
Mount Longonot
The Maasai term “il longonoot,” which means the mountain with many spurs, is the source of the name Longonot. Actually, to test their physical prowess at Lake Naivasha, fitness fanatics come from as far away as Las Vegas and London. Mount Longonot is a dormant volcanic mountain that lies southeast of Naivasha. The elevation of this mountain is 2,776 meters. There is a 7.2-kilometer-long, ideal walking track around the rim of the crater on top of the mountain. The four to five-hour walk to Longonot offers the opportunity to see a wide range of species in action in addition to the treat of breathtaking views from above. This contains bushbucks, antelope, buffalo, and leopards. Other animals include giraffes, zebras, Grant’s gazelles, and sometimes the king of the African bush. Since game wardens strictly supervise the majority of hiking expeditions, there’s no need to fret. Both domestic and foreign safari in kenya travellers will find Longonot to be an exhilarating kenya safari experience.
The Elsamere Museum
The Elsamere Museum, which is situated on the southeast side of Lake Naivasha, was built on the site where the world-renowned big cat conservationists George and Joy Adamson once raised lions before releasing them back into the wild. The area around the museum is home to a variety of kenya wildlife safari animals that you can sample, including primates, grazers like hippos, elands, and zebras that patrol the property day and night, and fish eagles, the rare Verreaux’s Giant Eagle Owl, and more than 250 other bird species.
The Elsamere Field Study Centre Naivasha is located 22 kilometres from the town on the Moi South Lake Road. This conservation-focused centre is the perfect place for residents and visiting safari tour in kenya delegations to organise educational tours and conferences.
Naivasha Owl Centre
The unique project is the idea of Susan Higgins. Together with two of her friends, she founded this Kenya wildlife service certified centre. The facility cares for and heals injured birds, particularly some that are endangered. You will have the chance to engage with uncommon species at the Owl Centre, such as owls, which are considered superstitious in the local culture. Owls are considered a bad omen by Kenya’s largest tribe, the Kikuyu. Higgins also cares for damaged fish, spotted eagles, and vultures. The Kenya Birds of Prey Trust is connected to the Owl Centre, which may be the sole bird rehabilitation organisation in Africa.
Since the centre is a non-profit, you can support the conservation efforts by contributing to the care and rehabilitation of the bird.
Crescent Island Game Sanctuary
The Crescent Island Game Sanctuary is a must-see if you thought that seeing zebra, impala, giraffe, and wildebeest was a pipe dream. You can experience the joy of strolling among the herds by taking a boat from mainland Naivasha to the sanctuary. Since there are no large cats or dangerous predators, the tour is led on foot. Fun activities like hiking, boating, and bird watching are available here. There’s also, surprisingly, horseback riding.
Horticultural Area
Beyond the wildlife and the enticing resorts, Naivasha has a special draw that changes every year. It would be irresponsible to miss the Naivasha Horticultural Fair. Every year, it takes place in September. If you happen to be in town around this time, why not schedule a date to see what Naivasha has to give the globe in the form of glittering floral products? Being the only one of its kind in Africa, the expo offers the ideal setting for interacting with locals and meeting individuals from your home country.
