Lake Nakuru and Lake Naivasha - Kenya
Lake Nakuru is home to four of the five largest safari animals, among many other species. Lions, leopards, buffalos and rhinos roam the plains. It is one of the few places in Africa where the endangered white rhino is inhabited. Lake Nakuru is probably best known for its huge movement of pink flamingos pouring into the lake all year round. Includes safari, flamingo and rhino. Here are five great things to do on Lake Nakuru, Kenya.
Lake Nakuru
1. Pink flamingo on the lake
The sight of thousands of pink flamingos feeding on the surface of Lake Nakuru is one of the most spectacular wildlife sights in the world. A few years ago, millions of these elegant and colourful birds were seen in the lake at the same time. After that, they mysteriously disappeared completely. Now they are back, but the numbers are low as they move to other lakes in the Rift Valley. However, there are still thousands of flamingos on Lake Nakuru. This magnificent sight is most often seen during the peak of the dry season in January and February, when birds are most abundant.
2. Viewpoint from Africa
Out of Africa was a movie that inspired generations of travellers to go safari in Africa. This classic film was partially shot in Lake Nakuru National Park, with many shots taken from the high hills that became known as the "Observatory outside Africa." Drive to the top of this steep hill for stunning views of Lake Nakuru and the surrounding countries and immerse yourself in the romantic scenes that inspired the movie.
3. Baboon cliff
Baboon Cliff is the most popular perspective in the national park as it remains accessible while offering a spectacular panorama of Lake Nakuru. Visitors need to share their experiences with the baboons who enjoy their surroundings. Most are harmless and accustomed to safari visitors, but be careful when visiting, as large men can sometimes be aggressive.
4. Macaria Falls
Macaria Falls is perfect for enjoying spectacular sights as the water gets into full swing after a long rainy season. In the dry season, the waterfall may be completely empty, leaving a dry heated pool. Waterfalls are always fascinating with rare wildlife all year round, and you never know what to expect in this hidden corner of Lake Nakuru, Kenya.
5. Go on safari
Of course, the best thing about Lake Nakuru is to go on a safari. Embark on a game drive to truly experience this wonderful region of Africa. Exploring early in the morning or late in the afternoon is most likely to see wildlife, as animals are most active. The park is home to all the Big Five except elephants, as well as other classic African wildlife such as zebras, giraffes and cheetahs. Many people come only for the opportunity to see white rhinos in their natural habitat, which is an opportunity found in several other parts of the continent. Talk to an experienced African expert today to prepare for a tour of Lake Nakuru in Kenya.
Lake Naivasha
How do people in the northern winter climate give roses to their loved ones for Valentine's Day in February? The answer is to import them from a warm climate.
Kenya offers the best climate for flowers all year round. The floriculture industry extends to land near shallow lakes near the equator. Lake Naivasha is one of the few freshwater lakes in East Africa. Its depth varies between 2 and 8 meters, and the surface area shown in the 2019 Landsat image is approximately 150 square kilometers. It rains directly on the lake and three rivers, supplying fresh water to the lake. Gilgil and Malewa are intermittent rivers, and Karati is a seasonal river. Malewa occupies up to 90% of the lake's water. The lake has no surface runoff-it is called an inland lake. Most inland lakes retain salt as the lake's water evaporates. That is, salt is not washed away from the drain into another outflowing river. However, Lake Naivasha maintains its freshwater condition as the lake's water penetrates to the bottom and absorbs salt.
The wetlands around Lake Naivasha support not only the large flower industry, but also the fisheries, tourism and geothermal energy. Hundreds of millions of dollars worth of cut flowers are exported from Kenya to Europe and other countries. As of 2018, Kenya accounts for 38% of the European Union cut flower market.
This area is characterized by sunlight and days with little change in days. Lake Naivasha is not far from Nairobi, the capital and largest city of Kenya, about 90 km away. Therefore, transportation is relatively easy. Nairobi Airport has a dedicated terminal for transporting flowers and vegetables.
Nevertheless, the industry faced challenges. In recent years, workers have been dismissed due to lower demand and higher costs. Increased agriculture is putting pressure on the water resources of the region and affecting the water quality of the lake.
Activities around Lake Naivasha
1. Go on a boat safari
Undoubtedly, the most popular attraction on Lake Naivasha is the opportunity to bring a guided boat safari to the water. A huge number of birds are moving around, with 4,444 dead trees reaching out from the cool blue waters to clasp their hands. You can see everything from pelicans to vines to small and colourful birds. The sea itself is home to hippo swells, where you can see cape buffalo and other herbivores along the shore.
2. Walk with animals on Crescent Island
A visit to the Crescent Island Sanctuary, which can be easily combined with a boat safari, literally offers a rare opportunity to walk with animals. There are no predators in the sanctuary of Islands, so you can safely exchange safari cars for your own 2 feet while walking with zebras, giraffes and wildebeests. Cresent Island Lake Naivasha Kenya Image courtesy of Jess & Kate.
3. Explore Hell’s Gate National Park
Hell’s Gate, one of Kenya’s most beautiful natural parks, is not as intimidating as its name suggests. The hellish gates of the volcanic landscape may remind you of a visit to another planet. Red soil, towering stone pillars and cliffs, and sparse animal populations are quite different from those found elsewhere. Visitors to Hell’s Gate National Park can bike on dusty roads, hike scenic canyons, and climb towering pillars.
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