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Experiences

What to do in Lake Naivasha

If you’re staying around Lake Naivasha, you’re probably in the market for some R&R. Most lodges encourage lazy, laidback days, usually spent admiring the views of the lake and distant Mount Longonot, curling up with a book, and enjoying alfresco meals. Break the day with a boat trip and look out for hippo and resident birdlife, or a spot of fishing (let us know if this is of interest; it’s not offered everywhere). In some places, you can also drive or boat over to Crescent Island for a bush walk amongst the antelope. On the other hand, you might be in Naivasha to explore Hell’s Gate. It’s the country’s smallest national park but packs a punch in terms of landscape: dramatic, volcanic and very impressive! Game drives are possible – either on a day tip or a shorter drive depending on your location – but most come for cycling, mountain biking (guided or unguided), hiking, walking and even rock climbing. Wildlife-wise, you’ll only really encounter smaller antelope and zebra so it’s not a safari hotspot.

Explore Crescent Island on a bush walk

You may have heard of Naivasha, the highest lake in the Great Rift Valley, but we'll let you in on its best kept secret. A short boat ride from the shore (passing pink-eared hippo as you go), lies Crescent Island, a well-protected gem with more wildlife per acre than any other park in Kenya. Put on your safari boots for a scenic walk across the island with flourishing birdlife from pelicans to eagles that soar overhead, and plenty of plains game. Watch families of giraffe snack on acacia leaves or stretch with impressive agility to drink from the water's edge, and wildebeest and gazelle gathered in their hundreds, only disturbed by the occasional jackal. Lay out under the shade for a picnic overlooking the steamy springs of Hell's Gate (which just might be your next stop) before returning to your lodge on the mainland.

Go on a boat safari on Lake Naivasha

The Great Rift Valley is the gift that keeps on giving, with endangered wildlife and outstanding scenery, and sitting at a lofty 6000 feet, Lake Naivasha is a jewel in its crown. Explore the water on a boating safari, gliding past hippos as they snort and snooze in the lake and watching herds of buffalo, zebra and wildebeest gather on the shores for a drink. With your camera in easy reach, snap the myriad birdlife as they flutter and wade across the water.

Take a trip to Hell's Gate National Park

Hell's Gate may sound ominous but this other-worldly place makes for an adventurous and epic safari. Named after the gas plumes and bubbling hot springs, a trip here can include hiking into the highlands to see the bearded vulture in full flight or rock climbing towering cliff faces (adrenaline junkies, we're looking at you) and simply marvelling at your steamy, volcanic surrounds. Despite its name, Hell's Gate also has plenty of grassy plains and the game viewing is fantastic. Spot herds of buffalo, zebra and Thomson's gazelle, gangly giraffe chomping on leaves and cheetah sniffing the air for lunch.
Where To Go
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Namibrand, Namibia