One of Kenya's true Gems. The Lake has a Resting at an elevation of 1890 meters. A superb oasis to include on your safari holiday in Kenya. Just beyond its shores are papyrus swamps, acacia woodlands, forests and unique geologic features that are remnants of the area’s volcanic past. The nutrient-rich soil is fertilized by an abundance of water, including the Gilgil and Malewa Rivers, to create an ecosystem that is known around the world for a diverse avian presence, as well as terrestrial game animals.
Incredible Bird Life, with the added bonus of Hippo, Giraffe, waterbuck and buffalo. The boat Safari is an incredible experience and should not be missed.
Wildlife viewing is finest during the long, cool-dry season, and the lack of rainfall also means that roads and trails are in good condition for your exploratory Lake Naivasha tour activities.
The flora, though, maybe less vibrant and lush than during the rainy. Lastly, because the dry season coincides with concentrated wildlife, as well as a summer break for European and American families, visitor levels at Naivasha are highest during this time of year. All things considered, we recommend the long dry season as the best time to visit Lake Naivasha, and also when combined with a safari to Masai Mara to view the Great Wildebeest Migration from August to October.
During the year, Lake Naivasha experiences two dry seasons and two rainy seasons. The long, cool dry season occurs from July to October and is followed by a short rainy season in November and December. January and February are the short hot-dry season, and April through June is the long rainy season; though welcoming and departure of rains start around the end of March and early July respectively. Understanding these seasons is an important part of planning your ideal Kenyan safari, as the presence or absence of rain affects vegetation growth for visibility, pasture availability and water levels, as well as wildlife behavior.
More than 450 distinct birdlife species have been identified, and the resident avifauna are joined by migratory species from October to March. The lake, high cliffs, and forests are home to spectacled weavers, red-billed fire finches, grey-backed fiscals, Grey-capped warbler and many other interesting and colorful aerial creatures. The most prominent, though, is the cormorants and pelicans while the African fish eagles are the most majestic of the raptors. As you tour through the acacia forests, you may sight hawks, cuckoos, woodpeckers, shrikes, and other birds, and a solo giraffe may peer through the thorn-leaves branches out of curiosity. The papyrus swamps are where you find jacanas, herons, and kingfishers.
The relatively high altitude of the Lake makes the climate slightly colder than might be expected. Temperatures are quite mild though, and consistent year-round. Daytime temperatures are pleasant in the mid to upper twenties, although it is much cooler at nights. Warm clothing recommended during the morning. The wettest months are April and May. The rest of the year is relatively dry with some rain throughout.
Giraffe
Elephant
Zebra
Hippo
Buffalo
Hyena
Lion
White Rhino
Black Rhino
Wildebeest
Wild Dog
Giraffe
Elephant
Zebra
Hippo
Buffalo
Hyena
Lion
White Rhino
Black Rhino
Wildebeest
Wild Dog
More than 450 distinct birdlife species have been identified, and the resident avifauna is joined by migratory species from October to March. The lake, high cliffs, and forests are home to spectacled weavers, red-billed fire finches, grey-backed fiscals, Grey-capped warbler and many other interesting and colorful aerial creatures. The most prominent, though, is the cormorants and pelicans while the African fish eagles are the most majestic of the raptors. As you tour through the acacia forests, you may sight hawks, cuckoos, woodpeckers, shrikes, and other birds, and a solo giraffe may peer through the thorn-leaves branches out of curiosity. The papyrus swamps are where you find jacanas, herons, and kingfishers.
Lake Naivahsa offers good wildlife viewing throughout the year, but the rains might interfere with your game drives in the wettest months, April and May. Although there is great birdlife at the lake, conditions in recent years have become unfavorable for flamingos, which used to be a real attraction here. As a result, the flamingos have moved to other lakes in the Rift Valley.
The dry season coincides with concentrated wildlife, as well as a summer break for European and American families, visitor levels at Naivasha are highest during this time of year. All things considered, we recommend the long dry season as the best time to visit Lake Naivasha, and also when combined with a safari to Masai Mara to view the Great Wildebeest Migration from August to October.
There are many overcast, cloudy days in the Wet season, but it rarely rains all day. Showers after lunch are typical. Temperatures in the afternoon are pleasant at around 27°C/81°F. Early mornings are a bit milder at 11°C/52°F. April is the wettest month, and by May, the rainfall is already subsiding.
Lake Naivasha is a very safe park to visit. Security within the Lake Naivasha is high, and there is no cause for concern when staying here.However, one should always be cautious when walking around any towns in Kenya without a guide. See ‘cities and other urban areas safety precautions’ for further information.
Several vaccinations are required before a trip to Kenya. Lake Naivasha is in the Rift valley and malaria is a big concern here. Precautions should be taken seriously. Apart from bringing antimalarials, the use of mosquito repellent and covering up exposed skin in the evening is highly recommended.
The relatively high altitude of the Lake makes the climate slightly colder than might be expected this close to the equator. Temperatures are quite mild though, and consistent year-round. Daytime temperatures are pleasant in the mid to upper twenties, although it is much cooler at nights. Warm clothing for early morning game drives is a necessity. The wettest months are April and May. The rest of the year is relatively dry with some rain throughout.