Lake Naivasha National Park is strategically located in the northwestern part of Nairobi, it is a quick getaway place from the town centers, the national park is the newest of conservation areas in the country first gazette in 1995, it covers an area space of approximately 140 square kilometers with most of its land area occupied by the Lake. the park derives its name from the local word called Naiposha to simply means “rough water”. The park comprises many attractions including the Rift Valley Lakes of Oleideien and Lake Sonachi, Mountain Longonot, and abundant wildlife species tucked within the small area space.
Lake Naivasha is the highest of the Rift Valley lakes placed at an elevation of 1884 meters above sea level, its ground waters have no outlet but are assumed to have an underground flow as it is fresh waters harboring large numbers of pink flamingoes and hippos. Popular animal species of the park include zebras, warthogs, giraffes, waterbucks, buffaloes, hippos, grants gazelles, and impalas to mention a few, there are over 300 species of birds can be spotted like African fish eagles,African pygmy goose, yellow-billed duck, crested francolin, scaly spurfowl.
The best time to visit Lake Naivasha is during the dry season, which happens in the months of December-February, and June-September, the park trails are drier and easier to access, the grasses tend to be thinner hence viewing animals, the skies are clear and comfortable to be out in the wild. The only downside of the dry season is that it comes in handy with prices, accommodation facilities, and tour costs are high. It is important to book trips in time during the high season because it is peak time with more travelers to the destination.
The green season can equally be visited even though it comes in more difficult, it is the best time to enjoy a boat cruise experience along Lake Naivasha, and it is also a good time to go birding when the park receives several species including migratory types. The low season happens in the months happens in April, March, May, and November. During this time, it may be challenging to see animals but also all green and lovely to explore. Accommodation facilities offer discounts hence low tour costs.
The park can be accessed by road from Nairobi it takes approximately +/-2 hours of scenic drive through the countryside of Kenya, and it is one place to view large gardens of flowers which are grown for purposes of export. By air flights can be arranged from the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to the nearest airstrip to the park, domestic flight handlers operate flights on charter or schedule to the destination.
Things to do in the national park include the Lake Naivasha boat safari, visiting Crescent Island, visiting the Crater Lake Game Sanctuary, doing game drives, and hiking Mountain Longonot to mention a few.
In conclusion, the best time to visit Lake Naivasha National Park can be any time of the year, it is lovely with several accommodation facilities ranging from the best budget to Luxury.