Lake Naivasha National Park sits along the floor of the great East African Rift Valley, it is home to several wildlife species and is notable for large numbers of greater and lesser Flamingoes. The national park is named after Lake Naivasha which occupies most of the land area of the conservation area, the name is derived from the Masai Language “Naiposha” a word that simply means rough waters.It is the most recent park in Kenya to be gazetted in 1995 covering an area space of approximately 140 square kilometers.Game drives in Lake Naivasha National Park give you a close encounter with a variety of wildlife species and birds.
Game drives are conducted through the well-maintained trails of the national park, the experience is memorable with rich uninterrupted views of the walls of the Rift Valley and wildlife species, the drives are done in sessions in the morning beginning at 6:00 am, afternoon from 2:00 pm and evening at 4:30 pm east African time, Lake Naivasha national park is one of the few places where doing night game drives is done in search of nocturnal species. The morning time is the best time to view wildlife species when animals are more active herbivores are out to graze while their predators hunt.
Game drives are done for 2 -3 hours with return breaks to the lodge for lunch, alternatively, guests can take full-daydrivesin search of animal species in this case guests are encouraged to take packed meals, drives are best done during the dry season between the months of December-Febuary and June –September when the trails are much drier and easy to access, grasses are thin which makes viewing of wild animals easy. What to pack for game drives includes long-sleeved shirts and trousers, safari boots, huts, sunscreen, insect repellants, binoculars, and any other important items of a personal nature.
Besides game drives in Lake Naivasha National Park, other things to do in the park include boat cruises along Lake Naivasha these will take you to experience mammal species up close for example hippos, waterbucks, and a variety of species of birds.
Lake Naivasha National Park is a haven of birds, there are over 300 species of birds that have been recorded in the conservation area to date, while here look out for species including African fish eagles, African harrier hawks, Guinea fowls, pelicans, cormorants, among others, birds are best experienced during the wet season.
Visit the smaller lakes for example Lake Oloiden, which is situated directly adjacent to the Lake, it is a great place to see birds and boat cruise experiences. Fishing at Lake Naivasha is a great experience, if you are lucky to catch something could be your great day to have a Tilapia.
Guided nature walks are offered in the park, these are popular arranged by the lodge teams, you will have the chance to enjoy and experience the many species of plants and mammals species of the national park, and these are led by a guide who is knowledgeable of the national park.
In conclusion, Game drives in Lake Naivasha National Park give rewarding experiences to travelers to the destination.