Lake Naivasha National Park is a part of the Lake Naivasha conservation area, it is a beautiful place in Kenya and an important Ramsar wetland area, the park gets its name from Lake Naivasha a name that was derived from a Masai local word Naiposha which simply mean “rough waters”. The park is the newest ecosystem it was first gazette in 1995 as a national park covering an area space of approximately 140 square kilometers, the surrounding areas of the national park are amazing featuring a rich biodiversity that supports a variety of animal and bird species in the park.
Wildlife in Lake Naivasha National Park include Hippopotamus, there are large populations of hippos living on the Lake, they wallow through the waters as well as graze in the grasses of the region all night long, African buffaloes are often sighted, Zebras, giraffes, and waterbucks, elands, black and white colobus monkeys, olive baboons, impalas to mention a few. There are over 300 species of birds found in the national park, for example, the pink flamingoes flooding the lake region with color, African fish eagles, great white pelicans, cormorants, African spoonbill, goliath herons, marabou stocks, yellow-billed stock, grey crowned cranes, to mention a few.
Wildlife in Lake Naivasha National Park is best seen while doing tourism activities for example Game drives, these are conducted with 4×4 wheel car drives to beat the tough terrain of the ecosystem, the cars are characterized by an open rooftop for great animal views and photography, game drives are done in sessions, in the morning, afternoon and evening time. The morning hour is the best time to see wildlife in the national park.
Guided nature walks through the well-maintained trails of the national park, are led through by an experienced game ranger who will explain most of the park animals encountered, plant and tree species. Walks are usually combined with birding experiences, the conservation area is a haven of birds, so expect to view lots of birds on your safari to Lake Naivasha National Park.
Boat cruises on Lake Naivasha expose you to the great bird life of the national park, it is one amazing way to explore the park, along the marshy banks of the lake are birds through the papyrus reeds, expect to see flamingoes, and cormorants and pelicans to mention a few. Water animals like hippos and waterbucks are not to miss, boat cruises are best experienced in the wet season when the park receives higher levels of water.
Wildlife in Lake Naivasha National Park is best seen during the dry season between the months of December-February and June-September, it is during this time that most of the tourism activities are done, it is also a high tourism season hence recommendable to visit and book safaris in time to avoid last minute disorganizations and disappointments.
In conclusion, Lake Naivasha National Park can be visited any time of the year, it is a great destination to include on part of your bucket list to Kenya.