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Elementeita is derived from the Maasai word muteita, meaning “dust place”, a reference to the dryness and dustiness of the area, especially between January and March. The town of Gilgil is near the lake. In the south-to-north sequence of Rift Valley Lakes, Elementeita is between Lake Naivasha and Lake Nakuru. Along the nearby escarpment, the major Nairobi-Nakuru highway  gives motorists a spectacular vista of the lake. Today the lake is a protected area due to its bird life and has been named as a UNESCO heritage site together with Lake Nakuru and Lake Bogoria.

At the southern end of the lake are the “Kekopey” hot springs, in which an introduced fish, the Lake Magadi Tilapia, breed. The reed beds nearby are fishing grounds for night herons and pelicans.

It is a soda lake (high alkalinity, high biodiversity).

Key Activities and Experiences

• Birdwatching

With its diverse bird population, Lake Elementaita is a must-visit for birdwatchers. Whether you’re spotting flamingos, pelicans, or other migratory species, the lake and its surrounding wetlands provide ample opportunities for birding.

• Game Drives

Visitors can enjoy game drives in the Soysambu Conservancy, where they may encounter wildlife such as giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, and a variety of antelope species.

• Nature Walks and Hiking

The surrounding hills and escarpments offer scenic trails for nature walks and hikes, allowing visitors to explore the area’s natural beauty up close.

•  Photography

The lake’s stunning landscapes, unique rock formations, and abundant wildlife make it a fantastic destination for photographers. Sunrise and sunset are particularly beautiful times to capture the landscape.

• Relaxing by the Lake

The lake is perfect for those looking to relax, whether it’s having a picnic by the shore, reading a book with the sound of water in the background, or simply soaking in the beautiful views.

Lake Elementaita offers a unique and peaceful experience in the heart of the Great Rift Valley. Its stunning landscapes, abundant wildlife, and rich birdlife make it an ideal destination for nature lovers, birdwatchers, and those looking for a quiet retreat away from the crowds. Whether you’re looking to relax, explore the surroundings, or immerse yourself in wildlife and nature, Lake Elementaita promises a memorable experience.

Mount Kenya National Park is a national park in Kenya that was established in 1949 around Mount Kenya to protect its surrounding environment and wildlife. The park is located about 175km (108 miles) from Nairobi. It covers around 700 square kilometres protecting the mountain between altitudes of 11,000ft and 17,058ft above sea level. The park offers a landscape of Mountain Rivers, forest, moorland rock and ice and is crowned by  twin peaks of Batian and Nelion  for the Kikuyu people.

The vegetation is mainly alpine and sub-alpine flora, bamboo forests, moorland and tundra. The vegetation changes notably as you ascend because of the variations in temperatures .Initially, it was a forest reserve, before being announced as a national park. The other major attractions in the park are; Pristine wilderness, lakes, tarns, glaciers and peaks of great beauty and mineral springs, the unique montane and alpine vegetation and it’s the magnificent wildlife with over 130 species of birds.

Activities and Experiences

Mount Kenya National Park offers a variety of activities for outdoor enthusiasts, trekkers, and nature lovers. Whether you’re scaling the heights of the mountain or simply enjoying the beauty of the park, there’s something for everyone:

• Trekking and Hiking

Point Lenana: The most popular trek is to Point Lenana, which can be reached in 4-5 days from various starting points like Naro Moru, Sirimon, or Chogoria. The trek offers a mix of scenic beauty, including forest trails, alpine meadows, and views of glaciers.

Batian and Nelion Peaks: Climbing these peaks is a more advanced challenge, requiring technical rock climbing skills and proper mountaineering equipment. Most climbers access these peaks from Naro Moru or Sirimon routes.

•  Wildlife Safaris

The park offers the chance to spot a variety of wildlife, including buffaloes, zebras, giraffes, and the elusive bongo (an endangered forest antelope). Visitors can take guided game drives or nature walks to explore the park’s diverse fauna.

• Scenic Drives and Viewpoints

Chogoria Route: Known for its scenic beauty, this route is ideal for visitors looking to enjoy breathtaking views of glaciers, cliffs, and dense forests.

Naro Moru Route: Popular for trekkers aiming to reach Point Lenana, the route passes through dense rainforests and offers views of wildlife along the way.

•  Mountaineering

Technical Climbing: Experienced climbers can attempt to summit Batian and Nelion, the two highest peaks, which require technical mountaineering skills and equipment.

•  Birdwatching

With over 130 species of birds, the park is a birdwatcher’s paradise. The forests and meadows provide ample opportunities to observe a variety of bird species, including African Black Duck, sunbirds, and eagles.

In the lower forest and bamboo zone mammals include giant forest hog, tree hyrax, white-tailed mongoose, elephant, black rhinoceros, suni, black-fronted duiker and leopard. Moorland mammals include the localized Mount Kenya mouse shrew, hyrax and common duiker. The endemic mole-rat is common throughout the northern slopes and the Hinder Valley at elevations up to 4000 m . An impressive array of birdlife includes green ibis (local Mount Kenya race); Ayres hawk eagle; Abyssinian long-eared owl; scaly francolin; Rüppell’s robin-chat; numerous sunbirds (Nectariniidae); the locally threatened scarce swift; and near endemic alpine swift.

Lake Naivasha is a freshwater lake in Kenya , which lies north west of Nairobi. It is situated in the Great Rift Valley. The name is derived from the  Maasai name ɛnaɨpɔ́sha , meaning “that which heaves,” a common Maasai word for  large water bodies .

Between 1937 and 1950, the lake was used as a landing place for flying boats on the Imperial Airways passenger and mail route from Southampton in Britain to South Africa. It linked Kisumu and Nairobi.

The lake is home to a variety of types of wildlife including over 400 different species of birds and a sizable population of hippos. The fish community in the lake has been highly variable over time, influenced by changes in climate, fishing effort and the introduction of invasive species.

There are two smaller lakes in the vicinity of Lake Naivasha: Lake Oloiden and Lake Sonachi (a green crater lake). The Crater Lake Game Sanctuary lies nearby, while the lake shore is known for its population of Europeans immigrants and settlers.

• Activities and Experiences

Lake Naivasha offers a wide range of activities for visitors, making it an ideal destination for adventure and relaxation.

• Boat Tours

A boat ride on Lake Naivasha is one of the best ways to explore the lake and its wildlife. During these tours, visitors can enjoy close encounters with hippos, birdwatching, and stunning views of the surrounding landscapes.

• Walking Safaris on Crescent Island

Crescent Island offers the rare experience of a walking safari, allowing visitors to explore the island’s wildlife on foot. It’s an opportunity to get up close to animals in a safe and guided environment.

• Fishing

Fishing on Lake Naivasha is popular, with species like tilapia and catfish found in the waters. It’s a peaceful activity for those who enjoy the outdoors and want to try their hand at fishing.

• Cycling and Nature Walks

There are several cycling routes around Lake Naivasha and nearby conservancies. Additionally, guided nature walks are available in the area, especially in the Hell’s Gate National Park, which is only a short drive away.

• Visit Hell’s Gate National Park

Just a short drive from the lake, Hell’s Gate is a unique national park where visitors can explore geothermal activity, striking cliffs, and gorge walks. The park is one of the few in Kenya where visitors can walk or cycle alongside wildlife, including giraffes, buffaloes, and zebras.

Lake Naivasha is the perfect blend of nature, adventure, and relaxation. From stunning landscapes and birdwatching to boat trips, wildlife encounters, and serene lakeside views, it offers an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages. Whether you are a nature enthusiast, a photographer, or simply looking for a peaceful escape, Lake Naivasha promises a refreshing retreat that captures the essence of Kenya’s Great Rift Valley.

Tsavo East National Park is a National Park in Kenya with an area of 13,747 km² (5,308 sq mi). It was established in April 1948 and covers a semi-arid area previously known as the Taru Desert. The Tsavo River flows west to east through the national park, which is located in the Taita-Taveta county of the former Central Province.

Tsavo East National Park is generally flat, with dry plains across which the Galana River flows. Other features include the Yatta Plateau and Lugard Falls. Inside Tsavo East National Park, the Athi and Tsavo rivers converge to form the Athi-Galana River. Most of the park consists of semi-arid grasslands and savanna.

Tsavo East National Park is considered one of the world’s biodiversity strongholds, providing undeveloped homes to vast numbers of animals.

Tsavo West National Park covers about 9,065 square kilometers and is known for its more varied landscape compared to Tsavo East. The terrain here is characterized by rolling hills, lava flows, swamps, and wooded areas. Tsavo West also boasts a wide array of wildlife, including black rhinos, elephants, leopards, and buffaloes. It is one of the few places in Kenya where you can spot the endangered black rhino.

Key Attractions in Tsavo West

• Mzima Springs: Mzima Springs is one of Tsavo West’s most famous attractions. The springs are known for their crystal-clear water that flows into the Tsavo River and provides an oasis for wildlife. Visitors can enjoy underwater viewing of hippos and fish in the clear waters.
• Sheldrick Falls: These scenic waterfalls are located in the park’s southern region and offer a serene spot for nature lovers to relax and enjoy the beauty of the landscape.
• Chyulu Hills: The Chyulu Hills provide dramatic views of the surrounding savannah and Mount Kilimanjaro, which is visible from various points in the park, especially during the dry season when the air is clear.
• Poaching Memorial: Tsavo West is home to a memorial for the famous “Man-Eating Lions of Tsavo”, which were responsible for killing many workers in the early 1900s during the construction of the Uganda Railway.

Activities in Tsavo National Park

• Game Drives

Safari drives are the primary way to explore the park’s vast landscapes and spot its diverse wildlife. Visitors can enjoy morning, afternoon, and full-day game drives, with opportunities to see the “Big Five” (lions, elephants, leopards, buffaloes, and rhinos).

• Guided Walks

Walking safaris in certain parts of the park, especially Tsavo West, are available with a trained guide. This gives visitors an opportunity to experience the park up close, track animals, and learn about the ecosystem.

• Birdwatching

The park’s diverse habitats make it an excellent destination for birdwatchers. There are various spots where you can observe a wide range of species, from waterfowl near the rivers to raptors soaring in the skies.

• Nature Trails

Tsavo West offers several scenic walking trails, including those around Mzima Springs and Sheldrick Falls. These trails provide a more intimate connection with nature and allow visitors to explore the park’s landscapes and ecosystems in detail.

• Photography

With its stunning landscapes, wildlife, and dramatic geological features like lava fields, rolling hills, and swamps, Tsavo provides excellent opportunities for wildlife photography and landscape shots.