Lake Naivasha, in South Western Kenya has its own claim to fame, as Joy Adamson, the author of "Born Free," lived on its shores. Still a big attraction in the area, her home, Elsamere, is now a wildlife education and conservation center. Naivasha was actually named Nai'posha by the local Maasai, meaning ''rough water'' - the British later misspelling this as Naivasha. Differences aside, the tribe certainly had the right idea, as the afternoon wind and storms can cause the lake to become suddenly rough with high rolling waves. OK, we didn't say you could surf - but you can loll about on a boat for an afternoon; and as the day draws to a close watch stunning sunsets, the haunting call of a fish eagle breaking the silence.
One of only two freshwater lakes in Kenya, Lake Naivasha is laidback (in fact, almost horizontal), the water reflecting the tranquil beauty of the African sky - flocks of graceful Flamingos and Pink Backed Pelicans periodically settling on its shores. Surrounded by forests of the yellow barked Acacia Xanthophlea, known as the yellow fever tree - there is also abundant bird life, and as you might have guessed, Naivasha is known as a world class birding destination. However, not simply for the "twitchers" amongst us, the lake, which is some 13kms across, draws a great range of game to its shores. Giraffes wander among the acacia, Buffalo wallow in the swamps, Colobus Monkeys call from the treetops, and the resident Hippos sleep the day out in the shallows.
Follow in the footsteps of the famous "Born Free" author and travel in style on Acacia Adventure Holidays' 6-day Rift Valley Lakes & Mara. The comfort class safari combines great wildlife viewing with comfortable, private accommodation in lodges and tented camps.
