Lake Naivasha

A haven for birders, Lake Naivasha lies at the highest point of the Great Rift Valley. More than 400 species of birds have been spotted here, including African fish eagles, jacanas, white-fronted bee-eaters, and several species of kingfishers.

One of the best ways to view the wildlife is by boat. Hippos slosh in the water, and giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, and eland graze around the edges of the lake. Keep a lookout for colobus monkeys in the canopies, too.

Near Lake Naivasha, the Crater Lake Game Sanctuary features a wildlife-rich nature trail.
Just south of Lake Naivasha, the relatively affordable Hell's Gate National Park protects a wide variety of wildlife and offers excellent climbing opportunities, with two extinct volcanoes and the red cliffs of Hell's Gate Gorge.

On the southern shore of Lake Naivasha, you can pop in for a cup of tea at the Elsamere Conservation Centre, the former home of the late Joy Adamson, author of Born Free, and her husband George.

Note that Lake Naivasha has been known to shrink considerably in times of extreme drought, and a flourishing floriculture industry in the area is also impacting water levels and quality. But the lake is typically lush and full of life.