Magic Awaits: Exploring the Wonders of Lake Naivasha and Hell’s Gate

Lake Naivasha is a freshwater lake, unlike Nakuru, a soda or saltier lake. The lake lies 6,200 feet above sea level, about 95 kilometers north of Nairobi in the Great Rift Valley.  Naivasha derives from the local Maasai name Nai’posha, meaning “rough water.” Two rivers feed it, one of which is the Malewa, whose source is in the Aberdare’s, and it has twice dried out since 1898.

Our journey to Lake Naivasha on the second day in Nairobi was a thrilling adventure filled with anticipation and wonder. We started with a breathtaking stop to view the Great Rift Valley, a sight that left us in awe. As we left the bustling city behind and ventured into the rolling hills and open landscapes, we could feel the excitement building up. And when we finally reached the Great Rift Valley, the view that unfolded before us was spectacular.

A vast area of land with dramatic escarpments and deep valleys was known as the Rift Valley, which extended in all directions. Standing there, with the cool morning breeze and the endless horizon, we felt awe at the geological forces that had shaped this region millions of years ago. After soaking in the stunning vistas and capturing numerous photographs, we continued our journey towards Lake Naivasha. 

Upon arrival, the serene beauty of Lake Naivasha greeted us, including the sudden arrival of giraffes and zebras. This was our first encounter with the animals in their natural habitat, so we had to take many photos!

Maxwell, our driver, had arranged for us to explore the lake by boat and go to Crescent Island. Diverse wildlife was all around us as the ship sailed effortlessly through the calm waters. Hippos lounged near the shore, their massive bodies partially submerged, while various birds, including pelicans, cormorants, and kingfishers, went about their daily activities.

Crescent Island Game Sanctuary is considered one of the most beautiful parks in Kenya. It is often called Naivasha’s best-kept secret. 

Our boat guide shared fascinating insights about the lake’s ecosystem and inhabitants, adding depth to our observations.

Our time at Crescent Island was a truly magical experience. We found ourselves immersed in the tranquility of nature, with no other tourists in sight. It felt like our slice of paradise—a private audience with nature! The absence of other tourists heightened our connection to the natural surroundings, making the experience even more profound. 

We embarked on a leisurely walk, following well-trodden paths through the island’s varied landscapes. This was the only time we could do a walking safari tour with wild animals up close, as there were no significant predators on the island when we were there. We had a guide—a park ranger—all to ourselves, talking about the animals as we walked past them!

Almost immediately, we began encountering wildlife.

A group of Burchell zebras grazed nearby, their striped coats contrasting beautifully against the green backdrop. A 3-day-old baby zebra was hiding from her mother.  As we got closer, they gave us a curious look before quickly returning to their peaceful grazing.  

As we continued our leisurely walk, we came across a herd of wildebeests moving slowly through the grasslands. 

Another unforgettable moment was spotting a family of Masai giraffes. Their long necks stretched high as they fed on the tender leaves of the acacia trees. Watching these gentle giants move gracefully across the landscape was a sight to behold. The lack of other tourists allowed us to observe their behavior and interactions quietly, deepening our connection to the wild.

As we ventured further, we encountered groups of zebras grazing peacefully and spotted several giraffes moving gracefully among the acacia trees. Being so close to these animals in their natural habitat was a thrilling experience that exhilarated and humbled us.

We saw the hippopotamus, cape buffalo, impala, Defassa waterbuck, wildebeest, Thompson gazelle, Grants gazelle, bushbuck, and velvet monkey. We looked for the African Rock Python, as the ranger had recently spotted one, but we did not find it.

Crescent Island boasted an equally impressive birdlife. We saw vibrant kingfishers darting across the water and fish eagles perched high in the trees, their keen eyes scanning the lake for prey. The diversity of bird species added a melodic soundtrack to our walk, their calls and songs filling the air with a symphony of nature.

By 1 PM, the clouds thickened, signaling an impending downpour. With a sense of urgency, we quickly left the Island to break for lunch before continuing our journey to Hell’s Gate National Park.

Fun Fact:

Crescent Island is a popular attraction in the Lake Naivasha area, where Out of Africa was primarily filmed in 1985. 

Hell’s Gate National Park

The park, starkly contrasted with the serene lake, is known for its dramatic landscapes and geothermal activity. We entered to find imposing cliffs and narrow gorges that were the remains of ancient volcanic activity. The park’s lack of other visitors enhanced its raw, untamed beauty.

We came across a variety of wildlife; herds of zebras and gazelles grazed carefree, unconcerned by my presence. Giraffes moved gracefully among the acacia trees, their long necks reaching for the highest leaves. The sight of these animals in such a rugged landscape continues to inspire me.

One of the most thrilling parts of the trip was walking through the park’s narrow gorges. We met a Maasai guide who took us through these rock pathways to a spot featured in The Lion King, where we saw all these crazy rock formations. The winding paths took us to hot springs and geothermal vents where steam rose from the ground, creating an otherworldly atmosphere, all surrounded by tall rock walls. The solitude here was profound, allowing us to fully appreciate the park’s geological wonders.

As the day drew close and we headed back to Nairobi, the sun started to set. Half asleep, I could see the sky slowly transforming into fiery oranges and purples, and the next thing I knew, it was dark and we were back at the hotel.

Fun Fact:

The park inspired the Disney movies Lion King and Lara Croft: Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life. 

Most Kenyan national parks prohibit hiking; however, Hell’s Gate National Park provides for trekking. Our driver, Maxwell, arranged for a guide for us who walked us through the trail.

Author: Cristy
Photo Credit: Nathan