Lake Naivasha, Crater Lake & Elsemere

Itinerary
Day 1: Nairobi - Lake Naivasha - Crater Lake - Elsemere - Nairobi

Depart Nairobi and head north towards the Rift Valley town of Naivasha. On route we will stop for views across the great Rift Valley, Mt Longonot and Lake Naivasha. We pass through Naivasha town and drive around the southern end of the lake, past the flower farms, to Lake Olodien.

Lake Olodien was once part of Lake Naivasha, but because of reducing water levels over the years, land has now appeared between the two lakes. In recent times it has also become home to large numbers of flamingoes who have migrated from Lake Nakuru (because of reduced water and algae levels). You can also see hippo and a large flock of cormorants which are protected there.

Then we proceed to Crater Lake Conservancy Area where you will walk to the rim of the beautiful volcanic crater for views down to the emerald-green Crater Lake. In recent times, flamingo populations have boomed, having also migrated from Lake Nakuru to take up residence here. With your guide you can walk through the conservancy area spotting plains animals including giraffe, zebra, eland, gazelle and impala while admiring the various species of plants and spotting some of the 400 species of birds reported in this area.

For lunch we will proceed to Elsemere, home to the late Joy and George Adamson, of Born Free fame. After a amazing lunch relaxing in the beautiful gardens overlooking the lake, you will enjoy a hour-long boat ride on Lake Naivasha. This is a great opportunity to try to spot may of the water dwellers, we well as some of the lake’s fish preditors, like kingfishers and fish eagles.

During the afternoon, you and your bird guide will look at species in the gardens and along the nature walks of the Elsemere Conservation Centre - as well as enjoying afternoon tea! You can also watch a video about the Adamsons and their conservancy work, and see atrifacts and paintings in their museum.

And don’t worry if you can’t eat all of the cakes – the family of black and white colobus monkeys, as well as a variety of birds will no doubt be on hand to help – it seems they have developed a sweet tooth! Late afternoon, return to Nairobi.

Included
Transport to/from Nairobi, guide, all entry fees, boat ride, lunch and afternoon tea.

Not included
Personal insurance, items of a personal nature, sodas.

Don’t forget to bring
Sunhat, sunscreen, warm fleece or jumper for cool evenings, reference books, camera and binoculars.

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