Lake
Naivasha is a
beautiful freshwater lake, fringed by thick papyrus. The lake
is almost 13kms across, but its waters are shallow with an
average depth of five metres. Lake area varies greatly
according to rainfall, with an average range between 114 and
991 sq kms. Afternoon wind and storms
can cause the Lake to become suddenly r ough and produce high
waves. For this reason, the local Masai christened the lake Nai'posha meaning ''rough water'', which the British later
misspelled as Naivasha.
Much of the lake is surrounded
by forests of the yellow barked Acacia Xanthophlea, known as the yellow fever
tree. These forests abound with bird life, and
Naivasha is known as a world class birding. The waters of the lake draw a great
range of game to these shores. Giraffes wander among the acacia, Buffalo wallow in the swamps and Colobus monkeys call
from the treetops while the Lakes large hippo population
sleeps the day out in the shallows. The region
surrounding the Lake is well worth exploring. There are two
smaller lakes nearby, Oloidien, and Sonachi, a bright green
cater lake. Hell's Gate National Park lies beside the
lake. This Park was named for its pair of massive red tinged
cliffs framing a geothermically active interior of steam vents and bubbling springs. The
park is home to a profusion of plains game and birdlife.
Walking is permitted, making it ideal for hiking, biking, and
rock climbing.
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