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We
have listed and included information on some of the properties we
would recommend to you. However please note our recommendations
do change and though we do try to keep the web site up to date it
sometimes can be a few days out of date.
THE RIFT
VALLEY LAKES
There
are eight Rift Valley lakes of which two are fresh water and the
others alkaline. Within reach for visitors are Lakes Baringo, Bogoria
Nakuru, Elementia, and Naivasha.
Lake
Nakuru
While
north of Naivasha is Lake Nakuru a small shallow alkaline lake,
renowned for its pink flamingos which can on occasions number more
than a million. It is considered to be one of the finest of ornithological
sites and the edge of Lake Nakuru is frequently densely populated
with greater and lesser flamingos, pelicans, cormorants and other
water birds. Over 400 different species have been recorded on the
lake and the surrounding national park. Thousands of little grebes
and white winged black terns are frequently seen as are stilts,
avocets, ducks and other migrant waders. The national park surrounding
the lake is a sanctuary for the black rhino; other species of mammals
can be seen including Rothschild’s giraffe, waterbuck plus
lion and leopard.
Lake Naivasha
Lake
Naivasha has a wonderful setting and is the highest of the Rift
Valley lakes standing at about 1880m, in 1926 it was reported to
be some 6m higher. Naivasha is still a fresh water lake even though
there is no visible outlet, it is presumed there is an underground
seepage and thus maintaining the fresh water. This is a bird watchers
paradise with over 450 species in the immediate area. At Hells Gate
gorge with its steam jets and Fischer's Tower game abounds and possibly
the rarest of Kenya's birds of prey, the Lammegeyer makes its nest.
Loldia
House - Lake Naivasha
During
your time at Loldia you will experience the life of Kenya's early
settlers, the pioneers who first farmed the rich highlands. It is
set in manicured lawns grazed most evenings by hippos on the green
shores of Lake Naivasha, the Rift Valley's highest and purest lake.
Loldia House nestles under Acacia trees on one of the country's
oldest farms, built during the second world war and has breathtaking
views of the dormant volcano, Mt Longonot. Mouthwatering meals are
served under the trees or in the original dining room. There is
a choice of seven en suite double bedrooms many with original furniture.
By foot or on horseback you can explore the farm's 6500 acres where
cattle graze among flocks of ostrich and herds of wild antelope
such as waterbuck and impala. Loldia is ideally situated for visits
to the Flamingo lakes of Elementaita, Bogoria and Nakuru where there
is also a Rhino sanctuary. In addition fishing and birdwatching
on Lake Naivisha can also be arranged and visits to Hells Gate National
Park where spectacular canyons and hot springs can be seen. Link
to House web site
Price
per person per night Low season US$180 High season US$300
Lake
Baringo
Further
north still is Lake Baringo, a peaceful place of quite outstanding
beauty lying in a semi-desert area. Until a few years ago Lake Baringo
was not on many “tourists maps”. It was from his studies
here towards the end of the 19th century that J W Gregory formulated
his theory of the creation of the Rift Valley. The beauty of Baringo
and her surrounds is legendary – spectacular sunsets, a dazzling
array of colourful bird life, Njemps fishermen continuing a trade
little changed for over 200 years, and the imposing Laikipia Escarpment
creating a magnificent backdrop to the lake and her inhabitants
Hippo and crocodile are plentiful in the lake. The local people
consider crocodiles to be harmless and fish while standing deep
in the lake with crocodiles swimming close by. Some 400 species
of birds have been recorded here. One of the great attractions is
the possibility of seeing tens of thousands of flamingos and a multitude
of the other birds feeding from the lake.
Samatian
Island - Lake Barrringo
Samatian
is a small island with breath-taking views across the bronze waters
of the Great Rift Valley 's Lake Baringo. Accommodation is for up
to 10 guests in four comfortable, airy, open plan cottages with
superb views over the lake, each with its own bathroom and sitting
area. One of these is a family cottage with an upstairs and downstairs
bedroom, sharing bathroom, sitting room and veranda. The dining
area has a panoramic view of the lake and the rugged Rift Valley
scenery, it also enjoys a view over the large swimming pool recently
constructed. With its tranquil surroundings Samatian provides a
perfect holiday where guests can relax. And for the active –
boat rides to: explore the lake and its inhabitants – hippo,
crocodile, over 450 species of birds; hot springs with steaming
pools; lakeside walks; visits to the Njemps and Pokot peoples to
experience their tribal cultures.
Lake BOGORIA an easy day trip to see thousands of flamingo feeding
in the soda lake, and if you are lucky Greater Kudu, that live on
the escarpment above the lake. Link
to camp web site
Price
per person per night US$255
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