Attractions in Nakuru County
6. Moi South Lake Road
Naivasha is perhaps, notably of Moi South Lake Road, the only place outside of the Coast Region of Kenya that can be properly called a resort hub. Circling the eastern half of Lake Naivasha, the Moi South Lake Road is now well known as a fairyland middle-market destination with no less than two dozen resorts where holidaymakers can enjoy comfort in a familiar ambiance. Rather recently, many camping grounds and self-catering villas have been established to cater for the ever-growing demand. It is the location of Masada Hotel, Yellow Green Hotel, Sweet Lake Resort, Hexagon Farm, the Lake Naivasha Resort, Enashipai Resort and Spa, Otter Cottage, Cray Fish Inn, Fisherman’s Camp and the Wileli House. Access to Moi South Road is via Mai Mahiu-Naivasha Road, or Naivasha Town.
7. Lake Naivasha
Renamed as Lake Seuss by renown British geologist and explorer J. Gregory in 1893 on his maiden visit to the Rift Valley travelling through the Kedong Valley and climbing Mount Longonot, it later reverted to its original name Naivasha or Naiposha, which is the Maasai equivalent of “the rough water”. The growing of vegetables was also formerly carried out on a fair scale along the shores of Lake Naivasha but was restricted greatly at the start of 1956 in order to deny food to Mau Mau fighters who frequented the papyrus swamps around the periphery of the lake at that time. Since then, the level of the lake has been rising and many acres of land along the shores swamped. The 139 km2 papyrus-fringed shallow fresh-water Lake Naivasha harbours a prolific avi-faunal biosphere supporting hundreds of bird. It has amusing wildlife too. There is a sure delight of walking among wild animals on Crescent Island. Significantly, this lake was among the first globally nominated wetland locations for Ramsar Status under the Ramsar Convetion of Wetlands of International Importance. Nearby famous Hell’s Gate National Park makes a fine day’s walk for the young and the fit. In fact the track in never arduous, and once in the taper gorge the exploring takes an hour or so.
8. Naivasha Water Resort
Travellers who prefer day outings at Lake Naivasha rather than an overnight or weekend staycation will find that Naivasha Water Resort makes this possible with little advance preparation. Situated at the water’s edge, visitors cannot fail to absorb the sights, sounds and beauty of Lake Naivasha. Sometimes known as Tilapia Beach, it has a spacious open restaurant which is a wonderful place for enjoying views of the Lake and a meal of tilapia. Within the resort, the generous garden interspersed with flat-topped Acacia trees offers a great area for walking and games. In addition, there are plenty of hop-on hop-off boat taxis for hire and a well-stocked watering-hole. It is located near Naivasha Rocky Eco-Lodge.
9. The Maa Museum at Enashipai
The Maa Museum housed at Enashipai Resort and Spa along Moi South Lake Road is the first privately run museum in Kenya. It is a tribute to the acclaimed Maasai culture and it demystifies why the Maasai tribe continue to fascinate the world. Experienced curators spent over six years visiting this community to put together a pukka-authentic museum. Along the gallery walls and display spaces are legitimate Maasai artefacts, relics and motley traditional objects depicting the Maa Culture – from shelters, livestock and family. Originally launched as Holiday Inn and reestablished as the Enashipai Resort and Spa, the resort has 40-rooms, all having a private bath and private veranda, with most overlooking Lake Naivasha. Amenities available: swimming pool, gym, spa, boating, birding, nightclub and a children’s play area. It is located next door to Wildfire Flowers.
10. Naivasha Owl Centre
Founded in 2003 to rehabilitate harmed and orphaned birds of prey as well as raise awareness on the substance of birds, Naivasha Owl Centre at Kijabe Farm is one three such centres in Kenya alongside Falconry of Kenya in Malindi and Raptor Rehabilitation Trust Kenya in Nairobi. The Naivasha Owl Centre is one arm of the Kenya Bird of Prey Trust. The other arm is the Raptor Camp found at Soysambu Conservancy. A day trip here provides visitors a singular insight into the almost mythical birds of prey, which include; the fairly large Augur Buzzard, Ruppell’s Griffon vulture, yellow-beaked hawk, the ferocious African fish eagle, and the traditionally feared owl. Over many years, the Naivasha Owl Centre has cared for more than 190 birds. It is located off Moi South Lake Road, taking the turnoff across from South Lake Naivasha Shell Petrol Station into Kijabe Farm.
11. Crescent Island Game Sanctuary
If you have never done this you will find it a totally different experience from game watching from a vehicle. To reach the Island, turn into Moi South Lake Road 5 kms east of Naivasha Town and after 5.2 kms turn right at the Sanctuary Farm. Once on the farm follow the signs for “Crescent Island” which is 2.8 kms from the main road. Its peninsular is accessible by boat from east or west with many hotels including Naivasha Country Club, Hippo Safaris, Naivasha Resort, Sopa Lodge, Simba Lodge, Carnelleys, Elsamere and Fisherman Camp offering boating trip. There are many budget-friendly hop on hop off boat taxis that take to the island. A small entry fee to Crescent Island is charged on arrival (Citizens and Residents – Shs 800 and Non-Residents – USD 30. Child rates are half the rates). Crescent Island is in excellent surroundings and on the Island there are many varieties of game and over 300 species of birds. It has more animals per acre than any other game sanctuary in Kenya. Located on the eastern fringe of Lake Naivasha, this was separated by declining water-level in the 1930s to form the partially submerged island. At low water levels it gets increasingly isolated.
Abiri Kenya 