Boat Ride on Lake Naivasha, Kenya — Awestrucking and a MUST

Lake Naivasha in Kenya is well-known for its bio-diversity. And is a big tourist attraction in Kenya. Very very big, the lake is home to scores of birds, and also has its share of land and water animals. And so, we decided to spend one night at one of the many resorts of Naivasha. To see and shoot its beautiful winged creatures.

We reached Naivasha around 11 am from Nairobi (Read: Drive from Nairobi to Naivasha) and Danielle, our guide, drove us directly to one of the many centres where they offer hour-long boat rides. The centre we went to had their little cafe selling coffee and soft drinks, and also a very clean washroom. We quickly freshened, drank some water, armed ourselves with the binoculars Danielle gave us, changed the lens of our camera to ensure long shots, wore the bright neon-orange life-jackets given by the centre and the hats that Danielle had given us at the start of the safari in Nairobi, and stepped into the boat – the usual basic ones that run on diesel, and has about 4 planks where you can sit. Good enough for groups of 5. We were 3. 2 and a half actually.

And we were ready to set off. But wait. Our boatman had one last thing in mind. He asked Jayanta for 200 Kenyan Shillings, went up to two African youngsters who had been swimming and fishing in the lake and got back 2 Telapias. Fishes. He didn’t offer any explanation. Jayanta and I looked at each other and wondered if this was his ‘tips’ that he wanted to ensure even before the ride. Maybe, we shrugged. And then set off…..

To see the Pelican and its reflection, floating with grace; to see the hippos sun-bathe; the deer show off their beauty; the Great Cormorant look regal perched in treetops; the Red-Knobbed Coot float by; the storks look for little fishes amongst the hyacinths; to drool at the multi-hued Kingfishers; to point to the giraffes and zebras grazing not very faraway; to gape in wonder as the eagles catch their prey. Wait. Did I say eagles catching their prey? Well, that was meant to be a surprise. Remember I told you that out boatman had bought 2 Telapias? That was to show us how eagles would come flying when he flung one Telapia in the lake, pick it up and fly back to the treetops for a meal. We captured it in our phone. Take a look at the video! And join in at gaping!!! 🙂

And here are a lot of photos from that boat ride on Lake Naivasha.

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By the way, it cost us 150 US Dollars. Our little daughter was charged at 50%. Jaw-dropping rates, right? Kenya is expensive, Friend!