Lake Naivasha Boat Safari

Lake Naivasha is a large freshwater lake in the Rift Valley, fringed with papyrus and yellow-barked acacia trees, about two hours from Nairobi. Its calm water and lakeside gardens make it a peaceful break between game drives.

A boat ride takes you close to pods of hippos, cormorants, pelicans and African fish eagles, which swoop down to snatch a fish when the boatman whistles. Many trips stop at Crescent Island, a sanctuary where you can walk among giraffes, zebras, wildebeest and antelopes, as there are no big predators.

Go in the morning or late afternoon, when the birds are most active and the light is soft. Hippos are dangerous on land, so always stay with your guide near the water’s edge.