Lake Naivasha is a popular destination in Kenya; and a perfect pitstop on any safari South of the Equator. The spirited lake, located just an hour and a half from the Capital City, Nairobi, and a couple more from its equally famous sister-lake, Lake Nakuru, derives its name from the Maa word for “tempestuous”, or moody. The prevalent strong and mean afternoon winds turn the tables on a whim – the lake could be calm and serene in the morning, and choppy, cold and grey by the same afternoon!

But its charm is never eroded. The prismatic sunrise on the horizon of this shimmering, and Rift Valley's highest lake (at 1884m above sea level), is something of an awe. A boat ride gets you up close to the waterfowl hiding on the papyrus-laden swamps that dot this expansive lake. Not far away, hippos wallow on the shoreline fringed with flourishing papyrus. Further on is its lush riparian grassland that waterbucks, giraffes, zebras, and various antelopes call home. Beyond that, buffaloes, bushbucks make merry in the dense riverine acacia forest. Up in the trees, birdlife abounds including fish eagles and ospreys, herons and egrets, purple gallinules, lily-trotters, red-knobbed coots and black crakes.

The magnificent backdrop of the surrounding extinct volcanoes adds to its beauty – and hiking trails. The adjacent Crescent Island is a unique wildlife sanctuary, which is best visited on foot; one of the main attractions on the island is an albino python, an amazing sight to behold, if it is in the mood to expose itself! There are two other smaller lakes nearby – Oloidien and Sonachi, a bright green crater lake. The Conservancies in the vicinity offer opportunities for game viewing on horsebacks.