Between
1937 and 1950 this beautiful, peaceful fresh water lake was used as
a landing place for plane passengers destined for Nairobi!
The
flying boat from London would land on the lake where the Lake Naivasha
Country Club now stands, and travellers would board a bus for Nairobi.
Today
the lovely lake, with its cool climate, has become a retreat for Nairobi
residents and tourists looking for peace.
Because the lake is freshwater and the surrounding soil fertile, this
is a major production area for fruit and vegetables and, more recently,
vineyards.
Over
400 birds have been recorded on the lake and it supports a large number
of hippo.
Despite
conservation efforts however, the ecological balance has been tipped
by the introduction of sport fish, including the Nile perch, the north
American red swamp crayfish and various aquatic plants.
There
are great day trips to do from here, including visiting Elsamere,
home of Joy Adamson, and Hell's Gate National Park (See Activities).
Continuing on South Lake Road past Elsamere, look out for the sign
for the emerald Crater Lake.
This
is one of the best places in the area to see black and white colobus
monkeys and there is also fantastic swimming.
