AFRICA EXPLORED

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KENYA

RIFT VALLEY LAKES

There are eight Rift Valley lakes of which two are fresh water and the others alkaline. Within reach for visitors are Lakes Baringo, Bogoria Nakuru, Elementia, and Naivasha.

LAKE NAKURU

While north of Naivasha is Lake Nakuru a small shallow alkaline lake, renowned for its pink flamingos which can on occasions number more than a million. It is considered to be one of the finest of ornithological sites and the edge of Lake Nakuru is frequently densely populated with greater and lesser flamingos, pelicans, cormorants and other water birds. Over 400 different species have been recorded on the lake and the surrounding national park. Thousands of little grebes and white winged black terns are frequently seen as are stilts, avocets, ducks and other migrant waders. The national park surrounding the lake is a sanctuary for the black rhino; other species of mammals can be seen including Rothschild’s giraffe, waterbuck plus lion and leopard.

LAKE NAIVASHA

Lake Naivasha has a wonderful setting and is the highest of the Rift Valley lakes standing at about 1880m, in 1926 it was reported to be some 6m higher. Naivasha is still a fresh water lake even though there is no visible outlet, it is presumed there is an underground seepage and thus maintaining the fresh water. This is a bird watchers paradise with over 450 species in the immediate area. At Hells Gate gorge with its steam jets and Fischer's Tower game abounds and possibly the rarest of Kenya's birds of prey, the Lammegeyer makes its nest.

Loldia House - Lake Naivasha

During your time at Loldia you will experience the life of Kenya's early settlers, the pioneers who first farmed the rich highlands. It is set in manicured lawns grazed most evenings by hippos on the green shores of Lake Naivasha, the Rift Valley's highest and purest lake. Loldia House nestles under Acacia trees on one of the country's oldest farms, built during the second world war and has breathtaking views of the dormant volcano, Mt Longonot. Mouthwatering meals are served under the trees or in the original dining room. There is a choice of seven en suite double bedrooms many with original furniture.

By foot or on horseback you can explore the farm's 6500 acres where cattle graze among flocks of ostrich and herds of wild antelope such as waterbuck and impala. Loldia is ideally situated for visits to the Flamingo lakes of Elementaita, Bogoria and Nakuru where there is also a Rhino sanctuary. In addition fishing and birdwatching on Lake Naivisha can also be arranged and visits to Hells Gate National Park where spectacular canyons and hot springs can be seen. Link to Loldia House web site

LAKE BARINGO

Further north still is Lake Baringo, a peaceful place of quite outstanding beauty lying in a semi-desert area. Until a few years ago Lake Baringo was not on many “tourists maps”. It was from his studies here towards the end of the 19th century that J W Gregory formulated his theory of the creation of the Rift Valley. The beauty of Baringo and her surrounds is legendary – spectacular sunsets, a dazzling array of colourful bird life, Njemps fishermen continuing a trade little changed for over 200 years, and the imposing Laikipia Escarpment creating a magnificent backdrop to the lake and her inhabitants Hippo and crocodile are plentiful in the lake. The local people consider crocodiles to be harmless and fish while standing deep in the lake with crocodiles swimming close by. Some 400 species of birds have been recorded here. One of the great attractions is the possibility of seeing tens of thousands of flamingos and a multitude of the other birds feeding from the lake.

Samatian Island - Lake Baringo

Samatian is a small island with breath-taking views across the bronze waters of the Great Rift Valley 's Lake Baringo. Accommodation is for up to 10 guests in four comfortable, airy, open plan cottages with superb views over the lake, each with its own bathroom and sitting area. One of these is a family cottage with an upstairs and downstairs bedroom, sharing bathroom, sitting room and veranda. The dining area has a panoramic view of the lake and the rugged Rift Valley scenery, it also enjoys a view over the large swimming pool recently constructed. With its tranquil surroundings Samatian provides a perfect holiday where guests can relax. And for the active – boat rides to: explore the lake and its inhabitants – hippo, crocodile, over 450 species of birds; hot springs with steaming pools; lakeside walks; visits to the Njemps and Pokot peoples to experience their tribal cultures. Lake BOGORIA is an easy day trip to see thousands of flamingo feeding in the soda lake, and if you are lucky Greater Kudu, that live on the escarpment above the lake.  Link to Samatian Island Lodge web site

AFRICA EXPLORED

Thorpe Park Cottage, Thorpe Park Lane,
Thorpe Le Soken, Essex, CO16 0HN

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