WHAT TO SEE AND DO?
The shores of this large (139 km2) freshwater lake are a green oasis brimming with wildlife: giraffes, waterbucks, zebras, buffalos, crocodiles and, above all, lots of hippos! Bird lovers will also find plenty to enjoy here. Lake Naivasha or nearby Lake Oloiden are perfect for a floating boat safari with the sun on your head. Don’t forget your factor 50!
RIDING AMONG WILD ANIMALS
After an intense car ride, they arrive at the Sanctuary Farm, a unique, little paradise where horse-riding enthusiasts can have a blast. Not only experienced horse riders are welcome here, even beginners can take their first ride safely and easily. The Angels mount their steed and embark on this unprecedented adventure. The wildlife does not seem to recognise them as persons on their four-legged horses, allowing them to get even closer to the animals than usual. Soon our Angels find out that this does not apply to the big, muscular water buffalo and still with drops of fear sweat on their foreheads, they ride around them in a big bow these days. Spot giraffe, zebra, water buffalo, wildebeest and impala while the horses zigzag between them. Beginners ride leisurely behind their guide, while more experienced riders can take advantage of the jumping trail! Not a horse fan? Don’t be put off! You can also do some great hiking here.
WHERE CAN WE SLEEP AT LAKE NAIVASHA?
You have beautiful accommodation around Lake Naivasha with views over the lake or the Great Rift Valley. Plenty of options in this area! If you choose a cottage overlooking Lake Naivasha, you don’t even have to go out on the water to spot hippos. They just wander around quietly in front of you! So be careful not to get too close: they may look cute and chubby, but they have very strong jaws! The black and white Colobus Monkey also shows itself regularly.
SANCTUARY FARM
After an adventure on horseback, you can have a fantastic stay at the Sanctuary Farm. Choose to camp basic in a safari tent with beds or stay a little more luxuriously in one of the rooms. In 2012, the stables were converted into luxury ensuite accommodation with a private veranda, overlooking Lake Naivasha. There is a shared living room with a fireplace and an overstuffed bookcase filled with countless books. Even Wi-Fi is available, allowing you to connect with the home front and share all your special adventures. Fresh tea and coffee is served in the morning as you quietly wake up on your veranda. Here and there you will see some cows roaming around the Farm. Twice a day, they are milked by hand. Guests are more than welcome to roll up their sleeves and take the cow by the horns (read: udders).
Francis Erskine, a man with a huge passion for horses and polo, bought Sanctuary Farm in 1970. He built a clubhouse, stables and polo field there. The ‘Club House’ now serves as a delicious, organic restaurant for lunch and dinner. Would you like to eat here? Then don’t forget to make a reservation in advance. This is because the food is served in a delicious buffet style. Everything is super fresh and while eating you will enjoy a beautiful view of grazing hippos and giraffes in the meadow. When our Angels were completely satiated and thought the buffet was over, they were surprised with a delectable cheese board for dessert! Needless to say, the real cheese heads were overjoyed by this.
WHAT ELSE DOES THE LAKE NAIVASHA AREA HAVE TO OFFER?
You can combine a visit to Lake Naivasha with lunch or an overnight stay at Elsamere. This is where the story of George and Joy Adams took place. A colonial couple who adopted a lion: Elsa. The film Born Free (1966) is based on this (book) story. Some time left in your busy schedule? Then visit nearby Hells Gate Park and go on a bicycle safari, hike through the canyons or clamber up one of the rocks and admire the park from a bird’s eye view.
Sanctuary Farm is the ideal base for several day trips. Pull out the sporty shoes and climb Mount Longonot, or swap your horse for the steel steed and take a scrumptious bike ride through Hell’s Gate National Park. Less active? Gamedriving in Nakuru National Park is also highly recommended! Or take it easy and relax by the pool, hearing a wide range of birds pass by.
Don’t feel like leaving the Farm? You don’t have to! You can easily spend some time here in the middle of nature. Within walking distance is Crescent Island. This island offers beautiful 360° views over Lake Naivasha. Cars are not allowed and with a guide, you can take beautiful walks here.
