| Can the Lake Naivasha in Kenya be saved? This | | | | up its catchment areas to get its feeder rivers, |
| has been the big question of late. In fact, the | | | | which have since stopped flowing, back on course. |
| lake's users and water regulators convened at the | | | | Listening to the deliberations from the almost |
| Lake Naivasha Sopa Lodge to hammer out a | | | | tearful speakers, the pain of losing Lake Naivasha |
| formula to protect one of Africa most important | | | | becomes so real, the frustration obvious. |
| sites. This amid concerns that it is just a matter | | | | Unfortunately, neither the council nor WARMA has |
| of time before it dries up for the third time, and | | | | details on the lake's water usage; though officials |
| maybe forever, taking with it billions of shillings in | | | | say the report is being complied and will be ready |
| investments and the livelihoods of millions of | | | | in a month. "Without the lake, there is no |
| people. | | | | Naivasha. Without the lake, there are no flowers. |
| The lake is a popular vacation weekend getaway | | | | Without the flowers, the people who live in the |
| for weary city dwellers. It was once part of a | | | | town will have to relocate," said the mayor of |
| bigger lake that included Lakes Elmenteita and | | | | Naivasha Municipal Council. The Lake Naivasha |
| Lake Nakuru, but much of this original body of | | | | Growers Association, the Lake Naivasha Water |
| water dried up, leaving Lake with a 150 km2 | | | | Users Association, the Council and the |
| freshwater lake. Subsequently, Lake Naivasha | | | | government are burning the midnight oil to |
| becomes known for its cool climate, peaceful | | | | implement the Lake Naivasha Management Plan, |
| surrounds and tranquil waters - an excellent | | | | which would provide water extraction, recover all |
| holidaying spot. | | | | riparian land and control usage. The plan, to be |
| During the colonial era of the early 20th century, | | | | enforced by the Council, states how much water |
| the lakeshore was a popular location for parties. | | | | should be allocated to pastoralists, individuals, |
| Today, the fertile soil around the lake is used for | | | | commercial users, irrigators and tourism. |
| agriculture, in particular for the production of fruit, | | | | Tourist Activities Around Lake Naivasha |
| flowers, vegetables and vineyards, while the fish | | | | Bird watching Safari: Kenya recorded around 1090 |
| of the lake attract over 400 bird species. Wild | | | | bird's species mainly in Mt Kenya Lake Bogoria, |
| animals that can be seen frequenting the shore | | | | Kakamega Forest, Lake Naivasha Masai Mara thus |
| are zebra, antelope, giraffes, monkeys and | | | | the East Africa ornithological & birding |
| hippopotamus. | | | | paradise. |
| Between 1937 and 1950 this beautiful, peaceful | | | | Lake Naivasha Camping Safaris: camping safari is |
| fresh water lake was used as a landing place for | | | | a throw back to the more traditional safaris in |
| plane passengers destined for Nairobi! The flying | | | | Kenya. Mobile camping safari involve being "on the |
| boat from London would land on the lake where | | | | move', to have your tented camp move with |
| the Lake Naivasha Country Club now stands, and | | | | you. Kenya camping safaris were undertaken by |
| travellers would board a bus for Nairobi. Today | | | | early explorers in East Africa and were led by |
| the lovely lake, with its cool climate, has become | | | | professional a camping guide. This was East Africa |
| a retreat for Nairobi residents and tourists looking | | | | safari way of exploring remote safari location by |
| for peace. | | | | day and sleeping under camping canvas by night. |
| Officials from the Kenya Water Resources | | | | Lodge safaris: They are preferred by tourists |
| Management Authority (WARMA) and the | | | | looking to explore the a wide range world class |
| Naivasha Municipal Council and flower growers | | | | lodges accommodation. |
| agreed there is an urgent need for them to | | | | Honeymoon & Wedding Holidays: This is |
| engage the communities around the lake and far | | | | common for romantic honeymoon getaways. |