Lake Naivasha

Travelled up to Lake Naivasha, and revisiting a big memory of renting bikes and cycling through Hell’s Gate National Park.

We walked around and around the east part of Nairobi looking for a gas station that had local transport north. We talked to at least 5 different people and could feel ourselves getting close. Finally we got the last 2 seats on a shuttle. We barely fit down the aisle and piled our bags on our laps.

At the town, we took an even smaller public transport out to the lake. Squishy, warm with smells of everything. The campsite we booked is rustic and so green. We found a large group of students doing a scavenger hunt. And lakeside viewing. We rented bikes at the campsite that belong to staff. Both a little small for us, we made it work as best we could. Hell’s Gate was wonderful. We came to realize how hard it is to actually spot animals from afar, but we persevered. It was warthog alley as Don spotted them simply everywhere. Zebras were about 40 meters away but not too bothered after checking us out. The giraffes were indifferent.It was the water buffalo rumble that got a little tense – 40 pairs of eyes staring us down. And the snorting. We retreated calmly but somewhat startled. None chased us. Phew.

The way out was through a geothermal area. Don shouted “smells like Iceland!” In addition, Lake Naivasha is a flower growing heaven. I read roses picked in the morning can be in Europe by evening 😳.