Naivasha lake was our first place of visit since our arrival at Kenya. From Nairobi city it took around two hours to reach the lake while a distance of 100 km was covered. Mode of transportation was an SUV carrying 5 of us and driven by Kenyan driver- Daniel. Had a short stop in a petrol bunk for checking the tyres and another stop at a view point to admire the green valley.
At the view point we were constantly persuaded by the local shopkeepers to buy traditional Kenyan animal carvings, masks and other hand works. Though we had not planned to any shopping here, we nevertheless ended up buying. Colourful and intricately hand carved each one of them was a beauty of art.
Half an hour to reach the lake we treated to the sight of zebras on the way. Could only capture them in mind as there wasn't enough time to hold them on the camera's eye. Also coming into view were lamps grazing and donkeys being used for running carts.
We took the mountain route to the lake so speed had to be limited to less than 60 km per hour. The opposite side of road was predominantly used by container lorries coming in from Uganda. And this was the only route that container lorries can use. Daniel was well versed to this route so he drove expertly, going slow where needed and maintaining the required distance. Overtaking on a bridge is strictly prohibited here and police waiting just at the end od the bridge to catch hold of the vehicles breaking the rule.
Daniel showed us an old church on the way and said it was the work of prisoners from Italy who were brought here in the 1940s. This stretch of land was very dry and could see any greens even by mistake. The last 20 kms before the lake was into rose cultivation. All we could see here were the rose gardens and quarters for those employed in the gardens. Daniel informed that schools for employee's kids and also community centres were provided. Similar what we saw in vaalparai for the tea planters.
There were few resorts surrounding the lake. We went to the Fisherman inn. It was a very inviting and serene place with a delightful view of the huge lake. Later came to know from Daniel that the lake has grown in size by consuming its shores slowing even now. Water is used by the city for drinking as this water is not only from rains but also rivers gilgil and maliva drain themselves into Naivasha.
Before taking a boat ride in the lake we went for refresh. Ordered Kenyan coffee. Had to wait for more than half an hour to get this speciality and almost chocked on seeing the waiter place huge mugs of black coffee and mug accompanied by a smaller cup of milk. Had to drain the bitter drink in the next few minutes, it was fun. Next time know before you make the order.
Next was the bargaining session with the boatman. It was finally decided to take 5 of us around the lake for 30 mins for 2800 Kenyan Shilling. This was one of the most exciting boat ride with the lake being home to hippos and birds. We saw hippopotamus living together as families and beautiful flamingos.
Not very far from the boundary of the lake fishermen have temporary stands on the lake and do fishing. From one of the boy we bought 8 live fishes for 800 Kenyan Shilling. Back to the shore, Daniel liked the fishes so much that he took one of them home. Hit the resort again for the much needed lunch. 2 non-veg pizzas, 1 veg pizza and a plate of finger chips cost us 5000 Kenyan Shilling. Back to the road we took the high way this time to return to the city.
We crossed different towns on the way back. At many places farmers had displayed their veggies and fruits for sale. At one place we saw locals carrying vegetables in hand so slowed down to buy fresh ones. This was a mistake we realized immediately as each of crowded the SUV and shoved in the vegetable packets through the open windows. After minutes of screaming from both sides paid 1300 Kenyan Shilling and filled in the booty with kilos of carrots, beetroots, peas, cauliflowers, broccolis, potatoes, cabbage and coriander.
Good kick start to the trip.. lets see what next :)
At the view point we were constantly persuaded by the local shopkeepers to buy traditional Kenyan animal carvings, masks and other hand works. Though we had not planned to any shopping here, we nevertheless ended up buying. Colourful and intricately hand carved each one of them was a beauty of art.
We took the mountain route to the lake so speed had to be limited to less than 60 km per hour. The opposite side of road was predominantly used by container lorries coming in from Uganda. And this was the only route that container lorries can use. Daniel was well versed to this route so he drove expertly, going slow where needed and maintaining the required distance. Overtaking on a bridge is strictly prohibited here and police waiting just at the end od the bridge to catch hold of the vehicles breaking the rule.
Not very far from the boundary of the lake fishermen have temporary stands on the lake and do fishing. From one of the boy we bought 8 live fishes for 800 Kenyan Shilling. Back to the shore, Daniel liked the fishes so much that he took one of them home. Hit the resort again for the much needed lunch. 2 non-veg pizzas, 1 veg pizza and a plate of finger chips cost us 5000 Kenyan Shilling. Back to the road we took the high way this time to return to the city.
Good kick start to the trip.. lets see what next :)
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