Thought-process

The third day we left for Naivasha, about a 6-hour drive from Masai Mara moving north. As we left this beautiful region I felt a lump in my throat. The sunrise lit up the sky with an orange hue silhouetting the Serengeti. On the way we stopped at a restaurant and had breakfast which the staff at Keekorok had packed for us. We were now headed towards the Great Barrier Reef which is a marvel in itself. Lake Naivasha is a part of that reef and is located at quite a height. We reached the lake at 1 pm and got ready for boat ride.  This

 

 

 

 

 

 

beautiful blue expanse of water is surrounded on all sides by hills. There is a tiny island in the centre which is home to several animals. We were given life jackets as we stepped into the blue motorboat and settled in comfortably. This was another trip into nature’s lap that we are generally so far removed from. Our first stop on the lake was an area where several hippos were enjoying themselves in the water and as usual they ignored us totally. As we moved to other spots, we were surrounded by flocks of birds and each one was a new discovery for me. Our guide was very helpful in pointing out the birds along with their names – Great White Pelicans, Hadada Ibis, Egyptian goose, African Fish eagle, Marabou stork, Yellow billed stork, Reed Cormorant, Great Egret, Sacred Ibis, Hamerkop, each one so beautiful and exotic. It began drizzling somewhere in the middle of the lake but we barely noticed. The island was inhabited by Giraffes, Zebras, Antelopes and a large number of Blue Wildebeests gamboling about. 

Our guide demonstrated how the African Fish Eagle catches its prey. We had spotted the bird sitting on top of a tall tree. He let out a long whistle, and waving a small fish towards the bird flung it in the water.

In a few seconds, the eagle was on the surface

of the lake and swooped in to snatch the fish in its talons and take off towards the tree!  It was so quick that cameras proved to be futile!

Our boat went right up to the island and there next to us we watched two giraffes munching on the leaves of trees immersed in their task. It was important that we finish our ride on the lake before noon. As the day progresses, the lake apparently loses its calmness and can be quite turbulent.

We returned to our lodge which was the Naivasha Country Resort – another beautiful place located right next to the lake. We had a sumptuous lunch sitting in the veranda overlooking the huge garden. 

In the garden we spotted a Zebra and some Water bucks enjoying the greenery together! Several birds caught our attention as well – African Flycatcher, African Broadbill, Superb Starling. The huge yellow wood trees provided a lot of shade all around and the weather was very pleasant. This was the second week of September – Just for your information.

We were told that at night Hippos come into the Resort from the lake, since there are no barriers. So, we were advised to call reception before going for dinner as we had to be accompanied by security men!!

In the evening, we took a ride through the Hell’s gate National Park. This interesting Park is an example of the Great Rift Valley separating East and West Africa. This natural trench remains geologically active with volcanoes and geothermal activity all around. All the lakes in east Africa were created because of the rift. We saw a lot of steam rising up through the huge rock formations at Hell’s Gate. Baboons greeted us right at the entrance and Antelopes, Buffaloes, Giraffes and Zebras roamed all over. We saw several tourists, mountain biking and rock climbing here.

Back at the resort, around 10 pm, we caught sight of a Hippo trundling its way past our room through the garden to a place where it had plenty of grass to graze on. We followed it along with a security guard and watched as it munched away a few meters from us!

With all the experiences of the day and night, it was some time before I could fall asleep!