KARIANDUSI MUSEUM
Located along Nakuru Naivasha highway to the west of Gilgil river, Kariandusi is one of the most famous pre-historic sites in Africa. Discovered in 1928 by Dr. Louise Leakey, the museum is now managed by the National Museums of Kenya.
It’s an important spot for evolution enthusiasts and family visits as it portrays vast array of tools used by the early man. Apart from the rich history and tools kept at the Museum, Kariandusi offers an excellent landscape with beautiful views of the great rift valley and lake Elementaita.
Tourists activities in this area includes; Camping, picnic, birdwatching, visit to the gorge, Natural trail and sightseeing of the archeological sites.
LAKE OLOIDEN
This a volcanic crater lake and home to Kenya’s largest flower farms. It is a perfect destination for those who want to get away from the usual and beaten track. It is home to thousands of flamingoes and a boat ride in the lake is always mind-blowing. Located in the vicinity is the Oloiden Camp a modern day camping site which provides an amazing and refreshing getaway from the city. Lake Oloiden is a perfect place for boat rides, game viewing, birdwatching, wedding venue, team building, camping, and bonfire.
LAKE ELEMENTAITA
Located just a few kilometers from Gilgil town, Lake Elementaita is one of the most beautiful lakes on the floor of the rift valley. Visitors get to explore the lake on the foot to see birds, gazelles, elands, warthogs as well as take beautiful pictures of the scenery. At the southern end of the lake, are the ‘Kekopei springs’ in which the tilapia graham breed.
The lake has a population of more than 40,000 flamingoes, but the number increases to more than 200,000 when food is abundant. The lake also has a resident flock of 3000 pelicans.
Tourism activities in this area, will include, birdwatching, game viewing, photography, camping etc.
MT LONGONOT NATIONAL PARK
Located approximately 90 kilometers from Nairobi along the smooth Mai Mahiu Naivasha Highway, the park was created few years ago with an aim to lure more tourist and has positioned itself as a ‘hiking heaven’ for the hiking enthusiasts. The mountain shape consists of soft volcanic rock that has eroded into deep clefts, V shaped valleys and ridges. There is little to no vegetation on the soil. The crater is however very lush and green, with fairly impenetrable trees.
The crater rim provides great scenic views of the beautiful Rift valley all the way to Naivasha. Some of the wildlife you would encounter are the elands, lions, leopards, bushbucks, common zebras, giraffes and giant gazelles. Tourist activities in the area includes, Camping, biking, hiking, game viewing, and photography.
HYRAX HILLS PRE-HISTORIC SITE
This is the most important Neolithic site in Nakuru county named after a small mammal that lives in the rocky areas called Rock hyrax. Located just 4 km from Nakuru town, it is one of the most sought after historical and cultural centers in Kenya. The museum uniquely illustrates the lifestyle of seasonal settlement by prehistoric people as old as 3000 years ago.
Today Hyrax hill remained open to public, allowing tourists to see prehistoric nomadic remains, small permanent villages and the beginning of an iron age culture.
KIGIO WILDLIFE CONSERVANCY
Established in 1997, Kigio wildlife conservancy is located about 120km from Nairobi between Naivasha and Gilgil off the road to Nakuru. While at the conservancy, take up the most epic and breathtaking views of the rift valley, Mount Longonot and Lake Naivasha. You can also walk or cycle amongst the wildlife and birds or choose to enjoy a quick splash in the Malewa river that meanders through the conservancy.
THE ELSAMERE NATURE RESERVE
It has been described as ‘heaven’ for lovers of nature. Set in acacia forest on the banks of Lake Naivasha, this is the former home of Dr. Joy Adamson who together with her husband George Adamson, became famous for their pioneering conservation work and relationship with Elsa the lioness. Today Elsa conservation trust in its commitment to wildlife conservation, operates a wildlife retreat and an educational Centre. Tourist activity here involves; Conservation learning, birdwatching, photography and nature trails.
CRESCENT ISLAND GAME SANCTUARY
This game sanctuary is located on an island just about 12 minutes of boat ride from the shores of Lake Naivasha. It has more animals per acre than any other park in Kenya, and gives tourist a closer view of the animals as one can just walk freely among the wildebeests, giraffes, impala and zebras while keeping the distance so as not to provoke the animals. A trip to this island is truly unforgettable experience.
Being a submerged rim of a volcanic crater, the hill creates a 360-degree view across the lake from Mt, Longonot to Hells gate to Mau Escarpments and into the Aberdares. Tourist activities here includes boat rides, photography, bird watching, game viewing and the evening sundowner.
OL DOINYO EBURU
Locate 8 km North west of Lake Naivasha, Ol Donyo Eburu is part of an active complex of volcanoes in the great rift valley. It hosts Mau Eburu forest which is one of the 22 gazetted forest blocks in Kenya.
The mountain is 2856 m high and has two summits, Eburu East and West Hills. It overlooks Lake Naivasha to the south, Lake Elementaita to the North and Lake Nakuru to the North West.
The forest is home to the endangered species like Eastern mountain bongo, a rare and gorgeous antelope. It is also a birdwatchers’ heaven carpeted by indigenous tree species. Other wildlife animals to see are giraffes, bushbucks, gazelles, waterbucks, monkeys, buffaloes, bongos, baboons, and sometimes leopards. Tourist activities here includes; Hiking, birdwatching, game viewing and photography.
OLKARIA GEOTHERMAL HOT SPA
Located of the floor of the great rift valley and about 120 km from Nairobi, Olkaria Geothermal hot spa is a first of its kind I Africa. It is right next to Hells gate National Park and loosely adjacent to Mt Longonot National Park. The spa has naturally heated water cooled to a personalized temperature to fit your skin. The spa therefore provides the ultimate destination for revelers away from the hustle and baffle of the city. The breathtaking scenery creates a memorable experience. Tourist activities involved here includes; swimming, game viewing at Hells gate, photography, biking at hells gate and birdwatching at hells gate.
MANENGAI CRATER
Located about 8km from the main road only 10 km from Nakuru town, this crater is 2490 m high and covers an estimated area of 90km2 . It is the second largest surviving volcanic crater in the world. It used to be a place for violent battle ground between different Maasai clans over control of pastures of the rift valley slopes and Naivasha.
Today the crater is Kenya’s most intriguing attraction site with marvelous scenery tied up to the local beliefs about evil spirits roaming the area. It is home to various bird species and wild animals, such as dik-diks, duiker, hyena and baboons and cats as well.
LORD EGERTON CASTLE
Lord Egerton Castle is a house styled like a fortress located 14 km outside Nakuru Kenya. The foundation was laid in 1938 by Maurice Egerton, the 4th Baron. The architect was Albert Brown. Construction continued until 1954. In 1996 the Castle was declared a monument under Kenyan “The Antiquities and Monuments Act”
The castle has 52 rooms. Among them:
- dance hall with electric organ
- dark chamber for developing photos
- entrance hall
- master bedrooms
- study rooms
- wine cellar
After purchasing the land Maurice Egerton built a small first house. While living in the first house the second house with four bedrooms was built. The unnamed woman called the second house a “chicken house”. That was the reason for Maurice Egerton to build the castle. Lord Egerton had begun constructing the castle in 1938 after the woman he intended to marry refused to start a family with him in the previous houses he had constructed for her. The construction of the castle stalled for some years right after the inception of World War II. It took 10 years to complete its construction in 1954. Lord Maurice Egerton stayed in the castle for only four years until he passed away in 1958.The castle has received many visitors worldwide.
