Being just over an hour’s trip away, a weekend in Naivasha is the perfect way to escape the city with as little hassle as possible. Nestled in the Great Rift Valley, the town gains its allure from the fresh water Lake Naivasha, the large wildlife reserves and geographical wonders that surround it. So no surprise that it would be one of SpaDreaming’s first picks for a reflection-time destination. Here’s some of the things we recommend you do to get your mind and body feeling revitalised by the time you get back to the city.
- Reflect at the view point.
Technically this isn’t in Naivasha, but it’s just the place to mentally make the switch from city to country. Breath in the fresh air, take in the ethereal views of the Rift Valley and let out the bustle you’ve left behind. It’s time for some R&R.
- Boat rides
Not to state the obvious, but you can’t be in a lake town and not go on the lake. A boat safari on Lake Naivasha or any of the surrounding smaller water bodies is a great way to relax as you spot different wildlife. Fringed by papyrus and with Mount Longonot as a backdrop, it’s a real treat for the soul to watch the sun set over the water. Make sure to have an experienced guide with you for this activity.
- Nature walks
Skip the game drive and connect with nature as you take a guided morning or late-afternoon walk. The famous Crescent Island sanctuary is about 15 minutes by boat away from the shores of Lake Naivasha and one of the few places where you can enjoy a scenic nature-walk alongside wild animals. The relaxed nature of the walks allows for leisurely interaction with both the avifauna and smaller animals of the area.
- Give your heart a light jog
Looking to get the endorphins going but want to keep it easy? There are lots of activities for you to do in Naivasha. You can go horse riding around the green Crater Lake reserve, hike at Hell’s Gate National Park or just bike the easy terrain of the park. We must warn you though; if you want to enjoy the hot springs, cool stream and superb views of Lake Naivasha, Elementaita and Nakuru you’ll need to hike a little further and higher! Not to mention the gorge with it’s perfect backdrop for photos. #Iwashere.
- Have a spa date
You know what’s perfect after some exercise? A nice dip in a natural jacuzzi at the Kengen Olkaria Geothermal Spa inside the Hell’s Gate Park. Let the naturally heated water massage your muscles and the abundant steam open up your pores. They say the water has medicinal qualities to the skin. How true that is, we cannot tell, but a swim in the cloudy water is certainly therapeutic.
If you’re looking for the more conventional spa, there are several spa-hotels in the area which you can visit for some expertly provided relaxation time in perfect ambience. Oh, and there are plenty of excellent lunch-spots in case you get peckish afterwards!
Words: Wambui Muriithi Illustration: Nzilani Simu