We have been planning to visit the lakes close to Nairobi. Finally this weekend we put it into the action:) They are Lakes, Naivasha, Nakuru and Elementaita. They are all 30 minutes drive from each other. Lake area starts with, Lake Naivasha which is closest one to Nairobi. Roads are not bad, worst part is getting out of Nairobi, but once you are out roads get nicer. The only problem is there are lots of buses and matatus, thus driving can get dangerous, you just have to watch out. There were lots of police check points on the way. Luckily, we were not stopped by. They mostly stop overcrowded buses and matatus. Drive to Lake Elementaita takes approximately 2hrs drive which is not bad if you have small kids like we do. Our hotel was an easy access from the main road. I found out about it on tripadvisor which I use alot and have an account too. We stayed at Sun Bird Lodge, loved the place. They have these beautiful birds with all kinds of colours, I guess it is where getting the name from. Lodge also has impalas, they greet you when you walk into your room. They had 14 cottages with their own private deck, where you have a beautiful lake view. At night they put warm water bags in the beds, and put the mosquito nets down, even though there are not any because of the high altitude, 1869m. I can say so much about the hotel, and would not be enough. From food to staff it was excellent. At night they lit the fireplaces where you can enjoy glass of wine with a wonderful service. The room was very Eco friendly, accommodated all four of us very comfortably. When I was searching for hotels, few of them were not accepting any children under 6yrs! I was very luck to find out about Sun Bird Lodge. It was full board and very reasonably priced.
The same day we arrived, we had a game drive to Lake Nakuru, which is a 30minutes drive. There I learned Lake Nakuru is a 'prime national park', which I found the term weird. Anyways, so you get to pay more. The park ranger told me it is called 'prime', the reasoning is you get so see more and and it is around the lake. We did a half day game drive and unfortunately did not get to see lions neither the cheetah. But the scenic view is incredible, we were able to see hundreds of Buffalo's, zebras and impalas feeding together. The plantation was amazing. We were also able to see a hippo from a very far, unfortunately it was under the water, only saw the ears though:( But still I can say I finally saw a hippo:) Lake Nakuru is very famous with its pelican populations, got to see many pelicans in the water coming with pink and white colours.
We have been told you can also have a boat ride in Lake Naivasha to have a bird watching and can see pelicans. But we were not interested much with two small kids besides we already made a quick visit last year. Also the hotel we stayed in, had so many beautiful birds where you get to see them on flowers and in their nests.
I found Nakuru town cleaner and more nicer especially the roads, pavements and buildings. People on the roads were relaxed, had a huge smile on their faces, children were running around safely. I think it is today's biggest problem in every developing country, when the city gets overly crowded it losses its character and becomes a megapol village...
Overall, it was a great weekend visit, where you get out of bustling Nairobi. So definitely recommended!
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