Lake Naivasha

Much of the Happy Valley story took place in the lakeside homes of the decadent settlers. The lake was even used as a staging point for the London-Durban flying boat service.

Thickly wooded shores with yellow-barked acacia trees surround Lake Naivasha. The freshwater lake is known for its rich birdlife and the compelling sight of groups of pelican at close quarters.

The area is rich pastoral country, home to Delamere Dairies, and a major source of export flowers grown in the hothouses fed by the lake. South of the lake, volcanic Mount Longonot rises majestically above the floor of the Rift Valley.

Local attractions include the small but geologically interesting Hell's Gate national park and the small Crater Lake sanctuary with buffalo, waterbuck and black-and-white colobus monkeys.