Lake Magadi is a shimmering expanse of nothingness. It is a mirage-like lake in a kaleidoscope of differently shaded browns, wobbling in a wave of heat. In the dry season as the lake recedes the ground becomes a harsh and uninviting saltpan. A go-cart track for 4 x 4s, an outrageously fun way to reach hot springs bubbling in lichen green pools. The lake is enclosed by the Aberdares, Loita Hills, and Mau Escarpment, it contains the most concentrated brine in the Kenyan Lake system. At times this salty lake turns bright pink due to algae bloom.
Lake Magadi is not for the faint hearted. In the heat of summer the temperatures reach 40 degrees and the area is desert like desolate. Sandy outcrops are home to Maasai families and their goats. Vegetation is sparse and fresh drinking water a rarity. The flat fawn-coloured rocks stretch out to the horizon, broken only by the Ngurumani escarpment a moonscape not of this world. As the rains come the lake refills and the bird life always numerous explodes: Flamingo, Pelican, plover, sunbirds, finch and a myriad others. There are larger animals within the conservancy: Giraffe, Zebra, Oryx and Wildebeest and on occasion lion and elephant. But this isn’t a place for viewing animals this is a place to gaze in wonder at the scenery. To draw breath in Kenya’s raw nature, to marvel at the resilience of the life that exists here.
A visit to Lake Magadi is worth it for the drive alone, a three-hour journey through severe countryside. Sand and Acacia trees are your only companions for most of the potholed and dusty road. The path to Magadi gives you the opportunity to glimpse inside the lives of one of the more famed Kenyan tribes, the Maasai. Peppered along the route are Maasai Villages, not tourist mimicry but real people living real lives. The journey to Magadi is a chance to see Kenyan people still living the way their forefathers did. Life appears to have remained the same for centuries. Traditionally dressed villagers tend cows and babies, or in a nod to modern times wait at the roadside for boda bodas to bring cartons of water.
Heading to the springs themselves is a further drive on from the sports club. Skirt the lake in the wet season or channel Mad Max on the salt flats in the dry, it’s an exhilarating and enticing journey across the arid landscapes.
The hot springs are entirely natural, don’t expect the swimming pool style springs of Naivasha. At points the springs are little more than a hole in the ground full of extremely hot water. A dip in these springs is always best at the coolest time of the day, unless submerging yourself in 90 degree water under 40-degree heat is your thing. There are no facilities and no shade so bring lots of water. There are a group of local Maasai ladies who visit the springs to sells their crafts, a nice token to bring some money and buy some of their handiwork.
One of the best times to visit Kenya is from July to September, during the country's dry season, which also coincides with the Great Migration of wildebeest and zebra. The rainy seasons are also good times to travel, as there are fewer visitors and you can admire the striking emerald vegetation.
Wildlife Safari, Witness the Wildebeest Migration, Relax on the East African Coast, Cultural Travel on the Island of Lamu, Climb Mount Kenya, Hike Through Hell's Gate, River Raft the Tana River, Hang Out on Lake Victoria, Explore Nairobi, Eat Nyama Choma, Orphaned Elephants, Hippo Point, Mamba Village
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Vladimír Staňura – USA
We wanted to do safari with my wife in Kenya. Diwaka Safaris organized our trip for 17 days professionally. We were very satisfied with all services. The best part was our guide Patrick Waweru who did an excellent job.
josefkingley – USA
Decided to do one a early Jan before the corona nightmare...wasnt decided on the exact itinerary especially the accommodation to choose...did my own research and decided on the ones I could get though decided they can also advice on what they had in mind so that we could compare prices as well as I could get to check on their diff reviews...was a 4 nights trip just Naivasha where we stayed at Naivasha Sopa and Mara at Ashnil..loved ashnil way better cos of the views as well what we got to see the in terms of wildlife..