Experience The Beginning on Kenyan Waters

It’s written in the good book, that at the beginning the world was formless. The Spirit of the Lord was hovering on water…

There is a mystical feeling that comes with water. The way land merges with water, the rise of the sun behind a lake, the setting of the same as it intimately dances on the ocean, the beauty of islands, the scent of the salty or fresh breeze, the green of moss and algae,  the royalty of the oceanic blue and the entire vastiness of hydraulic beauty.

Kenya offers you the best experience when it comes to visiting places with large water bodies.

If you are a fish – a fan of water sports ranging from kayaking, surfing, sport fishing, marine study, swimming among others this is your read. If you are the kind that is into the mystery of endless waters and you enjoy staring into waves or just watching the sun take a deep dip in the lake,  keep reading. If you are into boating and floating bars and restaurants go on reading. If you are just the kind that loves watching people enjoy water, still this is your read.

The Indian Ocean makes the coast the most populous tourist attraction in Kenya, but it’s just one of the many places you can visit for a similar or better experience. Lake Victoria is also a common place for many water lovers who stop at Kisumu and forget that there are many other islands and bays to be seen on the Lake. Some of The Rift valley lakes are attractive and commonly visited. But then there are havens that offer you something different from these  popular places.

Below are the top mystic aquatic tourism destinations in Kenya that are unique, never congested and are rarely thought of by many. You may want to start creating a bucket list…

Lake Turkana

You hear someone visiting Lordwar and the first thing that pops in your mind is how they are going to be safe from bandits. The desert has got much to offer and Lake Turkana is one of them. This is the world’s largest Alkaline lake, the home of the monstrous Nile Crocodile. Whoever said Lavethan is extinct…  I can bet it’s in Lake Turkana.

Someone said visiting here is like discovering a whole new planet starting from the people, I mean the El molo, the landscape, the heat… you know the kind that makes you feel vapor leave your body and the refreshing Eliye Springs.

They say, Lake Turkana is a shy yet majestic lake that you see from a vantage point as you approach it, and it unfolds slowly till it pours its whole self in your face and you might gasp for breath in its beauty. Not mentioning the active volcano that sits at its center like some god’s throne.

There is a bonus of Lake Logipi, an extension of Turkana down at Suguta Valley. This can’t be described in written, gather your clique and plan a journey to the desert.

Glacial Lakes of Mount Kenya

Lake Ellis is the most picturesque, breathtaking place you want to camp on mount Kenya. This gave me an insight of why monks who live on the Himalayas live long. If I were a man, I would propose to my lady here. The magical fantasy,the intense quiet, the serenely pure atmosphere around it, and the fact that you are on top of a mountain… makes you a demigod.

One can hike to Ellis or drive in a 4WD since the terrain gets rockier as you go up.

To get to Lake Ellis, you go through the Chogoria Gate to  Mount Kenya. That means you travel from Nairobi to Meru then get an affordable pass at the Chogoria Gate, and proceed to your haven.

There are other glacier Lakes like Rutundu, Michaelson, Longhikes, Alice and Lake Hohnel but Ellis is the most beautiful in my opinion.

Here camping, ice swimming, fishing, photography and sky watching can be done. You might want to be fully equiped with warm clothing and pray that it’s all sunny when you visit. You will never. Forget the experience.

Lake Magadi

This is the only lady lake in Kenya… it’s pink. Not only with Flamingos but with soda! It is said to have this apocalyptic kind of beauty. Besides the wildlife and birds, the hot springs top the pink pudding. It’s a one day stop you can make to steam off after a long week of work.

Lake Kenyatta

Who even knew this exists? Well, it does. In Lamu, Mpeketoni. It’s a freshwater lake quenching thirst for these soft spoken people, buffalos, gazelles and hippos. Isn’t this synonymous to paradise?

The scenery is breathtaking! Bird watchers have a spot and swimming, boating, kayaking can be done here as well. It’s a private place to retreat alone or with the person you can sit next to and say nothing at all but still feel the love.

Lake Baringo then to Lake Bogoria

You might be wondering why I am merging the two, these are like twin lakes. When you visit one, you will definitely grow a desire to visit the other. The journey to Lake Baringo will heal you before you touch the vast waters of this enomouse lake. The heat, the rustic nature of the place, the people… it is like traveling through time to the past. The first time I visited it felt like the 18th century.

Here, all sorts of boating, watching crocodiles, camping, interesting bird life and interacting with various cultures including the Tugen, Jemps and Pokots is on the table. There are nice hotels around and the nearest town is Margat.

Lake Bogoria is popular for its hot springs. Bathing in the lake is said to have a healing effect. This is a tour in the sun and can be made in a day or two.

Simbi Nyaima

Ever heard of the myth of Simbi Nyaima and how it was formed? The old lady who came to a chief’s party to beg for food and was turned down? Yes, she left but sent rain that washed away every breathing creature save for one kind woman who lived to tell the tale. And that’s how Simbi as it was previously known was turned to Simbi Nyaima.

Simbi Nyaima is located in Homa Bay in Karachuonyo, near Kendu bay. This is small gem tucked away in the depths of Kenya, with a distinct scent and a home of flamingos.

This sounds like an invitation to swim with ghosts!

Besides Lake Victoria, You can ease off to Simbi Nyaima to enjoy a less busy lake time.

You can go fishing at your convenience, go for boat rides, have dinner on a boat and just watch the sun rise from the lake.

In conclusion, every visit to a nicely hidden or less busy lake just stirs my spirit to freshness. It rejuvenates and gives this feeling of new strength. Try it out, and share your experience.

Emily Khalayi Wekulo.