Lake Naivasha lies at about 1880 m but the lake level does varies quite considerably. In 1926 it was reported as 6 m higher. Eons ago it was a great deal higher than that and its waters gushed through Njorowa gorge, which are now high above the lake and the dramatic entrance to Hell's Gate National Park. Lakes are not normally fresh unless water can escape but there is now no visible outlet to the lake. The supposition is that there are underground seepages maintaining the movement of fresh water brought into the lake by the Gilgil and Malewa rivers in the north. Situated only about a 100 km from Nairobi the lake has become a recreational centre for Kenyans; there is a flourishing yacht club and many private cabin cruisers and other boats for fishing. All the land surrounding the lake is in private hands, so access to the water has to be through the grounds of the two hotels on the southeast shore or by the consent of the local landowners. <b>Seasons</b>: From Oct-Mar, palearctic migrants join the resident bird species. <b> Wildlife</b>: You should see: baboon, bushbuck, duiker, Grant's gazelle, Thomson' gazlle, genet, giraffe, hare, hartbeest, hippo, spotted hyaena, hyrax, impala, jackal, mongoose, vervet monkey, otter, waterbuck, zebra You may see: aardwolf, civet, dik-dik, bat-eared fox, porcupine, reedbuck, serval, steinbok, This lake is also a birdwatchers paradise. There are over 450 species in the immediate area including the highland escarpments, which surround the lake to the south and west. <b>Precautions</b> Malaria area - minimize mosquito bites by wearing light, long sleeved clothing and using effective insect repellents (containing Diethyltoluamide DEET) on exposed skin. Sleep under treated mosquito netting or ensure that the doors and windows of your accommodation are screened against mosquitoes. Having a fan or air-conditioner on at night will further suppress mosquito activity. Currently, the three effective anti-malaria tablets are Mefloquine (Lariam or Mefliam), Doxycycline and Malarone (Malanil). It is still possible to contract malaria while on malaria prophylaxis. Note that Lariam may present serious side-effects - please test before you depart.