Have an early morning drive to Lake Naivasha. It is the highest and the most beautiful of the Rif Valley lakes. At 1910m (6200f), the water is fresh and the lake is fringed with dense clumps of papyrus (ancient Egyptians once used this to make paper). Kingfishers use the papyrus as a perch, herons hide in it while searching for food.
Naivasha is yet another area popular for bird watching (over 400species have been recorded). It is also a favourite weekend retreat for Nairobi residents, who come here to sail, water ski and fish. There are no crocodiles in the lake as the water is too cold for them, due to the altitude there are a number of hippos. Along the lakeshore, vineyards produce grapes for the country’s fledgeling wine industry.