A Trek to remember in Crescent Island, Lake Naivasha, Kenya

As we embark on an unforgettable hiking adventure on Crescent Island in Lake Naivasha, Kenya, the beauty of nature unfolds before us. The trek brings us face-to-face with a majestic Rothschild's giraffe grazing nearby, offering a glimpse of one of the world's most endangered species. Guided by an expert, we capture these incredible moments alongside vibrant wildlife, including zebras and playful baboons. The lush landscape, once a sanctuary, is now at risk, leaving animals vulnerable as their habitats dwindle.

Join us as we explore the breathtaking beauty and fragility of life on Crescent Island.

As we hiked up the hill, the short bushes parted to reveal a breathtaking view of Lake Naivasha shimmering below. We quickened our pace, eager to catch up with a giraffe grazing just two hundred meters away, its long neck reaching for the tender leaves of a nearby bush. Behind us, a few tourists struggled up the slope, their breaths heavy with effort.

Crescent Island nestles near the shores of Lake Naivasha. It served as one of the filming locations for the classic movie "Out of Africa." Our guide pointed out that this specific pathway was the one once used as the plane runway featured in the film.

Just as we neared the top, the giraffe paused, its head rising gracefully from its feast. With a fluid elegance, it began to stroll toward us, crossing the terrain with a poise that seemed almost regal. I felt my heart race as it stopped just a few steps away, standing before me—a magnificent Rothschild's giraffe, one of the most endangered subspecies in the world.

Exploring Crescent Island in Lake Naivasha, Kenya, with a majestic Rothschild's giraffe as a hiking companion.

Our guide, a seasoned expert in wildlife and walking safaris, motioned for us to gather in front of the towering creature. He instructed us to be ready, signalling that we should shift to the left if he saw the giraffe preparing to move forward. It was a delightful surprise when he captured not just photos, but also a vertical video of us alongside this majestic animal, perfect for sharing on Instagram.

As we continued our hike further toward the hilltop, more Rothschild's giraffes emerged. A youngling ambled closely beside its mother, their occasional exchanges filled with heartwarming glances that spoke of an unbreakable bond. The plain was teemed with life. A few zebras grazed in the distance, while a male and female ostrich kept watch, their heads swiveling to scan the horizon for potential threats. A handful of baboons played nearby, adding to the lively scene.

A serene moment where a baby Rothschild's giraffe fed on its mother.

Ostriches are a common sight on Crescent Island. Thanks to our guide's expertise, we were able to approach these magnificent birds without disturbing their peaceful demeanor.

Crescent Island in Lake Naivasha stands out as one of the few places in Kenya where tourists can do a walking safari. This island is a vibrant sanctuary, teeming with life—zebras graze lazily, kudus wander through the bushes, giraffes stretch their necks to nibble on treetops, and ostriches patrol the open spaces. The abundant birdlife fills the air with a symphony of calls. The absence of large predators like lions, cheetahs, or leopards provides a sense of safety, even as hippos occasionally venture ashore to graze.

Yet, beneath this idyllic surface, Crescent Island faces a looming crisis. The rising water levels of Lake Naivasha, likely due to increasing rainfall, have transformed the island from a haven into a precarious prison for its inhabitants. The animals, once free to roam and thrive, are now trapped, their escape routes cut off.

Adding to their plight, the encroaching waters are slowly drowning the island’s lush plantations. Trees that once provided essential food sources for the giraffes are succumbing to the rising tide, their once-thriving branches now bare and lifeless. The sight of these dead trees, with their desolate limbs reaching toward the sky, is a heart-wrenching reminder of the fragility of life in this ecosystem.

Trees closer to the shore are dead as they are being submerged by the rising water level, reducing the food supply of animals living on the Crescent Island.

The peace on the hilltop was short-lived. Dark clouds began to roll in, casting an ominous shadow over the landscape. A few moments later, the first raindrops fell, quickly intensifying into a steady downpour. We were swiftly directed to descend the opposite side of the hill, aiming for the jetty to return to our boat.

The weather around Lake Naivasha is unpredictable, especially in the late afternoon. Between 4 and 5 PM, it's common for dark clouds to gather, bringing with them the promise of rainfall and the rumble of thunderstorms.

We barely had time to stow our cameras away. We hastily covered our gear with jackets, doing our best to shield the lenses from the deluge. Carefully navigating the steep, slick hillside, we made our way back to the boat, ready to set off for the dock at Lake Naivasha. Thanks to our guide's keen timing, we reached the boat just as the rain reached its peak. We hopped aboard, soaking wet but exhilarated, reflecting on the remarkable encounters we had just experienced.