By Aswathy Kumar
Cost of petrol: Us$ 25, Boat ride: US$ 30, A dream getaway for the whole family: Priceless! Looking for the perfect break within your Budget? Head out to the serene and picturesque Naivasha just a few hundred kilometers from Nairobi
Traffic snarls, pollution and frantic lifestyles….. Looking for the perfect getaway from the hectic city life? Head out to the lush green and picturesque Naivasha that’s sure to give you the break that you are looking for. Just a few hundred kilometers and merely a two hour drive from Nairobi city, Naivasha is indeed a dream destination especially for those wanting a time- off on a budget. That’s right all you need is a packed picnic basket, a full tank ride and less than US$ 30 for expenses and Voila! You have a picnic your whole family will never forget.
The drive to Naivasha is an experience in itself. Coniferous trees aligning both sides of the road and the large number of cows and sheep grazing on the plush green grasslands provide for a spectacular view. On your way to Naivasha, the Great Rift Valley is a must-stop. If you are lucky and there isn’t much fog covering the view, this spot can prove to be an excellent place to get a few memorable shots. For all the shoppers, there are quite a few curio shops where you can get a number of African artifacts ranging from African masks to Masai jewelry. But make sure along with some Kenyan shillings you also carry your excellent bargaining skills. And if you are not able to get a good price…don’t worry you can always pick up the same pieces for a much lower price at the weekly Masai markets in various parts of the city. Once you cross the famous crater at Hells Gate National Park and catch a glimpse of the splendid lake Naivasha, you can be sure that you are at your holiday spot. As soon as you enter Naivasha you can see a number of resorts and even privately owned farms that are usually open to the public. The best part of most of these resorts is that you don’t have to be rent a room or stay the night to avail the number of facilities they have to offer. 
The Hippo Safari provided by most of these resorts is a must-try while visiting Naivasha. In just US$ 30 your entire family can hire a boat for one whole hour and a guide who will take you around the Lake where you can see large groups of Hippos soaking themselves in the cool blue waters. Though Hippos are extremely territorial and aggressive, these boat rides are very safe as the guides know to keep their safe distance.
Lake Naivasha is also home to over three hundred different species of birds like the Great White Pelican, Black Herons, Pied Kingfisher, Great Comorant and a variety of Ducks, Geese and Eagles. In fact there are plenty of spots where you can buy fish that you may use to feed the Fish Eagles that are in plenty here. You can also use the boat and get yourself dropped at the Crescent Island, a privately owned game sanctuary where you can walk around and see a number of animals like zebras, giraffe, water buck and gazelles at a close range. But remember, you have to pay for the park fees separatelyOnce you are finished with the boat ride and are back at the resort, you can simply pull out your rug, enjoy your picnic lunch and relax while your kids can have a blast at the children’s park provided by most of the resorts for no additional cost. In short a perfect getaway for the whole family for less than 100 bucks…
