Naivasha is a colonial misinterpretation of the original Maasai name Nai'posha, meaning ''Rough Water" in reference to the afternoon storms that frequented the lake. Between 1937 and 1950 the lake was used as Nairobi’s principle airport and landing site for the Catalina Flying Boats, the ultimate in elite air travel at that time.

Much of the lake is surrounded by forests of the yellow barked Acacia Xanthophlea, (known locally as the yellow fever tree) that flourish with bird life, making Naivasha a world class birding destination.

The shores of the lake draw a wide array of game including Maasai Giraffes, Cape Buffalo and Colobus Monkeys with numerous hefty Hippos lazing around in the lake. The borough enclosing the lake is well worth exploring, giving way to two smaller lakes nearby; Oloidien, with its Flamingoes and Sonachi, a bright green crater lake.

Beside the lake is Hells Gate National Park, famously named for its pair of mammoth, red hued cliffs, framing a geothermal active interior of steam vents and bubbling springs. The park is home to an abundance of plains game and birdlife.

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