NAIROBI LAKES – WET, WILD & WONDERFUL!!! – By GARETH JONES

Let us just imagine for a moment…We parked near the main gate with a new sign that stated “WELCOME TO NAIROBI LAKES NATIONAL PARK”, and prepared to pay our park entrance fee. The KWS official politely asked me, “are you hiring a motorboat or a canoe?”. We went for the canoe option even though it is slower, it is very quiet and allows closer viewing of species with better photos when approaching the many islands in the park.

Well thankfully the above scene did not actually happen, but the heavy rains this year have certainly transformed the park in many ways. The rains began suddenly in mid-October, with much water filling many, or any natural voids with the precious life-sustaining liquid.

Some roads have virtually turned into rivers, and normally dry grasslands have become wetlands, the park is indeed starting to look more like Lake Nairobi National Park. With the recent constant heavy rain, many of the roads have become impassible for almost any vehicle. In recent days many 4×4 vehicles have had to be rescued with tractors, winches and various other muddy methods. It should be noted that while many tracks are drivable in the dry season, the park has vast sections of the notorious “black cotton” soil. This clay soil type has various stages when getting wet, ranging from a soapy very slippery stage to a tacky glue-like stage, to a boggy stage. Ideally, KWS should close many drivable sections during heavy rains. However, I would highly advise that if seeing a very wet thick muddy section of road ahead it is at times best to avoid the temptation, even if you are driving the latest 4×4 technology. I have in the past seen many people get stuck in thick mud, just because a pride of lions was located down one of the “no go” tracks, it seems that “lion fever” often overrides common sense at times.

However even with the heavy rains and just driving on the tar road and some of the drivable main roads, we are still amazed at the variation of wildlife that can still be seen, with many of the species behaving differently due to the rains, some seemed to be celebrating by running around in the mud, or splashing in the water. It definitely seems like the wildlife mood has a major change towards joyful and positive when it rains. Others, like some bird species, appear to be hard at work with nest building for their future generation. Interesting insects appear in profusion as many birds have a feast on the abundance. I have also noted that the lions seem to enjoy climbing up onto signposts and trees in the wet season. There are also many beautiful plants flowering now. In the Nairobi National Park, there is always something interesting to see!

The park is currently looking very lush and green, possibly an “Eden-like” paradise. God has created so much wonderful diversity, that it is virtually impossible to describe it in mere words! Yes, the Nairobi National Park can truly be, wet, wild and wonderful! Therefore it is always best to take personal time out and visit the park yourself!

The park is open daily from 06h00 to 19h00.

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