A Canopy fit for fish and ugali!

Naivasha,Kenya

A view of  Lake Naivasha


We recently took a short trip to Naivasha, Kenya. It is a scenic town just under two hours drive outside Nairobi and lies right within the beauty of the Great Rift Valley. Its best feature is by far the beautiful lake Naivasha (pictured above). We had the opportunity of enjoying such a glorious view from our cozy little getaway cottage.




The cottage we rented was located in Fisherman's Camp, which  happens to be one of the many campsites available for the many ravellers both local and international out to enjoy some of the gorgeous wildlife Kenya has to offer.The drive down was full of beautiful, undulating farmlands that stretched on forever,eventually and seamlessly transform into the glassy surfaces of the lake side.

The Great Rift Valley, picture taken from a view point enroute to Naivasha town

  The views of water became more stunning and developed in its splendor as we got closer to the bank. 

Hyacinth over the banks of Lake Naivasha

After taking in the beauty of the Lake, a little bird told us of a place where we could enjoy even more views over a meal of fresh fish and the very prospect kept us on our toes! 

From the Dock

       The destination was only a 10 minute drive outside the Fisherman's camp and it was a peaceful little fishing community laden with what was possibly the largest Tilapia catch  any of us had ever seen!

Below is a short compilation of panoramic views capturing our lunch by the Lake.

View of  the beautiful community

Complete with joyful playing children, content looking pooches and the distant happily chatting groups began to emerge. Entranced, I began to explore the different areas.  Little sections of spaces where different programs took place: 

A lady prepares fresh fish under the tree shade

Table of fresh fish

Table of fresh fish (2)

 Kitchens, kiosks, Cleaning areas, eating spaces and fish display areas were all full of activity. Huge and exceptionally fresh tilapia fish were on exhibition- clear eyes and shiny skin only adding to there beauty.

Woman cleans and prepares fish

 The preparation tables where caught fish were cut and cleaned for cooking was, just as enthralling, whilst expecting a fishy stench, I was surprisingly hit with a fresh aroma that one could only experience near freshly caught tilapia!

Close-up of woman cleaning fish

Make-shift Kitchen

The only thing that smells better that fresh fish is freshly cooked fish! The Kitchens where the fish were cooked were simply equipped with a make-shift wooden counter a wood stove and a washing area.

Interior of Kitchen

With just enough tools to make well-cooked Ugali * and simple fried fish and chips the kitchens were still able to cope with the busy lunch time rush.

Panoramic view of interior space

The different spaces themselves were made with a net like material and a raw wooden frame that cleanly yet efficiently sectioned working, dining and relaxing spaces.

Overhead net canopy

View of dining area

The side of the structures also put to use recycled plastic material that helped enclose certain areas as well help maintain the  lack of wind from  that generates from the body of water.

View of us in the dining area

The canopy created by the towering Acacias paired with the net awning created a 'Frank Balaam' effect of light and a micro-climate that one could almost compare to a lagoon: An amazing double-effect shade away from the harsh sun.

Another view of us in the dining area

Only after waiting a mere 30min would one be graced with a banquet of freshly fried fish ,Ugali (pap) and/or chips and Kachumbari (tomato salsa)  as well as a selection of drinks. A beautiful array of simple food that anyone would enjoy!

Fresh fish to enjoy!

With Lake Naivasha only a few 100 meters away , we were able to enjoy a beautiful lunch with an even more beautiful view. Next time you are down in Naivasha ,Kenya be sure to visit this spot!