This 68 square kilometer fresh water lake is considered a bird watcher’s paradise. It has been described as a bewilderment of birds. It is estimated that there are more than 400 species around it. Water birds exist in great varieties and abundance. The lake has no apparent outlet but remains fresh and changes noticeably in size according to rainfall in the nearby Mau hills and Aberdare mountain ranges. The Lake has a resident population of hippo and many fish. It was here that Joy Adamson’s book Born Free was written. Activities in this area include boat rides to see the hippo schools and watch birds, visits and walking on the Crescent Island.

The Crescent Island is one of the major features on this lake and is one of the rare places in the country where one can wander among the wildlife on foot. The Island takes its name from its shape. It is the visible tip of a volcanic crater rim, forming a bay in the deepest part of the lake.

The lake is surrounded by private game sanctuaries and lush farm lands. Mammals also include water buck, Impala, Gazelle and birds found here include the black necked Grebe, Great crested Grebe, Little Grebe, the Night Heron, Fish Eagle, Sacred Ibis, Hadada Ibis, Glossy Ibis, Pelicans, Cormorants and the African Darter among others.