nature travel by mwarv

Visiting Lake Ol Bolossat

Located between the Aberdare Ranges and Dundori Ridge is Central Province’s only natural lake – Ol Bolossat. I also didn’t know that it was the only one in Central Province until about two years ago. I’d always longed to visit it and see the beauty it held and last week, the opportunity presented itself and I joined friends from Onetouch for a short trip there.

Getting to Ol Bolossat was quite a breeze. From Nairobi, we drove towards Nakuru and turned off the highway at Gil Gil. From there, we started climbing up the Rift Valley escarpment towards Nyahururu. We turned off the highway to the right at Ol Jororok and from there, it was a few kms to Kichakani Paradise which is the only place you can stay while visiting this side of Ol Bolossat. There’s been some work done to the parts of the road that used to be impassable in the rainy season so you can easily get to Kichakani even in a saloon.

Very little happens around the lake to attract visitors in need of more than a place to relax. There is indeed a lot more that can be done. I’m thinking water sports like skiing, canoeing, sailing… Or a simple terrace where one can enjoy the beauty of the lake and it’s birdlife with the backdrop of the Aberdares while sipping a drink…

Lake_Ol-Bolossat-15

We got to Kichakani at about 3pm and after self-catered lunch, we went to the lake just as the sun was setting.

Lake_Ol-Bolossat-1 Lake_Ol-Bolossat-2 Lake_Ol-Bolossat-3

The following morning, we were up before the sun, chasing the sunrise. The fog however was a thick blanket, hiding the sun from us. Our fingers froze to numbness in the cold of the early morning as we clicked away.

Lake_Ol-Bolossat-4

I don’t know what these two huts next to the lake were meant to be – maybe some cultural experience centre or something. They are currently empty and uninhabitable.

Lake_Ol-Bolossat-6 Lake_Ol-Bolossat-7 Lake_Ol-Bolossat-8 Lake_Ol-Bolossat-9 Lake_Ol-Bolossat-10

Birdlife is abundant at Lake Ol Bolossat. It also has hippos and we did get to see a crocodile!

DCIM100GOPROGOPR0048. Lake_Ol-Bolossat-12 Lake_Ol-Bolossat-13

As the day grew older, the fog moved inland from the lake.

Lake_Ol-Bolossat-14

Common cranes flying over Lake Ol Bolossat.

Lake_Ol-Bolossat-16

We returned at the end of the day and shot some more.

Lake_Ol-Bolossat-17 Lake_Ol-Bolossat-18 Lake_Ol-Bolossat-19

As we prepared to leave the lakeside, God showed off with this painting on His sky of a canvas. We acknowledged His Majesty in photos.

You can find out more about Kichakani Paradise here.

9 thoughts on “Visiting Lake Ol Bolossat”

    1. Hi Jared,

      We look forward to hosting you & your friends at Kichakani Paradise when you do visit our beautiful Lake Ol’Bolossat.

      For more info, please contact Elizabeth on 0721 818 601

  3. I usuallly see the lake from afar whenever I visit my cucu, she lives at the foot of the Aberdare Ranges. I would love to visit, it looks like a beautiful place.

  4. Wow dude..this is not too far from our farm..your lenses breathe (and bring out) sooo much life and vibrance to the place. Also agree more needs to be done to attract & engage visitors…

    1. Hi Brian

      We would love for you to visit & look forward to hosting you & your friends at Kichakani Paradise when you do visit our beautiful Lake Ol’Bolossat.

      For more info, please contact Elizabeth on 0721 818 601

  6. I am here at Ol Bolossat right now, 28/12/15. We are staying at Samawati Conservancy, which is just beside the place you stayed. It actually from the other side of the fence looks nicer. A beautiful place to stay a few day. Unfortunately we did not get to do a boat ride. Next time.

Comments are closed.