NAIVASHA, LAKE

lake, in the eastern arm of the East African Rift System, 35 mi (56 km) southeast of Nakuru, Kenya. It is flanked by the Ilkinopop (Kinangop) Plateau (east) and the Mau Escarpment (west). The lake lies on an alluvium-covered flat in the valley floor and is flanked on the north by an extensive papyrus swamp. It is the highest of the lakes in the eastern part of the rift system, and is situated at 6,180 feet (1,884 m) above sea level. Its level and size fluctuate periodically; in the mid-1970s it covered about 81 square miles (210 square km). Its main tributaries are the Engare Melewa and Gilgil rivers. Although it has no outlet, the lake's waters are fresh. Several species of Tilapia and black bass (introduced) are the basis of commercial and sport fishing. Bird-watching is also popular. Lake Naivasha serves as a weekend resort for residents of Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, to the southeast.