See
Lake Chala
Taveta, Kenya
A volcanic crater lake straddling the Kenya-Tanzania border, and one of the most beautiful freshwater spots in East Africa. The water is emerald green and impossibly clear — you can see metres down into the depths.
You descend steep crater walls through dense bush to reach it. The walk down takes about twenty minutes and the reward is a lake that feels completely, utterly untouched. The crater walls rise on all sides, covered in thick vegetation, creating a natural amphitheatre that blocks out the rest of the world.
You can kayak across the surface (the camp rents them), swim in water that's surprisingly warm, or just sit on the rocks and stare at something that looks like it was designed by someone who wanted to create the most beautiful lake possible.
The drive from Nairobi is long but the road is good. Make a weekend of it — the lakeside camp has basic but comfortable tents.
Getting there
6hrs from Nairobi, near Taveta
Entry fee
KES 500
Best for photos
Midday when water is brightest
Time needed
Half day minimum