Crescent Island is a beautiful wildlife sanctuary located on Lake Naivasha in Kenya. It attracts many visitors because of its rich variety of animals and its special history.
In the early 1900s, a European settler named Ernest Edward Hammer bought the island.
He used it mainly for farming because the soil was very fertile and the island was close to the lake. During that time, many European settlers controlled land in Kenya.
Over the years, the island changed from being used for farming to focusing on wildlife conservation.
By the late 20th century, Crescent Island became a privately-owned wildlife sanctuary. Now, it aims to protect many kinds of animals while welcoming tourists.
Today, Crescent Island is privately managed, but it is well-known for eco-tourism activities. Visitors can reach the island by boat or through a narrow bridge when the water levels are low.
The sanctuary is famous for its animals, such as giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, and impalas. There are no large predators, which makes it a safe place for walking safaris.
Birdwatchers also visit to see various birds, such as fish eagles and pelicans that live near Lake Naivasha.
The island gets its name from its crescent shape, which comes from a volcanic crater that is partly underwater. This shape offers stunning views and a peaceful environment.
The private management allows for special visitor experiences, including guided tours that focus on wildlife and conservation.
Crescent Island has changed from a farm to a wildlife sanctuary, which shows how Kenya’s land use and conservation efforts have evolved over time.
Unlike Kenya’s national parks, private ownership allows greater control over the number of visitors and how the environment is managed. However, lately many people had suffered the wrath of white settlers.
Alot of people have been shot dead, especially fishermen who went fishing in that area; People around Karagita, they can narrate more about that Crescent island, which is a no-go zone.
However, there are challenges. As a private sanctuary, Crescent Island needs to find a balance between making money and protecting the wildlife.
Despite these challenges, Crescent Island remains an important destination for tourists visiting Lake Naivasha, helping both the local economy and wildlife conservation efforts.
