The Olkaria geothermal spa hot water pool situated in Naivasha stands as Africa’s leading generator of geothermal power, and a huge tourists attraction site.
Launched by former President Uhuru Kenyatta, the geothermal facility has been ranked among the top 10 globally, in terms of production.
It is located at the center of Hell’s Gate National Park in Nakuru County. The spa is formed when hot water from different wells collects, forming a hot steam that cools through collecting pipes and into a main pool.
According to information from the facility, there are geothermal technicians who are constantly monitoring the lagoon temperatures to keep the pool user friendly.
Details of the Hidden Gem
The Olkaria geothermal spa comprises three interconnected lagoons that receive the hot steam water.
The first lagoon is the receiving pond which receives the hot brine from several wells at temperatures of between 90 to 100 degrees centigrade.
On the other hand, the second lagoon overflows from lagoon one at a temperature of 50 degrees centigrade.
The third lagoon is the largest of all the three lagoons with temperatures at 30 to 40 centigrade.
It receives the overflow from the second lagoon and the overpass from lagoon one. This is where members of the public come to swim in the spa.
It is made of concrete and Mazzera stones line the walkways, its deep end is 1.5 metres.
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Benefits of the Pool
The pool is popularly known for its healing properties as the water that flows into the geothermal spa is all natural.
Additionally, the water contains a high content of silica that is beneficial to the skin and is proven to improve skin affected by eczema as well as prevent premature ageing.
Silca is also vital for healthy joints, skin, nails, teeth and bones.
Tourists also visit the pool to enjoy the sight of the hot water, to swim in the hot water, enjoy the steam, the ambient surrounding.
“The Lagoon can hold up to 400 people inside the Lagoon and outside the lagoon there are sitting and lounging facilities that onlookers can enjoy,” the management indicates.
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Comparison to the Blue Lagoon
The facility has been compared with the blue lagoon, a geothermal spa in Iceland charging Ksh1.1 million per person for one hour for a retreat experience.
Just like the Olkaria geothermal spa, the blue lagoon contains a high content of silica that benefits the skin that is proven to improve skin affected by eczema and prevents premature ageing.
However, unlike the blue lagoon, the Olkaria geothermal spa charges an entry fee of Ksh400 for adults and Ksh100 for children.
The Olkaria geothermal Spa is owned managed and operated by the Kenya Electricity Generating Company.
