Lake Naivasha is a freshwater lake in the Rift Valley, about 1.5-2 hours from Nairobi. It is not a national park, and that is part of its appeal. Instead of game drives, you get out on the water by boat, walk among giraffe and zebra on Crescent Island, or cycle through the gorges of nearby Hell's Gate National Park.
On a safari itinerary, Naivasha is a change of pace. After several days of early starts in the vehicle, a morning on the lake or a walk on foot feels very different. It also breaks up the drive between Nairobi and the Masai Mara or Lake Nakuru.
The lake is ringed by papyrus, yellow-barked acacia and farmland, with Mount Longonot's volcanic cone to the south. Flower farms and greenhouses line parts of the shore. Crescent Island is a peninsula on the eastern side. Hell's Gate, a short drive away, has red cliffs, rock towers and steam vents from geothermal activity.
Hippos are everywhere on the lake, and a boat ride brings you close to pods resting in the shallows. Fish eagles perch on dead trees along the shore. On Crescent Island there are no large predators, so you can walk among giraffe, zebra, wildebeest and antelope with a guide - one of very few places in Kenya where this is possible.
Boat ride on the lake, usually 1-2 hours, for hippos and fish eagles
Guided walk on Crescent Island among giraffe and zebra
Cycling or walking in Hell's Gate National Park, plus a walk in the gorge
Birdwatching along the shore and papyrus edges
A hike up Mount Longonot for fit walkers
Naivasha is relaxed. You might take a boat out after breakfast, walk on Crescent Island before lunch and have the afternoon free at a lakeside lodge. It is also a good place to spend a final night before returning to Nairobi, as the drive is short.
Naivasha's activities work all year. The water is usually calmer in the morning, which is better for boat rides and photography. Hell's Gate trails can be muddy after heavy rain.
Read our full guide: Best Time to Visit Kenya for a Safari, Season by Season »
Around 1.5-2 hours from Nairobi by road, depending on traffic. Naivasha is on the way to both the Mara and Lake Nakuru, so it rarely needs a separate trip.
Lakeside lodges, camps and guesthouses line the shore, generally more relaxed in style than safari lodges. Many have gardens running down to the water.
No national park fee for the lake; boat rides and Crescent Island have their own charges
Hell's Gate National Park charges its own entry fee
Hippos are dangerous on land - follow your guide's instructions
If you have four days or more, yes. It breaks up the driving and adds activities you cannot do in the national parks.
Yes, with a guide. There are no big predators, but hippos come ashore around the edges, so guides keep you at a safe distance.
Yes. It is one of the few Kenyan parks where cycling among wildlife is allowed. Bikes can be hired at the gate.
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