Naivasha

Introduction

Why enjoy paradise behind your screen when you can live it in the moment! Float on Lake Naivasha, where you get a close view of the hippos, “Big splashers,” in their natural habitat on your way to Crescent Island—one of the coolest hidden gems! Here, you get to walk with the gentle giraffes, zebras, and gazelles, all while enjoying the stunning lake view.

A spectacular collision of nature and adventure! Located in Kenya’s Rift Valley, it offers breathtaking landscapes, from Lake Naivasha to the cliffs of Hell’s Gate. Here you can enjoy a boat safari, cycling through the gorges, or soaking in a natural spa in Olkaria Geothermal Spa. Welcome to Naivasha, where every adventure is blended with tranquility!

Location

Naivasha lies on the northwest side of Nairobi, approximately 90 km away, taking about 1-2 hours by road via the Nairobi - Nakuru Highway. Hell’s Gate, being one of the attractions, is 20 km  from Naivasha town, ideal for hiking and cycling within the gorges; Crater Lake Game Sanctuary is 30 km from Naivasha town, Crescent Island Game Park is accessible by boat, and the Olkaria Geothermal Spa is 15 km from Hell’s Gate. For bird lovers, Naivasha is the place for you.

Masai Mara Camps & Lodges
( Lakeside or Close)

Chui Lodge

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Enashipai Resort

Lakeside

Lake Naivasha Sopa Lodge

Lakeside

Sawela Lodge Naivasha

Lakeside

Lake Naivasha Simba Lodge

Lakeside

Lake Naivasha Resort

Lakeside

Lake Naivasha Crescent Camp

Lakeside

Lake Naivasha Kongoni Lodge

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Lake Oloiden Flamingo Camp

Lakeside

Lake Naivasha West Beach

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Chui Lodge

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Enashipai Resort

Lakeside

Lake Naivasha Sopa Lodge

Lakeside

Sawela Lodge Naivasha

Lakeside

Lake Naivasha Simba Lodge

Lakeside

Lake Naivasha Resort

Lakeside

Lake Naivasha Crescent Camp

Lakeside

Lake Naivasha Kongoni Lodge

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Lake Oloiden Flamingo Camp

Lakeside

Lake Naivasha West Beach

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Scenic Places in and around Naivasha

Lake Naivasha is a freshwater lake known for its crystal-clear waters, lush papyrus-lined shores, and rich wildlife. Visitors can enjoy a scenic boat ride, offering up-close encounters with wildlife like large hippos that call the lake their home, the majestic African fish eagle, and, on Crescent Island, giraffes and antelopes. Enjoy the surroundings of the acacia woodlands and birds flying over you with their melodies. Experience unforgettable experiences!

Hell's Gate National Park is for the thrill seekers, where dramatic gorges and steaming geothermal vents create scenes out of a movie. Wondering what’s interesting? Cycling past grazing zebras, hiking through the iconic Hell’s Gate gorge, rock climbing, exploring Devil’s Kitchen, and the Devil's bedroom or soaking at Olkaria Geothermal Spa. You will be able to enjoy walking or biking safaris as there are no dangerous predators.

Crater Lake Game Sanctuary is a breathtaking volcanic wonder that offers a blend of adventure and serenity, bringing out its unique value. This emerald-green crater lake was formed within an extinct volcano, surrounded by lush forests, creating a haven for wildlife. While over 150 species fly in the sky above you, visitors can enjoy scenic walking trails, spotting giraffes, zebras, and antelopes roaming free. The visit cannot be complete without the scenic hike to the crater’s rim, offering stunning views of the crater and the Great Rift Valley.

Crescent Island is a hidden paradise on Lake Naivasha, offering a one-of-a-kind experience where visitors can walk among free-roaming wildlife in a stunning view. With no predators, visitors can enjoy peaceful walking safaris among giraffes, zebras, impalas, and a variety of birds. The island is easily accessible by boat, offering views of the lake, feeding pelicans, a variety of bird species, and sightings of hippos. This island is a paradise for photographers. 

The ultimate hiking adventure with breathtaking views! Mount Longonot is a dormant volcano that promises an exhilarating challenge for hikers. It is a 1-2 hour drive, offering a thrilling 9 km round-trip hike through the terrain and breathtaking trails. As you ascend, you will enjoy a scenic view of the Rift Valley with sightings of buffalo, zebras, and gazelles. For first-time climbers, conquering Mount Longonot is an unforgettable adventure and victory!

Naivasha Airstrips

At an altitude of 1,900 meters above sea level, Naivasha airstrip offers breathtaking views of the Great Rift Valley escarpments. Where to spend the night? Enashipai Resort & Spa, a luxurious accommodation, is just 15 minutes away from the airstrip. Arrival and departure times are scheduled between 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, with arrivals at 10:30 AM and departures at 11:00 AM, syncing with hotels’ and lodges’ pickups and transfers.

At an altitude of 1,890 meters, Loldia Airstrip is nestled in the heart of Loldia Conservancy. The flight’s arrival time is 8:00 AM, and planes leaving the airstrip do so by 8:30 AM, giving visitors an early time to explore. The closest accommodation is the charming, elegant colonial-style lodge, Loldia House.

Oserian Airstrip is at an altitude of roughly 6,300 feet (1,920 meters) in the serene flower farm region in Naivasha. The closest accommodation is the luxurious Chui Lodge, located in Oserengoni Wildlife Sanctuary. Oserian Airstrip’s arrival time is around noon, and its departure time is around 12:30 PM.

Naivasha Wildlife

Lake Naivasha

Hippos, African fish eagles, pelicans, and kingfishers.

Crescent Island Game

Zebras, giraffes, wildebeests, impalas, waterbucks, and gazelles

Hell’s Gate National Park

Buffaloes, warthogs, baboons, elands, Thomson's gazelles

Crater Lake Game Sanctuary

Giraffes, zebras, elands, and dik-diks, alongside over 150 species.

Naivasha Common Activities

Boat rides & Birdwatching at Lake Naivasha

Hiking & cycling at Hell’s Gate

Walking Safari at Crescent Island 

Horseback safaris

Nature walk at Crater Lake Sanctuary

Swimming & Relaxing | Olkaria Geothermal Spa

Boat tours

Wine tasting at Naivasha Wineries

Flower greenhouses Tours

Camping & picnics

Naivasha FAQs

Can I visit Naivasha on a day trip?

Yes, the majority of the visitors take a one-day trip from Nairobi to explore Lake Naivasha.

What is the climate like in Naivasha?

It has a moderate climate with cool nights of 10-15°C and days from 20-28°C. For the dry seasons, June-October & January to February are ideal for visiting.

Are there dangerous animals in Naivasha?

The main risk is the hippo in Lake Naivasha and the buffaloes in the game park. Avoid getting too close to them.

Can I swim in Lake Naivasha?

No swimming is allowed due to hippos and crocodiles in the lake; however, you can enjoy a boat ride.

Is it safe to walk at night in Naivasha?

Avoid walking alone at night, especially near the lake, as hippos come out to shore at night to graze.

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