01
Why visit Lake Naivasha
Lake Naivasha is one of Kenya's most scenic freshwater lakes, set on the floor of the Great Rift Valley just outside Naivasha town. Fringed by yellow-barked acacia trees and papyrus, it is the highest of the Rift Valley lakes at about 1,884 metres above sea level.
Unlike the salty soda lakes nearby, Naivasha is fresh water, so it supports a large hippo population, plenty of fish and more than 400 bird species. Boat rides, walking safaris and cycling make it a relaxing contrast to long game drives, and it sits on the main road between Nairobi and the Masai Mara.
Hippos, fish eagles and walking among giraffes, just 90 minutes from Nairobi.
Location and size
- In the Great Rift Valley, Nakuru County, next to Naivasha town
- About 90 km north-west of Nairobi, 1.5 to 2 hours by road
- Around 140 km² of open water, though the size changes with rainfall
- A Ramsar wetland of international importance since 1995
- Close to Hell's Gate and Mount Longonot national parks
A short history
From 1937 to 1950, Imperial Airways flying boats on the route between Britain and South Africa landed on the lake. In the 1960s, Joy Adamson, author of Born Free, lived on its shores. Today Naivasha is one of Kenya's most visited lakes and an important area for conservation and research.
02
Wildlife you can see at Lake Naivasha
Hippos are the stars of the lake, and the shoreline, islands and nearby parks add giraffe, zebra, buffalo and many antelope. Lake Naivasha is best for relaxed wildlife viewing rather than the Big Five.
Also look out for
- Maasai giraffe
- Waterbuck
- Wildebeest
- Impala
- Colobus monkey
- African fish eagle
- Kingfishers
- Cormorants
- Herons
Flamingos prefer salty soda lakes, so they are usually seen at nearby Lake Oloiden, Elementaita or Nakuru rather than on Naivasha itself.
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Boat safaris and birdwatching
A boat ride is the best way to see the lake. Your guide steers the boat close to hippo pods, with fish eagles swooping for fish and pelicans, cormorants and kingfishers along the papyrus edges. Rides usually take about an hour and run in daylight.
With more than 400 bird species, Naivasha is one of Kenya's best birding spots. Early mornings are the calmest time on the water and the best light for photography.
04
Crescent Island and Hell's Gate
Crescent Island walking safari
A private sanctuary on a peninsula in the lake, with no big predators. Walk with a guide among giraffes, zebras, wildebeest and waterbuck, a rare chance to explore on foot.
Hell's Gate National Park
Cycle or walk past buffalo, zebra and giraffe between tall red cliffs, then hike into the dramatic gorge. About 30 minutes from the lake.
Mount Longonot
Hike up a dormant volcano and around its crater rim for wide views over the Rift Valley and Lake Naivasha.
Elsamere
The former lakeside home of Joy Adamson, author of Born Free, now open to visitors.
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Best time to visit Lake Naivasha
Lake Naivasha can be visited all year. Its altitude keeps days mild and nights cool. The dry seasons are best for walking and cycling, while the wetter months bring green scenery and migrant birds.
| Months | What to expect |
|---|---|
| June – October | Long dry season. Ideal for Crescent Island walks and cycling in Hell's Gate. Easy to combine with the Masai Mara migration. |
| January – March | Short dry season. Warm, sunny days and calm mornings on the lake. |
| November – December | Short rains. Green landscapes and migratory birds from Europe and Asia. |
| April – May | Long rains. Fewer visitors and lower rates. Hell's Gate gorge walks may close after heavy rain. |
06
Lake Naivasha lodges and camps
Lodges, resorts and tented camps line the lake shore, many with gardens running down to the water where hippos graze at night. We choose each one for comfort, location and an authentic safari feel.
Luxury & mid-range
Lakeside lodges and resorts with boat jetties, pools and garden views over the water.
Budget-friendly
Comfortable tented camps and guesthouses close to the lake, ideal for short safaris from Nairobi.
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How to get to Lake Naivasha
By road from Nairobi
About 90 km and 1.5 to 2 hours, with a stop at the Rift Valley viewpoint as the road drops down the escarpment.
On a safari route
Naivasha sits between Nairobi and the Masai Mara, and is a short drive from Lake Nakuru, so it fits easily into most Kenya itineraries.
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Lake Naivasha fees and opening hours
There is no entrance fee for Lake Naivasha itself. Boat rides and the Crescent Island sanctuary are paid separately to their operators. Hell's Gate and Mount Longonot are Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) parks with their own fees, which may change.
| Hell's Gate or Mt Longonot | Adult per day | Child per day |
|---|---|---|
| Non-resident | US$50 | US$25 |
| Kenya resident | KSh 675 | KSh 350 |
| East African citizen | KSh 500 | KSh 250 |
Opening hours
Boat rides run during daylight, and early morning is the calmest and best for birds. KWS parks such as Hell's Gate are open daily from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm.
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