Lake Naivasha is one of Kenya’s most stunning natural wonders. Located at an altitude of 1,884 meters, it’s the only freshwater lake in the Great Rift Valley—a massive geological trench stretching from Lebanon to Mozambique.
With a surface area of over 170 km², Lake Naivasha captivates with its vast landscapes and rich wildlife. The lake is best known for its large hippo population and over 80 recorded bird species. Visitors often spot zebras, wildebeests, and waterbucks grazing along the shores.
How to Get to Lake Naivasha
Lake Naivasha is located about 95 kilometers from Nairobi, Kenya’s capital. The drive usually takes around 2.5 hours.
Most travelers visit Lake Naivasha as a stop during a longer safari itinerary, often between Samburu National Reserve and the Masai Mara, or between Lake Nakuru National Park and the Masai Mara. One-day tours from Nairobi are also available, though they’re less convenient due to travel time.
When to Visit Lake Naivasha
The best time to visit Lake Naivasha is during Kenya’s dry seasons: from July to October or January to February. However, storms are common in this region, especially in the afternoon. Be cutious and avoid boat rides during thunderstorms.
In fact, the lake’s name comes from the Maasai word Naiposha, meaning “rough water”—a reference to the frequent storms that roll in over the lake.
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Things to Do at Lake Naivasha
1. Take a Boat Safari on Lake Naivasha
When traveling to Kenya, it’s most common to dedicate just a morning or an afternoon to Lake Naivasha. The highlight activity in this area is a boat ride on the lake, allowing visitors to admire the diverse wildlife that inhabits it.
The standard boat tour lasts about an hour and costs between $25 and $30 per person. It can be booked directly on-site, and one option is to arrange it at the reception of Lake Naivasha Camp.
During the boat rides, hippo groups are usually easy to spot. Additionally, many birds are commonly seen. Some of the most frequent species include the African fish eagle, great white pelican, African openbill, marabou stork, Goliath heron, African spoonbill, and grey-headed kingfisher.
2. Go on a Walking Safari on Crescent Island
Crescent Island is a privately owned wildlife sanctuary on Lake Naivasha. Home to zebras, giraffes, wildebeests, impalas, and hippos, it’s one of the few places in Kenya where you can safely walk among wildlife.
You can only reach the island by boat, usually as part of a combined lake tour. Entrance to Crescent Island costs $33 USD and more details can be found on their official website.
3. Explore Hell’s Gate National Park
Located close to Lake Naivasha, Hell’s Gate National Park offers dramatic scenery with cliffs, canyons, and volcanic formations. It’s ideal for hiking or cycling.
One of the most popular routes is the 7 km bike trail from Elsa Gate to Ol Njorowa Gorge, which you can continue exploring on foot (weather permitting). Wildlife sightings may include zebras, impalas, wildebeests, and occasionally buffaloes.
Entry to Hell’s Gate costs $27 USD, and you can visit on your own or hire a guide at the entrance.
4. Hike Mount Longonot
Outdoor lovers can also take on Mount Longonot, a dormant volcano near Lake Naivasha. The hike takes about five hours round-trip and rewards climbers with breathtaking views over the Great Rift Valley.
Where to Stay at Lake Naivasha
Lake Naivasha is a popular destination for both international and Kenyan travelers, so it offers a wide range of accommodations. For the best experience, consider staying at a lodge by the lake, though prices are higher. Budget travelers can find affordable options in the town of Naivasha, just 10–15 minutes away.
Recommended accommodations:
- Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort: One of the top choices, with lakeside views, a pool, and frequent wildlife sightings on the grounds.
- Muthu Lake Naivasha Country Club: A charming mid-range option by the lake.
- Villa Grazia Luxury Hotel: A great budget-friendly hotel just 5 minutes from the lake.
My Experience Visiting Lake Naivasha
From Samburu to Lake Naivasha
On day four of my Kenya road trip, I traveled from Samburu National Reserve to Lake Naivasha. The drive took around seven hours with stops, including a break at Thomson’s Falls, a scenic 74-meter waterfall.
By 4 p.m., I reached Naivasha and headed straight to the lake to catch a boat tour before the rain.
Spotting Hippos and Birds on Lake Naivasha
The boat ride lasted just over an hour, as expected. The first thing that impressed me was all the yellow-barked acacia trees surrounding the lake.
After spotting a great variety of birds, we reached an area where a group of zebras and waterbucks were drinking and cooling off in the lake. Nearby, there was a group of about ten hippos. The hippos are very used to the boats, so as long as you keep a safe distance, you can observe them calmly.
We continued slowly. New bird species kept catching my eye. The guide, who was also steering the boat, helped me identify them. I managed to photograph an African spoonbill up close, and also an African openbill. In the distance, I saw the first group of pelicans.
It didn’t take long to find an African fish eagle resting on a tree either. These eagles are one of the symbols of the lake. Many of them have gotten used to guides and fishermen throwing fish into the water so that people can watch them swoop down close to the lake’s surface. It’s not a very responsible practice, so it’s better to avoid it.
A Baby Hippo Surprise
We came across another group of hippos, with the wonderful surprise that there was a newborn calf just a few days old. It was definitely one of the highlights of the Lake Naivasha boat tour.
From there, we approached an area where there were quite a few pelicans, sharing the space with other waterbirds such as a squacco heron and an African jacana.
We ended the Lake Naivasha tour by getting close to Crescent Island. I hadn’t booked any excursion on the island, so I just observed it for a few minutes from the water.
I ended the day heading to my accommodation: Dove Nest Lodge, located in the town of Naivasha, about 15 minutes from the lake. The next day, I’d be on my way to one of the most anticipated stops of the trip: the Masai Mara.
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