10 Unforgettable Places to Visit in Lake Naivasha Kenya

Discover the 10 best places to visit in Lake Naivasha, Kenya. Lake Naivasha is a 90-minute drive out of Nairobi, but the quick trip transports you from a gritty metropolis to a serene lakeside paradise. Lake Naivasha is a dream of soaring fever trees, basking hippos in the lake’s shallows, a fish eagle’s call, and a glass-like quality to the air. Someone once told me that Lake Naivasha sits in its own microclimate and it certainly feels different from other places in Kenya. Read on for the best places to visit in Lake Naivasha, Kenya.

Wildlife in Lake Naivasha Kenya.

Naivasha Town is nestled at the bottom of the Great Rift Valley. Lake Naivasha is a starlit sea, a vast 139 sq km of hippo filled freshwater, surrounded by game reserves and sanctuaries that allow animals to traverse the lakeside. The animals are concentrated in specific sanctuary areas such as Crescent Island and Sanctuary Farm; it is possible to share lunch with a zebra, giraffe, buffalo or hippo nearly anywhere along the lake (although the large numbers of rose farms have blocked some of the traditional migratory paths). Lake Naivasha is the only place in Kenya that I have had the pleasure of seeing a honey badger and I often see hyena darting through the trees.

The parks around Lake Naivasha, namely Hell’s Gate and Mount Longonot National Park, are famed for being an inspiration for the movie The Lion King.

Naivasha Town Kenya

Naivasha town is nothing to write home about, only worth a visit to pick up supplies. Naivasha’s key industry is growing flowers, and the town is an industrial centre with little to attract tourists. The safari centre is a favourite stop off to and from Naivasha, as well as a route to further destinations like the Maasai Mara or Gilgil. The mall complex has a pretty Artcaffe, some fast-food chains and a big Naivas supermarket.

Tourism in Naivasha Kenya.

Tourism is centred around the south of the lake, along Moi South Road. Boat tours, game parks, hotels, campsites, restaurants and cafés are sandwiched between the sparkling lake and Mount Longonot, a dormant volcano. The best places to visit in Naivasha are along the south and west side of the lake with a few hidden gems further afield, like the delightful Hippo Point and sublime Loldia Eburru.

The Best Places to Visit in Lake Naivasha Kenya

Under The Swahili Tree

The Karen institution, Under The Swahili Tree, also has a divine lakeside spot in Naivasha. Depending on where the water lies (the lake rises and falls with the seasons) Under The Swahili Tree Naivasha is a part-time floating restaurant surrounded by calm lake waters. There is no better spot on Lake Naivasha to watch the sun go down as the location faces west, and the sunsets are magnificent, particularly when accompanied by the house cocktails, which are 2 for 1 during sunset. Under The Swahili Tree has a compact menu, which changes frequently. During my last visit, we enjoyed sour sweet Tamarind Wings and plump feta and coriander samosas to start, and then tucked into chicken curry, burgers, ribs and freshly caught Tilapia from the lake.

Under The Swahili Tree Naivasha attracts a good crowd of locals and tourists, with its all-inclusive informal setting on the Eastern side of the lake. They will shortly launch camping with a pool and poolside restaurant/ba – Ill update you when I next visit. Google maps pin gets you nearly to the restaurant but make sure you turn into the Boffa Beach turning off Moi South Lake Road. I can’t think of a better spot to drink rose and pass the day away watching the resident hippos and fish eagles.

Camp Carnellys at Lake Naivasha

Camp Carnellys is my favourite place to visit in Naivasha. When life gets too much, I drive down here for the day, drink rosemary and raspberry-infused gin & tonics, and all is good with the world again. Carnelly’s has the wonderful Lazybones café/ restaurant along the shores of the lake, with bandas and a campsite. We have camped here many times. It’s probably the best camping in Kenya for novices as there is an electric fence keeping hippos away from the tent, hot showers, good toilets and, of course, the wonderful restaurant on site. The entire property sits under the shade of fever trees, where colobus monkeys and woodpeckers flit through the trees, giraffes amble past and hippos laze in the shallows. It is probably the best place in Naivasha for a boat tour. Touring the lake in a motorized kayak watching hippo families and incredible bird life is a total must-do if you haven’t been to Naivasha before.

Read my blog on Camping at Camp Carnellys.

Hells Gate National Park

Hell’s Gate National Park is staggeringly beautiful. The Lion King based their interpretation of Africa on this park, its towering crags, deep riverine canyons, acres of savannah, obsidian caves, hot springs and volcanic activities make this small park a hit with photographers and nature enthusiasts. It’s one of the few parks in Kenya where you can cycle or walk freely. Hell’s Gate National Park has no elephant, lion or leopard, so hire a bike at the gate and spend your day meandering through the scenery.

Hell’s Gate has a fabulously scenic canyon through which you can hike. Used as a location for many films (see it in Tomb Raider) the walls have been carved by water over millennia and twist and turn deep through the rock. The hike can be done without a guide, but it is better to pay the local Maasai to walk you through. Do not enter the canyon if it has rained recently, as people have died in flash floods.

Read my blog on Hell’s Gate National Park.

Crescent Island Sanctuary at Lake Naivasha

Crescent Island is at times a peninsula and at times an island. 

A moon-shaped curve formed from the rim of a sunken volcano. Crescent Island is a teeny slice of land that rises to a peak that has 360-degree panoramic views over the lake and towards Mount Longonot. Packed full of animals, this is a heavenly place to spend a few hours in Naivasha. There are no predators on the island, so it’s safe to walk around (be mindful of buffalo and hippo).  

Crescent Island personifies the peace and tranquillity of Naivasha. It heroes the beauty of the ecosystem, allows you to spend time with the wildlife in their natural habitat.

Sanctuary Farm

Sanctuary Farm is now somewhat smaller than it used to be thanks to the rising lake, but it still commands over 400 acres of wildlife conservancy. Sanctuary Farm is an excellent place to ride horses in Naivasha. Horse riding at Sanctuary Farm allows you to ride alongside zebra, giraffe, impala, gazelle, waterbuck and other animals. The wildlife is less afraid of the horses, so you can get close to them without scaring them off. If you aren’t keen on riding, then you can hire bikes, go on a guided walk, or even take a nighttime game drive in one of the open-top safari vehicles.

Accommodation is available at Sanctuary Farm in 4 cottages and 2 campsites. Sanctuary Farm has rebuilt their onsite restaurant, so it’s a good option for an inexpensive overnight in Naivasha. One of the best places to stay in Naivasha, right next to the lake waters and close to the animals.

Read my blog on Camping at Sanctuary Farm.

The Ranch House Bistro

The Ranch House Bistro sits to the west of Lake Naivasha on the banks of Lake Oloiden, a tiny lake adjoining the Naivasha water. The boutique restaurant serves food from its garden on a pea-green lawn overlooking the water. The service can be a little hit and miss, but the location cannot be beaten. As part of the Oserengoni Wildlife Sanctuary, you have the opportunity to take part in a two-hour game drive during your visit. The Oserengoni Wildlife Sanctuary has the odd lion and leopard, as well as topi, zebra, giraffe, gazelle and the ever-present hippo.

The drive to the west of the lake can add half an hour to your journey, but it’s one of the best places to visit in Naivasha to escape the crowds.  

Olkaria Geothermal Spa

Olkaria Geothermal Spa sounds glamorous, but it’s just a hot swimming pool with water heated by the volcano. I add it to the list as it’s an interesting option for a rainy or cold day in Naivasha and if you have kids, they will love it. It’s not cheap, USD 30 for foreigners – quite pricey for a swim.

Crater Lake 

Crater Lake is an emerald green lake huddled in the crater of an extinct volcano. There is a tented camp and restaurant at the lake where you can have lunch and an icy pool where you can swim, but visitors come to the lake to hike to the top of the ridge and marvel at the views. The lake is in a wildlife sanctuary noted for having a large population of colobus monkeys. Do note that it’s a steep walk from the camp at the top to the lake and the pool at the bottom.

Elementaita Weavers/ Fired Earth Pottery / Victoria’s Farm Shop

An idyllic stop for every visitor to Naivasha. The Farm Shop is stocked with local, organic food; jams, pates, wine, meat, bread and baked goods. Next door Elementaita Weaver’s produce rugs, cushions and placemats in rainbow colours woven by hand. Fired Earth Pottery sells handmade items painted with animals, insects and local patterns formed into plates, bowls and jugs etc. Impossible not to bring something home with you. 

Mount Longonot & Longonot National Park 

Mount Longonot is a dormant volcano located 20 minutes southeast of Lake Naivasha, Kenya. It is only sleeping, having last erupted 140 years ago. You can hike to the rim of the volcano and walk around the crater edge. A 13 km hike that takes around five hours. The path is populated with animals, and the views across the rift and Lake Naivasha are hugely rewarding.

The volcano is the chief attraction of Mount Longonot National Park. Its towering presence, lofty cliff edges and gentle wildlife are camera-worthy.

Naivasha Yacht Club

Naivasha Yacht Club is not an option for everyone as it’s a members-only club. If you can find yourself a member and wrangle an invitation, it is an utterly sublime little island on the lake. One of the best places to visit in Naivasha. A sailing club first and foremost, it’s also a fabulous place to sunbathe on the lakeshore and swim with hippos (yep, it’s possible). If you don’t sail, you can take a paddleboard or kayak out on the still lake waters. There’ a huge clubhouse with fully stocked kitchen facilities. Naivasha Yacht Club is about sailing, or kicking back and relaxing. Once upon a blue moon, I made a video of my experience. View it here.

Where to stay in Lake Naivasha Kenya

Luxury Lodges and Resorts in Naivasha

• Naivasha Kongoni Lodge: Known for its tranquil location and stylish, spacious cottages, this lodge offers a mix of comfort and stunning lake views.
• The Great Rift Valley Lodge: An exclusive, luxurious lodge located north of Lake Naivasha with a golf course, tennis courts, pool, kids’ club and round-the-clock concierge services.
• Hippo Point: Grand colonial-era house set on the shores of Lake Oloiden in a private wildlife sanctuary.

Mid-Range Hotels and Lodges

• Lake Naivasha Country Club: A well-known mid-range option offering comfortable rooms, a pool, and a restaurant. Its lakeside location makes it ideal for families and couples.
• Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort: Mid-range option with restaurants and a pool.
• Sanctuary Farm: A working dairy farm that also serves as a unique lodge, allowing guests to stay in charming cottages or tents amidst wildlife and farm animals.
• Honeymoon Hut: Romantic cabin in the hills on the north side of the lake.

Budget-Friendly and Campsites in Lake Naivasha

• Loldia Eburru: A glorious site high up on the northern edges of Lake Naivasha, Glamping and camping with the option for the camp to supply tents and equipment. Fabulous Club House and sauna.
• Camp Carnelley’s: A scenic and affordable spot with a variety of accommodations, from dormitories to cottages and camping spaces. It’s a laid-back option with a good restaurant and communal vibe.

How to get to Lake Naivasha Kenya

By Car

• Route: The most popular route is via the A104 highway. From Nairobi, head northwest on the Nairobi-Nakuru Highway. It’s about a 1.5- to 2-hour drive, covering approximately 90 kilometers (56 miles).
• Directions: Follow the Nairobi-Nakuru Highway (A104) until you reach Naivasha. There are clear signs, but you can also use GPS navigation for precise guidance.

By Public Transport

• Matatus (Shared Minibuses): Head to the Nairobi City Center (usually at the Country Bus Station or Nyamakima area) to find a matatu going to Naivasha. The fare varies, usually around 300-400 KES depending on demand.
• Shuttle Vans: These are more comfortable than matatus, with fewer passengers and sometimes more direct routes. You can find these at select terminals in Nairobi.

Private Tours

Many travel agencies in Nairobi offer day trips or multi-day packages to Lake Naivasha, often combining it with nearby attractions like Hell’s Gate National Park or Mount Longonot. Suggestions for tour companies are Get Your Guide and Viator.

Further Reading

https://theexpatmummy.com/45-unmissable-tourist-attractions-in-kenya/

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