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Kenya · Rift Valley Region
Lake Naivasha
Hippos, fish eagles and boat safaris on a freshwater Rift Valley lake, two hours from Nairobi.
Location
Nakuru County, Kenya
From Nairobi
About 90 km, two hours
Best time
June to October
Ideal stay
One to two nights
The lake
Hippos, boats and big skies
Lake Naivasha is the highest of the Rift Valley lakes and one of the few with fresh water, ringed by papyrus, acacia woodland and the volcanic hills of the valley floor. Hippos crowd the shallows, fish eagles call from the trees, and over 400 bird species have been recorded around the lake.
Here you can explore on foot, by boat or by bike. Walk among giraffes and zebras on Crescent Island, cycle through the cliffs and gorges of Hell’s Gate National Park, or climb the crater rim of Mount Longonot for views across the Rift.
Naivasha is a natural stop between Nairobi and the Maasai Mara, and combines easily with Lake Nakuru and Lake Bogoria.
Places your guide will show you
Crescent IslandHell’s GateMount LongonotCrater LakeSanctuary FarmLake Oloiden
Freshwater lake
Boat safaris among the hippos
Wildlife
Who you will meet
With no big predators on Crescent Island, you can walk among the grazers.
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01
Hippo
Large pods spend the day in the shallows and graze on land at night.
02
Giraffe
Wander freely on Crescent Island and the lakeshore ranches.
03
Zebra
Graze the lake shore and Hell’s Gate plains.
04
Fish eagle
Watch it swoop for fish on a boat safari.
05
Pelican
Flocks gather on the open water.
06
Waterbuck
Common around the lake and on Crescent Island.
Experiences
Things to do in Naivasha
Naivasha is the Rift Valley’s activity hub, with options on land and water.
Boat safari
Glide past hippos and fish eagles on the lake.
Crescent Island walk
Walk among giraffes, zebras and wildebeest with a guide.
Hell’s Gate cycling
Cycle past cliffs and walk into the dramatic gorge.
Mount Longonot hike
Climb to the crater rim for views across the Rift Valley.
Birdwatching
Hundreds of species around the lake and papyrus.
Sunset on the water
Watch the sun set over the lake from a boat.
When to visit
The best time for Lake Naivasha
Naivasha is pleasant all year. Dry months are best for cycling and hiking.
Jan – Feb
Short dry season
Warm, clear days and good game viewing.
Mar – May
Long rains
Green landscapes, lower rates and fewer visitors.
Jun – Oct
Peak season
Long dry season
Cool, dry weather and easy wildlife sightings.
Nov – Dec
Short rains
Short showers and migrant birds arriving.
Getting there
Reaching the lake
By road
About 90 km from Nairobi, roughly two hours, with a stop at the Rift Valley viewpoint.
On the way to the Mara
Many Maasai Mara safaris spend a night at Naivasha.
As a day trip
Hell’s Gate and Mount Longonot are popular full-day trips from Nairobi.
Where to stay
Lodges, camps and stays
01
Lakeshore lodges
Resorts and lodges with gardens leading to the water.
02
Tented camps
Quieter camps in the private ranches around the lake.
03
Budget stays
Simple campsites and cottages for independent travellers.
Hell’s Gate and Mount Longonot fees are set by the Kenya Wildlife Service, and Crescent Island charges its own fee. Ask us for current rates.
Ready-made trips
Lake Naivasha safari tours
Day trips and safaris that include Lake Naivasha, Hell’s Gate or Mount Longonot.
- Nairobi, Treetops, Samburu, Ol Pejeta, Lake Nakuru, Maasai Mara, Lake Naivasha, Amboseli
- 12 Days 11 Nights
- Lake Baringo, Lake Bogoria, Lake Nakuru, Maasai Mara, Lake Naivasha, Amboseli
- 9 Days 8 Nights
- Mount Kenya, Ol Pejeta, Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha, Maasai Mara
- 9 Days 8 Nights
- Maasai Mara, Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha, Hell's Gate, Amboseli
- 8 Days 7 Nights
- Maasai Mara, Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha, Hell's Gate, Amboseli
- 7 Days 6 Nights
- Maasai Mara, Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha, Hell's Gate
- 5 Days 4 Nights
- Amboseli, Lake Naivasha, Hell's Gate, Nairobi
- 5 Days 4 Nights
Good to know
Lake Naivasha FAQs
Where is Lake Naivasha?
In the Great Rift Valley, about 90 km north-west of Nairobi in Nakuru County.
Can you see hippos at Lake Naivasha?
Yes. Hippos are common, and a boat safari is the best way to see them safely.
Can you walk with animals at Lake Naivasha?
Yes. On Crescent Island you can walk with a guide among giraffes, zebras and antelope.
Can I visit Lake Naivasha as a day trip from Nairobi?
Yes. Many guests combine a boat ride with Hell’s Gate or Mount Longonot in one day.
What is Hell’s Gate National Park?
A small park near the lake with cliffs, a gorge and geothermal steam, where you can cycle and walk.
When is the best time to visit?
All year, though June to October and January to February are driest.
Talk to a planner
Still deciding?
Our Nairobi team can answer anything about Lake Naivasha and shape a route around your dates.
- +254 111 318 596
- +254 705 223 484
- info@topmatoursandsafaris.com
- Mon – Sat: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Your journey
Start your Lake Naivasha journey
Tell us your dates, group size and budget, and we will shape a Lake Naivasha itinerary around the season and the experiences you want.
