Lake Naivasha stands as Kenya's only freshwater lake within the Great Rift Valley, positioned at 1,884 meters above sea level and just 90 kilometers northwest of Nairobi. This geographical uniqueness makes it a fascinating anomaly – while most Rift Valley lakes are alkaline due to volcanic activity and mineral deposits, Naivasha maintains its freshwater status through underground outflow and natural sedimentation processes.
The lake's name comes from the Maasai word *ɛnaɨpɔ́sha*, meaning "that which heaves," referring to the sudden waves that can sweep across its surface. Fed by the perennial Malewa and Gilgil Rivers, the lake covers approximately 139 square kilometers, though recent years have seen it expand to 198 square kilometers due to increased rainfall.
The tours below showcase just some of what is possible. Use these itineraries as starting points, or to draw inspiration. Then get in touch, and let our expert team help craft the perfect itinerary for you.
Unlike the dramatic game drives that define Kenya's savanna parks, Lake Naivasha offers a completely different safari experience. Here, you can take boat safaris to observe hippos wallowing in the shallows and watch African Fish Eagles dive for their catch. The highlight for many visitors is Crescent Island, where you can walk freely among zebras, giraffes, and various antelope species without the barrier of a vehicle.
The lake supports over 400 bird species, making it one of East Africa's premier birdwatching destinations. Paper reeds fringe much of the shoreline, creating perfect nesting habitats and adding to the lake's distinctive character within Kenya's diverse ecosystem.
The nearby Hell's Gate National Park transforms the traditional safari experience. This compact 68-square-kilometer park allows you to explore dramatic volcanic landscapes on foot or by bicycle – a rarity in East Africa due to the absence of large predators.
The park's towering cliffs and water-carved gorges create an otherworldly atmosphere that actually inspired Disney's The Lion King. Fischer's Tower and Central Tower rise dramatically from the valley floor, while the Njorowa Gorge reveals layers of colorful rock strata and natural hot springs. The geothermal activity creates fascinating steam vents and unique rock formations that make Hell's Gate feel like stepping onto another planet.
Just offshore, Crescent Island Game Sanctuary offers something truly special – the chance to walk freely among plains game.
Giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, and various antelope species roam this private sanctuary, and because there are no predators, you can explore on foot with your guide maintaining safe distances.
The island, accessible only by boat, was famously featured in the film Out of Africa.
The lake pairs perfectly with Lake Nakuru for diverse wildlife experiences and flamingo viewing. Many itineraries combine Naivasha with Masai Mara safaris or Amboseli, creating comprehensive Kenya safari experiences.
Most visitors spend 2–3 nights to experience boat safaris, Crescent Island walking tours, and nearby Hell's Gate National Park. A longer 4–5 night stay allows for a more relaxed pace with additional activities like Mount Longonot hiking and spa experiences.
Lake Naivasha is famous for its strong populations of hippos and flamingos. There are over 1,500 hippos in the area, and you are almost guaranteed to see one. The lake is a birder’s paradise as it is home to over 400 bird species. Lesser and greater flamingos flock to the lake, forming a wash of bright pink across the lake's surface.
Giraffes, zebras, impalas, and waterbucks can be sighted in the immediate vicinity of Lake Naivasha, around Crescent Island, Crater Lake Game Sanctuary, and Longonot National Park. Lucky adventurers may even glimpse a leopard.
The optimal period is June–October during the long dry season when wildlife viewing is at its peak. January–February also offers excellent conditions with warm weather and clear skies for photography.
The scenic 1.5-hour drive through the Great Rift Valley offers stunning viewpoints and easy access.
Boat safaris showcase hippos and over 400 bird species including African Fish Eagles and pelicans. Crescent Island offers guided walking safaris with close encounters with zebras, giraffes, and wildebeest in a predator-free environment.
Blanketed by a sea of pink and hot spitting geysers, Lake Bogoria is one of the most spectacular lakes along the Great Rift Valley. It is best visited as a day trip from …
From a distance, Lake Nakuru appears covered in a thin, bright pink blanket. As you get closer, the picture gets clearer, and you're soon staring at a crowd of 2 million flamingos.…
The Masai Mara is Africa's most famous safari destination. Vast savannahs dotted with acacia trees and an incredible diversity of wildlife, the Mara is the safari of your …
Amboseli National Park, known as the 'home of the African Elephant', is one of the best wildlife destinations in Kenya, often combined with the Maasai Mara.
Ol Pejeta Conservancy has the largest rhino population in Kenya, and is home to the last two remaining northern white rhinos in the world. Ol Pejeta is also home to the Big Five, …
Soaring cliffs, bursting gorges, dusty valleys, and perfectly sculptured volcanic columns, Hell's Gate National Park has some of the most surreal, peculiar, and visually striking …
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The tours below showcase just some of what is possible. Use these itineraries as starting points, or to draw inspiration. Then get in touch, and let our expert team help craft the perfect itinerary for you.
We'll spend some time listening to your aspirations, then discuss the kind of experience that might suit you.
Next we'll discuss the options, shortlist the best trips for you and present you our impartial recommendations.
We'll place a 24 hour hold on your preferred option - without obligation - whilst we talk through the details.
Whatever your budget, group size, length of stay, preferred activity or appetite for adventure, we can help.
