List Of Best Things To Do At Lake Naivasha

This article covers the Best Things To Do At Lake Naivasha. Lake Naivasha is a freshwater lake in Kenya, outside Naivasha in Nakuru County. Lake Naivasha has picturesque views, from volcanic landscapes to papyrus swamps, wild game, and over 450 bird species. Mount Longonot and Olkaria Geothermal Complex are visible on the south, and Crater Lake lies on the west side of the lake. Naivasha is derived from the Maasai word, ‘Enaiposha,’ which means ‘heaving’ or ‘rough water.’ The Maasai named it so because the waters tend to be unpredictable – afternoon wind and rain storms cause the lake to produce high waves.

Lake Naivasha shores provided lush pasture for Maasai cattle herds until Laiboni Ole Gilisho gave it to the British. An influx of white settlers who used the lake as a landing for their flying boats followed. This freshwater lake has never returned to the Maasai; it is now protected and is a tourist attraction to locals and foreigners alike. It is nestled above the Kenyan Rift at 1,890m above sea level and surrounded by volcanic rock and sedimentary deposits. The area surrounding the lake has two smaller lakes – Oloiden and Sonachi, a bright green crater lake.

Lake Naivasha is easily accessible from Nairobi. The 98km journey takes around 2.5 hours along the Old Naivasha Road and the C88. Naivasha’s proximity to the capital makes it a popular day trip, but the lake can get busy at the weekend. To avoid crowds, visit during the week or spend a few days in the area as part of a wider itinerary.

Lake Naivasha is a short distance from Hell’s Gate National Park, and a taxi journey should take less than an hour. Some travelers choose to pair these attractions. Lake Naivasha is famous for its high population 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, 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 found near Lake Naivasha, Crescent Island, Crater Lake Game Sanctuary, and Longonot National Park. Lucky adventurers may even spot a leopard.

Best Things To Do At Lake Naivasha

1. Boat Rides

Boat safaris on Lake Naivasha allow you to get close to the different bird species. Once in a while, you will see hippos lazing in the swampy areas. Most lakeside resorts like Fisherman’s Camp, Crayfish Camp, Elsamere, and Camp Carnelly offer boat tours. For sport, the guide will bring a fish and toss it into the water so that you can witness the eagle catching it. Boating mishaps are common, so ensure you wear your life jacket and your guide has radio contact with the shore. This 60-minute ride at 8:00 am is best before the sun gets hot. Slather on sunscreen and insect repellant to keep mosquitoes away, and enjoy the trip.

Prices vary depending on the operator, boat type, and ride duration. However, you can expect to pay between Ksh 1,500 and Ksh 4,000 per person.

2. Visit Crescent Island

Crescent Island is Naivasha’s best-kept secret, accessible by boat and road via the swampy causeway from Sanctuary Farm. Its creation dates back to 1988, when the water level of Lake Naivasha fell significantly. This animal and bird sanctuary boasts more wildlife per acre than any other Kenyan park, making it a popular filming location for scenes featuring waterbucks, wildebeests, and zebras. Visitors can also find giraffes, hippos, pythons, buffaloes, and hyenas, with some species grazing while others may have birth here. The sanctuary operates from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm, and guided walks typically last about three hours.

Crescent Island Entry Fees

3. Tour Crater Lake Game Sanctuary

The Crater Lake Game Sanctuary is located approximately 20 kilometres from Naivasha town and can be accessed by road. It is a 2-hour drive from Nairobi, and there are also regular flights from Nairobi to Naivasha. This small sanctuary is a great destination for hiking, and it is home to giraffes, zebras, and over 150 bird species. The refuge has walking trails that follow the rim of the crater, offering breathtaking views. Night game drives can be organized at Crater Lake, and they are a great opportunity to see leopards, aardvarks, caracals, and many other elusive species.

Entrance fee: The entrance fee for the sanctuary is Ksh 1,200 for non-residents and Ksh 800 for residents.

4. Visit Longonot National Park

Longonot National Park is just 20km from Lake Naivasha, and the road journey takes around 45 minutes. The park derives its name from Mount Longonot, a stratovolcano that towers over the park at an elevation of 2,776m. It takes around 4-5 hours to climb the dormant volcano, and the views from the summit are extraordinary. Despite its length, the trek is not too physically demanding. If you complete the hike in the morning, you can spend a relaxing afternoon on a boat trip or game drive.

Entrance fee: The entrance fee for Longonot National Park is Ksh 350 for citizens, Ksh 600 for residents, and USD 26 for non-residents. Additional fees may apply for camping, hiking, and other activities.

5. Visit Elsamere Conservation Centre and Lodge

The Elsamere Conservation Centre and Lodge is a wildlife sanctuary and eco-lodge situated on the shores of Lake Naivasha in Kenya. It was the former home of Joy Adamson, a naturist, artist, and author best known for her book “Born Free,” which tells the story of her experiences raising an orphaned lion cub named Elsa. Visitors to Elsamere can also connect their experience with a visit to the Karen Blixen Museum in Nairobi, which showcases the life of the Danish author of “Out of Africa.” The beautifully maintained house and gardens at the museum provide insight into Adamson’s life and work, and guests can enjoy observing colobus monkeys and having tea in the serene gardens—a perfect way to unwind after exploring the park.

Entrance fee: The Elsamere Conservation Centre charges an entrance fee of Ksh 1,500 for adults and Ksh 800 for children. This fee covers a guided museum tour and a nature walk in the sanctuary.

6. Bird Watching

Lake Naivasha is a paradise for birdwatchers. Over 450 species of birds have been recorded in the area. Some of the most popular birds to see are the fish eagle, cormorants, kingfishers, and flamingos.

7. Visit Hell’s Gate National Park

The park is a great destination for hikers and rock climbers. It is also known for its scenic views of the Great Rift Valley and hot springs.

8. Visit the nearby Lake Nakuru National Park

It is a popular destination for wildlife lovers, with over 400 bird species and large populations of rhinos and lions.

9. Enjoy a picnic

There are several picnic sites around the lake where you can relax and enjoy a meal while enjoying the beautiful scenery.

10. Take a nature walk

Lake Naivasha is surrounded by a lush forest, which is home to a variety of wildlife. Take a nature walk to explore the forest and see the different species of animals and plants that call it their home.

Lake Naivasha Entrance Fees

Overall, Lake Naivasha is a beautiful and important natural resource in Kenya, attracting tourists worldwide and providing important resources to the local community.