Crescent Island Game Sanctuary, often called “Naivasha’s best-kept secret” is one of the most beautiful parks in Kenya, a peninsula surrounded by water only accessible by boat from the East and Westside.
The park is located in the middle of the lake with miles of walking trails and abundant wildlife that provides a 360-degree view of Mt. Longonot to Hell’s Gate to the Mau Escarpment to Eburu and onto the Aberdares, the view simply blows your mind away.
For bird lovers, bring along your binoculars as there is plenty of birdlife to watch while experiencing close wildlife encounters and a boat ride around Lake Naivasha.
Activities to do in Crescent Island Game Sanctuary
Crescent Island Game Sanctuary is a perfect place for fresh air and isolation. Surrounded by Lake Naivasha a fresh air breeze throughout your adventure here is guaranteed.
Among activities visitors can do here include;
- Walking/hiking,
- Photography,
- Yoga/meditation,
- Bird watching,
- Team building and,
- Fishing
- Picnicking
There are a few guides at the park who service visitors on a first-come basis and at NO FEE. However, tipping them is highly encouraged.
Some of the Animals to see at Cresent Island
The shores have plentiful birdlife including pelicans, cormorants, and fish-falcons with their haunting cry. There are lots of animals per acre of land than in any other Kenyan Park, henceforth many film organizations have been to the Island to film among them;
- Masai Giraffe
- Hippopotamus
- Cape Buffalo
- Impala
- Defassa Waterbuck
- Wildebeest
- Burchells Zebra
- Thompsons Gazelle
- Grants Gazelle
- Bat Eared Fox
- Kirks Dik Dik
- Bushbuck
- White-tailed Mongoose
- Spring Hare
- Vervet Monkey
- Silver Backed Jackal
- African Rock Python
Animals cannot wander on and off to the mainland since the park is in the middle of the lake.
However, hippos graze all over at night then sleep under the acacia trees or rest in the water by day. Often, three generations of giraffes can be seen at a time since they were born on the island.
On a lucky day, you can spot one of the beautiful pythons that live in the sanctuary. Jackals are the only predators around and some buffalos got stuck on the mainland before the lake water levels rose.
Accommodation on Crescent Island
The island currently operates/hosts no accommodation or camping. However, there are a variety of accommodation options a visitor can choose from around Lake Naivasha.
Location of Crescent Island
The sanctuary is located in the middle of Lake Naivasha, on the eastern shores of Lake 93 Km northeast of Nairobi city. Visitors can land on either the east or west jetty depending on where you approach.
Opening and closing hours
The sanctuary opens at 0900hrs and is usually closed at 1700hrs. Guests are advised to be out of the park by 1730hrs as the encounter with hippos is not a fun one while on foot!
Entry Fees & Boat Ride Charges
Being in the middle of the lake, the park is only accessible by boat. The Sanctuary does not operate any boats and hence visitors can hire local boats to transfer them to the park.
Prices vary from one operator to another, and an operator should charge for the whole boat (maximum 7 pax), and not per person, for between USD 20 – USD 40 per boat
Visitors are advised not to pay any entry fee to the boat operators. Visitors should pay directly to the park on arrival and should insist on receiving an official Cresent Island Receipt with the park’s logo.
| Residence | Citizens | Residents | Non-Residents |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult | Ksh 800 | Ksh 1,000 | USD 30 |
| Child | Ksh 400 | Ksh 500 | USD 15 |
| Student (Proof of ID a must) | USD 20 |
Proof of ID is a must before entry
School Groups (Must be pre-booked by email):
Primary: Ksh 250 || Secondary: Ksh 350 || Teacher: Ksh 450 || Guide: 500/- per school group
NOTE:
+ Rates are subject to change without prior notice. For updated fees, see The Sanctuary Entry Fees
+ Pets are not allowed in the park
For more information, visit the parks’ official website.
Have you been here before? YES? Let us know your experience in the comments section below
