Naivasha is a breathtaking travel destination located in the heart of Kenya, offering a unique blend of natural beauty, outdoor adventures and cultural experiences.
With its stunning landscapes, ranging from rolling hills and pristine lakes to vibrant forests and fertile farmlands, Naivasha is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike.
Whether you’re looking to go on a wildlife safari, hike through scenic trails, enjoy water sports, or simply relax and soak up the sun, Naivasha has something for everyone.
And with a rich cultural heritage, visitors can explore local villages, visit traditional markets and engage with the welcoming community.
Book your trip to Naivasha today for an unforgettable experience in one of Kenya’s most captivating destinations.
1. Picnic at Crescent Island Game Sanctuary
This is one of the most beautiful parks in Kenya. It is a peninsula and only accessible through water. Enjoy the numerous species of birds here and later on have a picnic in the same environment. For birdwatching purpose come early and your morning will be an overwhelming one. The shores hosts some common birds including; pelicans, cormorants and fish eagles.
The sanctuary provides home for the Maasai giraffe, hippos, zebras, impalas pelicans and many other water birds.
2. Play Golf at Great Rift Valley Lodge & Golf Resort
Thinking about how it\’s possible to survive a full weekend far from your normal golf joint? Naivasha will sort you at the golf park. Experience the uniqueness of this place with18 holes championship golf course.
3. Visit the Hell\'s Gate National Park
Hell’s Gate National Park in Naivasha is famously known due to its proximity to Kenya’s capital city, Nairobi. Its name is a description of the steep-sided valley running through the park. Located on the floor of the Great Rift Valley, between Lake Naivasha, the Longonot, and Suswa volcanoes, the park lies Northwest of Nairobi and southwest of Lake Naivasha.
4. Explore Lake Naivasha
It is a freshwater lake and got its name from a Maasai word \’nai’posha\’ which means rough water and is fringed by thick papyrus. It is surrounded by a forest that is abound with bird life. It is actually known as a world birding destination.
The waters of the lake draw a great range of game to these shores. Giraffes wander among the acacia, Buffalo wallow in the swamps and Columbus monkeys call from the treetops while the Lakes large hippo population sleep the day out in the shallows.
Do not leave the lake before sailing in the boat with a guided tour guide and later on have lunch at the fish market just around the lake.
5. Hike at Mt. Longonot
Hiking can never go wrong! This volcanic mountain in the forest that lies in the crater. The cater rim also provides beautiful scenery of the great rift valley all the way to lake Naivasha. Take lots of photos in the crater to create lots of memories.
6. Explore Crate Lake Game Sanctuary
Ever had a walk with the Animals? this is the place to do it.
The nature trails lead through the vegetation around the crater with plenty of wildlife including; species of birds, giraffes, zebras gazelle, giraffe, zebra, eland, baboon, black and white colobus monkeys and other plains wildlife who are also regular residents. While walking, remember that buffaloes lurk in the woods. Like Hell’s Gate National Park it is allowed to explore this Park on foot.
7. Hike Around The Rim Of Crater Lake/ Lake Sonachi
Crater Lake, or Sonachi, is a small, saline-alkaline lake to the immediate west of Lake Naivasha, inside a larger volcanic crater, with sides intact. It is privately owned, maintained as a Sanctuary, with a small tented camp above the lake. The flat land within the crater is partly wooded and holds populations of black & white colobus monkeys (Colobus guereza) and antelope such as Impala (Aepyceros melampus) and Thompson\’s gazelle (Eudorcas thomsonii).
8. Fish eating in a local joint at the shores of Lake Naivasha
Fishing is one of the economic activities in Naivasha which has a grate impact on the local communities around Lake Naivasha who depend on this resource.
Have fresh prepared fish at the local joints where you have a privilege to choose the specific fish and prepared for you right away. This also helps in supporting the local business as well.
9. Boat Ride In Lake Oloiden
One of the finest sites in the Great Rift valley for those looking for a private piece of paradise, away from all the noises in the city. This serene escape is the place for you. Lake Oloiden is a salty water lake just next to Lake Naivasha. Lovers of nature photography, water bodies, stunning landscapes and tranquility, this place has it all.
The boat ride costs Ksh 2,000 to rent a boat for 30 minutes with a maximum number of 7 in the boat. The Oloiden Hills cannot go un noticed as it appears bigger the more you sail across the lake.Â
10. Visit Dodo’s Tower
An 8-floor tower rated as 1 of the top retreats in the world. Enjoy breathtaking views over Oloidien Bay and follow at eagle-eye level the movements of the hippos, giraffe and zebra grazing at the foot of the Tower – a magical symphony of peace and tranquility, broken only by the extraordinary birdsong and splashing of water as hippos venture out under the cover of darkness.
11. Camping Along The Shore Of Lake Naivasha
You do not have to go for miles away from the city seeking a camping experience. Naivasha only 1.5 hours drive has the best camping sites for you and your family. Whether you have your camping gears or not, the campsites in Naivasha are always ready for you and many other adventurous activities.
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12. Camping In Lake Oloiden
The camp is located next to the beautiful lake lending campers un undeniable sense of freedom. With its beautiful environment and the sight of naked nature.
The camping grounds have access to the following amenities:
- Restaurant and bar with outdoor verandah
- Tents for hire
- Hot showers and clean toilets
- Free bonfire for campers
- Free parking
- Grill available on request
- Firewood available on requestÂ
- Nature walk at Wileli Conservancy & visit to Maasai Boma @ Ksh 500 (resident) & @ Ksh 1000Â (non-resident) per person
- Children playground free for campers
- Swimming at Naivasha Kongoni for Ksh 300 per person
- Bicycles @ ksh 300 per hour
- Ksh1,000 (mattress, bed sheet & blanket)
- Quad tent @ Ksh 4,500 for 4 pax sharing 2 double mattresses
- Kizingo tent @ Ksh 6,000 for 5 pax sharing 3 double mattresses
- Jumbo tent​ @ 8,000 for 8 pax sharing 4 double mattresses
- Double tent @ 3,500 for 2 pax sharing 1 double mattress
