Go To Lake Naivasha
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Lake Naivasha Safari Trips
“Walk Amongst the Wild”
Lake Naivasha is a freshwater lake in Kenya, outside the town of Naivasha in Nakuru County, which lies north west of Nairobi. It is situated in the Great Rift Valley. 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. Lake Naivasha maintains its freshwater status through underground outflow and natural sedimentation processes. The lake covers approximately 139 square kilometers, though recent years have seen it expand to 198 square kilometers due to increased rainfall.
The lake’s size can vary depending on the season and rainfall, but it’s generally quite expansive. The lake is home to a variety of types of wildlife including over 400 different species of bird and a sizable population of hippos.
A Lake Naivasha Tour
Top Things To Do In Lake Naivasha
On your safaris to Lake Naivasha, the main activity is outdoor safaris, exploring on by foot, cycling and boat rides which allow you to explore the park wildlife watching and birding. Discover the best places to visit in Lake Naivasha. The beautiful this is that given its proximity from Nairobi, you can easily discover on day trips to Naivasha. This lakeside paradise will bring you close to soaring fever trees, basking hippos in the lake’s shallows, a fish eagle’s call, and a glass-like quality to the air.
The Animals & Wildlife In Lake Naivasha
Lake Naivasha is famous for its high populations of hippos, flamingos, eagles, kingfishers. There are over 1,200 hippos in the area, and you are almost guaranteed to see one, along with hippos, giraffes, impalas and zebras.
The lake is a prime destination for birders from all over the world, 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.
A day trip to Lake Naivasha promises plenty of adrenaline activities and a good chance to explore Kenyan attraction areas on foot.
Visit Lake Naivasha, Crescent Island
Crescent Island is one of the most popular attractions in the Lake Naivasha area, named because of its crescent moon shape and it was the primary filming location for the 1985 romantic drama ‘Out of Africa’.
Crescent Island tours last between 1.5-3 hours.
Crescent Island highlights include;
We’ll take a guided walking tour as we watch the buffaloes, wildebeest, gazelles, giraffes, zebras, impalas, and waterbucks which can be sighted in the immediate surrounding area of Lake Naivasha, around Crescent Island.
Walk With The Wild
Go On A Lake Naivasha Boat Safari
Boat safaris are one of the most popular activities at Lake Naivasha.
Jetting out onto the lake is the best way to get up close to the hippos and flamingos while you are gliding along the calm surface of Lake Naivasha in your safari boat. If you look to the shores, you may see zebras, wildebeest, and giraffes strolling at Crescent Island.
A typical boat safari on Lake Naivasha takes around an hour (1hr), and the lake’s sheer size means that you will not be distracted by the rumble of other boat engines.
Boat Safari Tour
Visit Lake Naivasha, Hell’s Gate National Park
A small park near Lake Naivasha, Hell’s Gate National Park is very popular for inspiring Disney’s “The Lion King,” and contains geothermal activity of geysers and hot springs, the park also offers one-of-a-kind bicycling safaris!
The best activities are hiking (including scrambling through the rocks and river of lower Gorge), cycling, and mountain biking and rock climbing.
Yes, enjoy your mountain bike riding among buffalos, giraffe, zebra, eland, coke’s hartebeest and Thomson’s gazelle are common. Olive baboons are often seen hanging on the cliffs, while a good spotter might pick up a pair of klipspringers.
The park is more in the scenery with its impressive cliffs and volcanic outcrops. These provide the backdrop to some brilliant activities including rock climbing, hiking and mountain biking.
Cycling Safari
Olkaria Geothermal Spa, Lake Naivasha
Enveloped by the rugged terrains of Hell’s Gate National Park, emerges the Olkaria Geothermal Spa, a sanctuary of tranquility and rejuvenation, where nature’s healing touch intertwines with exhilarating adventures. The spa harnesses the geothermal energy of the region to provide a range of revitalizing treatments and activities.
Soak in Mineral-Rich Waters
Immerse yourself in the naturally heated waters of the Olkaria Geothermal Spa, known for its therapeutic properties. The mineral-rich waters, ranging in temperature from 35 to 40 degrees Celsius, promote relaxation, soothe muscles, and alleviate stress. Indulge in a variety of pools, each offering a distinct experience, from bubbling whirlpools to serene cascades.
The Geothermal Spa offers a distinctive blend of adventure, comfort, luxury, and authentic African hospitality. Whether you are seeking a serene wellness retreat, or a memorable leisure experience, the Spa is designed to cater to diverse needs.
Hot Springs
Explore Crater Lake Naivasha
Crater Lake Naivasha, Kenya is a striking emerald-green volcanic crater hidden within one of the country’s most peaceful wildlife conservancies. Surrounded by dramatic cliffs and acacia forests, the lake is a sanctuary for grazing plains game and vibrant birdlife. Whether you’re exploring on foot, hiking the crater rim, or simply taking in the scenery, Crater Lake offers an unforgettable blend of tranquillity, wildlife encounters, and breathtaking natural beauty.
The landscapes around Crater Lake are a remarkable mix of volcanic cliffs, open grasslands, fever tree forests, and sweeping views across the Naivasha basin. This diverse environment supports an impressive range of wildlife, from zebra, giraffe, eland, and buffalo to colobus monkeys and smaller plains game that thrive in the protected conservancy.
Lake Naivasha Attractions
Explore Lake Elementaita
Lake Elementaita Wildlife Sanctuary is a serene landscape in the Great Rift Valley where vibrant birdlife converges. Its open skies, gentle shores, and expansive views create a calm, scenic environment ideal for adventure, wellness, and outdoor recreation.
Designated an Important Bird Area (IBA) in 1999, Lake Elementaita is a true birdwatcher’s paradise, supporting diverse waterbirds and migratory species drawn to its shallow alkaline waters. Its natural beauty and shifting light also make it a compelling setting for visual storytelling, photography, and filmmaking, while offering a unique venue for nature-based sports, events, and immersive outdoor experiences in one of Kenya’s most storied environments.
A Birding Destination
Go Trekking Mount Longonot
Mount Longonot National Park is one of the many fascinating, yet least visited, attractions of Kenya. The park is located in the Lake Naivasha region, dominated by Mount Longonot itself. This stratovolcano, last thought to have erupted in the 1860’s, is 2776 m above sea level. A unique feature is the thick forest that lies within the crater of the mountain. The crater rim also provides great scenic views across the beautiful Rift Valley all the way to Lake Naivasha.
The other major attractions of the park include the extinct volcano and crater forest and the views of Lake Naivasha and the Great Rift Valley. The park is also home to a wide variety of wildlife which include buffaloes, elands, bushbucks, common zebra, giraffe and Grant’s gazelles. It is also a great destination for birding and in particular birds of prey.
Trekking Expedition
Go Horseback Safari In Lake Naivasha
Go on a guided horseback tour through 450 acres of private wildlife sanctuary on the shores of Lake Naivasha. Ride through herds of giraffe, impala, zebra, wildebeest, buffalo, waterbuck and ride right up to the water’s edge.
The horses are very friendly and safe and truly enjoy carrying guests through this enchanted piece of paradise. Experience the animal kingdom like never before from your heightened vantage point.
The horse-back rides are done at different durations, and we accommodate all levels of experience. Children from age 3 and above are welcome to ride. PRIOR RESERVATION IS REQUIRED; Rides available anytime between 7am and 5pm.
Riding Wild
The Birdlife & Birds At Lake Naivasha
Planning a Kenya birding tour? Just a short drive from Nairobi City lies one of Kenya’s celebrated birdwatching destinations — Lake Naivasha. Surrounded by lush greenery and set within the heart of the Great Rift Valley, the lake is a sanctuary for over 400 bird species including several bird species, hosting both aquatic and terrestrial birds. It is a haven for both seasoned birders and casual travelers who simply want to enjoy the harmony of nature.
On your Lake Naivasha birding tour, expect to see the following popular birds; cormorants, pelicans, Little Egret, Sacred Ibis, Hadada Ibis, African Spoonbill, Squacco Heron, African Jacana, Pied Kingfisher, Giant Kingfisher and you can’t miss the African Fish-eagle. Depending on the water level many more birds can be seen on the lake and on the banks.
List Of Birds In Lake Naivasha
Mosque Swallow, Lyne’s Cisticola, Chestnut Sparrow, Abyssinian Wheatear, Nyanza Swift, Mottled Swift, White-fronted Bee-eater, Mocking Cliff Chat, Bearded Woodpecker, Plain-backed Pipit, Giant Kingfisher, Grey-backed Fiscal, Grey-crested Helmet-Shrike, Brimstone Canary, Cape Teal, Pied Avocet, Black Heron, Goliath Heron, Lesser Flamingo, Maccoa Duck, Great White Pelican, Common Greenshank, Ruff, Green Sandpiper, Black-tailed Godwit, Hildebrandt’s Francolin, Arrow-marked Babbler, Black-lored Babbler, African Fish Eagle, Verreaux’s Eagle, Tawny Eagle, Osprey, Hybrid Lovebird, Red-throated Wryneck, Golden-breasted Bunting, Buff-bellied Warbler, Grey Crowned Crane, Black Cuckoo and Hoopoe.
A Bird Watching Destination
The Best Time To Visit Lake Naivasha
Generally speaking, Lake Naivasha offers good wildlife viewing throughout the year, with the best months from June to February. Expect some rainfall during the April and May months. The rainfall is generally marginal in comparison to the long rains and has minimal impact on your wildlife-seeking African safari. In January and February, the weather is dry and humidly-hot with sprinkles of rain, and this is also when increased visitors come to the park to escape the cold winters in Europe and the USA.
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The Weather & Climate At Lake Naivasha
Lake Naivasha has a mild climate and temperatures are consistent year-round. Daytime temperatures are pleasant in the mid to high twenties Celsius, although it is much cooler at night. Warm clothing for early morning safari activities is a necessity. The wettest months are April and May. The rest of the year is relatively dry with some rain throughout.
The pleasant days of the Dry season are usually sunny, but do not get too hot. It rarely rains, although don’t be surprised if there is an occasional shower at any time. It is recommended to wear warm clothing on early morning game drives.
There are many overcast, cloudy days in the Wet season, but it rarely rains all day. Temperatures in the afternoon are pleasant at around 25°C/77°F. Early mornings are a bit milder at 12°C/54°F. April is the wettest month.
Wondering when to go to Lake Naivasha?
Lake Naivasha Tours & Tickets
Naivasha despite being a lesser-known destination as compared to others like Maasai Mara and Amboseli, still has a lot of amazing things to offer. Some of the attractions in Naivasha include Hell’s Gate National Park, Lake Naivasha, Crescent Island, Lake Oloiden, Geothermal Spa among many others. A Naivasha safari is great choice due to the variety of things to do there. You can start with a game drive or bike safari, do a Gorge trek, immerse yourself in the geothermal spa and end with an evening boat ride.
Book African Safari Packages
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