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Rift Valley destination
Lake Naivasha, hippos, boats and big skies
A freshwater lake for boat safaris, walking with giraffes and Rift Valley adventures.
Quick facts
Park at a glance
Location
Nakuru County, Kenya
Lake area
About 139 sq km
Ideal stay
1 to 2 nights
Best time
June to October
Lake overview
The Rift Valley’s active side
Lake Naivasha is a freshwater lake on the floor of the Great Rift Valley, a short drive from Nairobi. Its shores are home to hippos, fish eagles and pelicans, and a boat ride on the lake is one of the most relaxing wildlife experiences in Kenya.
Around the lake, the adventures keep coming. Walk among giraffes and zebras on Crescent Island, cycle through the gorges of Hell’s Gate National Park, or hike the rim of the Mount Longonot volcano. It is the perfect stop between Nairobi and the Maasai Mara.
- About 100 km from Nairobi
- Boat safaris and walking safaris
- Close to Hell’s Gate and Mount Longonot
Why go
Six reasons to visit Lake Naivasha
Wildlife on foot, by boat and by bike, all close to Nairobi.
Boat safaris
Glide past hippos and fish eagles on the lake.
Crescent Island walks
Walk among giraffes, zebras and antelopes, with no big predators.
Hell’s Gate cycling
Ride through dramatic cliffs and gorges in a nearby national park.
Mount Longonot
Hike to the rim of a dormant volcano with views across the valley.
Birdlife
Hundreds of species around the lake and its wetlands.
Close to Nairobi
An easy first or last stop on a Kenya safari.
Wildlife
Who you will meet at Lake Naivasha
Lake life and plains game, often seen up close.
Hippos
Wallowing in the lake by day and grazing the shores at night.
Pelicans
Gliding over the water and fishing in groups.
Fish eagles
Their famous call echoes across the lake.
Giraffes
Browsing the acacias on Crescent Island and around the shore.
Zebras
Grazing the open grassland around the lake.
Waterbuck
Common on the lake edges and in the woodland.
When to visit
Lake Naivasha through the year
Every season has its own rewards. Pick the one that matches what you most want to see.
Peak season
June to October
Long dry season
Dry, pleasant weather and the best conditions for hiking and cycling.
Great time
January to February
Short dry season
Warm days and calm water for boat rides.
Quiet season
March to May
Long rains
Green scenery and fewer visitors, with some trails becoming slippery.
Good value
November to December
Short rains
Fresh landscapes and migrant birds arriving at the lake.
Things to do
More than a lake
Boat rides, walks and adventures on the Rift Valley floor.
Boat safari
Explore the lake and spot hippos and birds up close.
Crescent Island walk
Walk among giraffes and zebras on a guided safari.
Hell’s Gate
Cycle or hike through cliffs and gorges.
Mount Longonot hike
Climb to the crater rim for panoramic views.
Birdwatching
Look for pelicans, kingfishers and fish eagles.
Lakeside sunset
Watch the sky change colour over the water.
Plan your visit
Getting there and staying over
The practical details, so you can focus on the adventures.
By road
About two hours from Nairobi, and a natural stop on the way to the Maasai Mara.
By air
Light-aircraft charters can reach airstrips near the lake when time is short.
Where to stay
Lakeside lodges, tented camps and cottages along the shore.
Lake Naivasha trips
Trips that include Lake Naivasha
Day trips and safaris that include Naivasha, Hell’s Gate and Longonot. Every itinerary can be tailored to you.
- Maasai Mara, Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha, Hell's Gate, Amboseli
- 8 Days 7 Nights
- Maasai Mara, Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha, Hell's Gate, Amboseli
- 7 Days 6 Nights
- Maasai Mara, Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha, Hell's Gate
- 5 Days 4 Nights
- Amboseli, Lake Naivasha, Hell's Gate, Nairobi
- 5 Days 4 Nights
Good to know
Lake Naivasha questions, answered
The things travellers most often ask before visiting. Anything else, our Nairobi team is happy to help.
Yes. It is close enough to Nairobi for a full day out, often combined with Hell’s Gate or Mount Longonot.
Yes. Boats keep a respectful distance from hippos and are run by experienced local operators.
Yes. Crescent Island offers guided walking safaris among giraffes, zebras and antelopes.
Hell’s Gate suits most people by bike or on foot. Longonot is a steeper hike that needs reasonable fitness.
The Maasai Mara, Lake Nakuru and Amboseli all pair well.
One or two nights gives you time for a boat ride and one or two adventures.
Ready for Lake Naivasha?
Tell us your dates and the adventures you would like, and we will plan your Naivasha trip around you.
