Kenya Safari Destination
Lake Naivasha
Boat safaris among hippo pods, walking safaris on Crescent Island and Rift Valley views, just two hours from Nairobi.
Location
Nakuru County, Kenya
Size
About 139 sq km
Ideal stay
1 to 2 days
Best time
June to October
Famous for
Boat safaris and hippos
Kenya, Great Rift Valley
The Rift Valley's freshwater lake
Lake Naivasha sits on the floor of Kenya’s Great Rift Valley, one of the few freshwater lakes in a region of soda lakes. Acacia woodland, papyrus and fever trees ring the shore, and the lake is home to large pods of hippo and hundreds of bird species.
It is one of the few places in Kenya where you can walk among giraffe and zebra on Crescent Island, and Hell’s Gate National Park, with its gorges and cycling trails, is just next door.
Why Lake Naivasha is worth the short drive
Six reasons this park earns its place on a Kenya safari.
Boat safaris
Cruise among hippo pods and flocks of waterbirds.
Walking safaris
Walk among giraffe and zebra on Crescent Island.
Big hippo pods
One of Kenya’s densest hippo populations.
Rift Valley scenery
Escarpment views frame the lake on almost every side.
Close to Nairobi
A full lake experience about two hours from the capital.
Hell's Gate next door
Cycle or hike through gorges in a nearby national park.
When to visit Lake Naivasha
Lake Naivasha rewards visitors in every season. Choose the window that matches what you most want to see.
June to October
Dry season
Clear skies and excellent game viewing around the lake.
January to February
Short dry spell
Comfortable weather between the two rainy seasons.
November to December
Short rains
Green scenery and noticeably fewer visitors.
March to May
Long rains
The quietest time of year, with dramatic skies over the water.
Wildlife you can expect to see
From the water to the woodland, Naivasha is easy, relaxed wildlife viewing.
Hippo
Large pods rest in the shallows by day and graze at night.
Giraffe
Browsing the acacia woodland and wandering Crescent Island.
Zebra
Grazing the lakeside grassland, often close enough to walk past.
Fish eagle
Listen for its famous call as it hunts over the lake.
Pelican
Groups fish together in the shallow water.
Waterbuck
Common along the shoreline and in the woodland.
Things to do at Lake Naivasha
Boats, bikes and walking safaris make Naivasha refreshingly active.
Boat safaris
Cruise among hippo pods and waterbirds.
Crescent Island walk
Walk among giraffe, zebra and antelope with a guide.
Hell's Gate National Park
Cycle or hike through dramatic red-rock gorges.
Birdwatching
Look for fish eagles, kingfishers and herons.
Mount Longonot hike
Climb to the crater rim for Rift Valley views.
Sunset on the water
End the day with a quiet boat ride as the sun goes down.
Planning your trip to Lake Naivasha
Practical details to help you decide how to get there and where to stay.
Getting to Lake Naivasha
- By road: about two hours north-west of Nairobi, down the Rift Valley escarpment.
- As a day trip: easy to visit from Nairobi, with Hell’s Gate or Longonot added.
- Combined routes: pairs well with Lake Nakuru and the Maasai Mara.
Where to stay
- Lakeside lodges: gardens running down to the water, often with hippos at night.
- Camps and cottages: relaxed places to stay around the lake.
- Every budget: we match lodges to your style and budget.
Lake Naivasha tours
Day trips and safaris that include Lake Naivasha, from Hell’s Gate to longer Kenya circuits.
- Mount Longonot National Park, Naivasha
- 1 Day
- 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
Still wondering about something? Ask our Nairobi team any time on WhatsApp.
Where is Lake Naivasha?
Lake Naivasha is in the Great Rift Valley in Nakuru County, about two hours from Nairobi.
Can you do Lake Naivasha as a day trip?
Yes. It is an easy day trip from Nairobi, often combined with Hell's Gate or Mount Longonot.
Can you walk with animals at Lake Naivasha?
Yes. On Crescent Island you can walk among giraffe, zebra and antelope with a guide.
Is it safe to take a boat near hippos?
Yes, with an experienced boat captain who keeps a respectful distance.
What is Hell's Gate National Park?
A small park next to the lake, known for red-rock gorges, geothermal steam and cycling among wildlife.
Can Lake Naivasha be combined with other parks?
Yes. It pairs well with Lake Nakuru and the Maasai Mara on a classic Kenya circuit.
Start Planning Your Lake Naivasha Visit
Tell us your travel dates and we will fit a Lake Naivasha visit into your Kenya itinerary.