Freshwater lake in the Great Rift Valley
USD300 - USD1000 P/P
Large Numbers of Flamingos and Hippos
Jun - Oct
Jun - Oct
Location
Lake Naivasha lies northwest of Nairobi, just outside the town of the same name. Located in Nakuru County, the park is part of Kenya’s Rift Valley, a region known for picturesque lakes and landscape.
Size
Lake Naivasha is 54 square miles, surrounded by the Ramsar Wetland.
History
In the 1940s, Lake Naivasha was frequented by seaplanes transporting mail from the United Kingdom to South Africa. In the 1960s it was home to Born Free author Joy Adamson and the region has been awarded for its fine conservation efforts.
Entrance Fees & Permits
There are no entrance fees applicable for entry into Lake Naivasha.
Hours of Operation
Visitors can gain access to Lake Naivasha between 7am and 6pm daily
By Road
Travelling 60 miles north from Nairobi, the journey to Lake Naivasha takes approximately two hours and twenty minutes along the A104 and Old Naivasha Road.
By Air
Departing each afternoon, the flight from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport to Lake Naivasha takes approximately 15 minutes.
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures throughout the year range between 50F and 80F. The winters are dry and cool, and summers warm and overcast due to summer rainfall, mostly falling during November and December.
Avoiding Crowds
As the dry winter season is one of the best times to visit Lake Naivasha, it is recommended to consider travelling in late May and June. If looking to travel later in the year, consider September and October when booking your visit. If wanting to view flamingos, November and May are great times for this, during the short rains and long rains respectively.
Value for Money
As there is no charge to enter Lake Naivasha and due to its proximity to Nairobi, Lake Naivasha definitely offers value for money when it comes to exploring one of Kenya’s scenic wildlife destinations.
Read more on the Best time to visit Kenya.
Popular Wildlife Sightings in Lake Naivasha
Hippos are a common sight at Lake Naivasha with both lesser and greater species of flamingos a colourful sight, especially during the wetter months of May and November. Warthog, giraffe, and other antelopes can be seen in Lake Naivasha.
The Terrain
Located on the floor of the Great Rift Valley, Lake Naivasha is notably one of the highest-located freshwater lakes in the region and is surrounded by swamps mostly comprising papyrus.
Game Drives
Safari experiences within Lake Naivasha comprise a game drive usually early in the morning or late afternoon, sightings of plains game, incredible bird life including flamingos and cheeky hippos. Boat rides are an incredible way to experience scenic Lake Naivasha and its inhabitants. For a chance to spot more wildlife, game drives can also be conducted in neighbouring Hells Gate National Park.
Guided Walking Safaris
Guests who wish to explore Lake Naivasha and surrounds can enjoy a guided bush walkon Crescent Island, which lies on the east of Lake Naivasha. Animals that can be seen here include wildebeest, zebra, giraffe, and impala. Walks on Crescent Island are possible, an incredible way to see smaller wildlife and a magnificent view of Lake Naivasha.
Accommodation at Lake Naivasha is a mix of larger lodge options, some offering country club activities such as golf, and smaller luxury camps. Lodges and camps are located mostly around the lake, so activities are right on your doorstep.
Lake Naivasha National Park Lodging – Distance from park entrance.
Lodge or Hotel Distance to park entrance (in miles)
Lake Naivasha Sopa Lodge 6 miles from Moi S Lake Road turnoff to Lake Naivasha
Lake Naivasha Simba Lodge 7 miles from Moi S Lake Road turnoff to Lake Naivasha
Lake Naivasha Crescent Camp 1.5 miles from Moi S Lake Road turnoff to Lake Naivasha
Great Rift Valley Lodge 7.6 miles from the Moi North Lake Road turnoff to Lake Naivasha
Lake Naivasha Country Club 14 miles from Moi S Lake Road turnoff to Lake Naivasha
Chui Lodge 16 miles from Moi S Lake Road turnoff to Lake Naivasha
Kiangazi House 16.7 miles from the Moi North Lake Road turnoff to Lake Naivasha
Lake Naivasha Resort 10 miles from the Moi North Lake Road turnoff to Lake Naivasha
Sawela Lodge 8 miles from the Moi North Lake Road turnoff to Lake Naivasha
Hells Gate National Park
Picturesque and home to a myriad of wildlife wonders, Hells Gate is worth a visit when staying near or at Lake Naivasha. Discover the crags and crevices, the sheer mountains covered in green plant life and animals including baboons, antelope and over 100 species of birds.
Crescent Island
Explore Crescent Island and enjoy the opportunity to walk around the island, which is free of predators. Hippos and buffalo roam nearby, and views of the lake are uninterrupted.
Olkaria Geothermal Spa
Enjoy the hot waters of Olkaria geothermal spa – a swimming pool which is located within the Hells Gate National Park. A simple spot for those looking to do something different while visiting Naivasha region.
The Farm Shop
Stop by this charming store to view local pottery, home goods and a few souvenirs, all produced by the community.
When is the best time to visit Lake Naivasha?
If your key purpose to visit Lake Naivasha is to see flamingos, you may want to consider travelling in November and in May, when sightings of these vibrant animals are excellent. Safaris around Lake Naivasha or nearby Hells Gate National Park are best in the cooler, drier months of June, July and August.
How much does a safari in Lake Naivasha cost?
Lodges and camps offer accommodation in and near Lake Naivasha and range from $300 per person sharing right up to over $1000 per person sharing, depending on where guests choose to stay. Guests coming in as day visitors to Lake Naivasha won’t have to pay entrance fees, but will be on a safari package with a qualified guide, an average fee of $155 per person.
How to get to Lake Naivasha?
The drive from Lake Naivasha is under two and a half hours along the A104. A flight from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport takes 15 minutes.
What makes a Lake Naivasha safari so special?
The scenery of this fresh water lake plus the sight of thousands of pink flamingos, all surrounded by swampland, is quite spectacular. It is home to a plethora of birdlife and boating and game drive options available to visitors.
What animals can I see in Lake Naivasha?
The pink flamingo is one of the most popular reasons to visit Lake Naivasha, along with sightings of hippos, baboons, giraffe and zebra, making the park a wonderful wildlife destination. Buffaloes roam alongside wildebeest and other antelope, and a rich birdlife add to the animals one can see at Lake Naivasha.
When is Lake Naivasha open?
Lake Naivasha is open daily between 7am to 6pm.
Do you need to book in advance to visit Lake Naivasha?
Most visitors will plan ahead when looking to visit Lake Naivasha, either as a day trip or as part of their safari accommodation package.
What’s the best way to see Lake Naivasha?
Experience Lake Naivasha either on a land safari or by boat on a leisurely safari cruise. Both are best early in the morning or late afternoon.
What hotels, lodges, and camps are near Lake Naivasha?
Some key hotel chains have properties located in or near Lake Naivasha. Lake Naivasha Sopa Lodge and Lake Naivasha Simba Lodge are two popular and well-located options to consider. Enjoy the smaller Lake Naivasha Crescent Camp with only 20 tents or the many activities on offer at Great Rift Valley Lodge.
What restaurants are near Lake Naivasha?
While guests staying at lodges or camps near Lake Naivasha will eat their pre-paid meals at those accommodations, there are a couple of restaurants day visitors can experience when visiting the Naivasha region. Enjoy the charm of Ranch House Bistro or Mother’s Kitchen Cafe, perhaps.
What attractions are near Lake Naivasha?
Guests visiting Lake Naivasha can enjoy a safari in the Hells Gate National Park and spend time walking on Crescent Island with uninterrupted views of Lake Naivasha. Take some time out in the Olkaria geothermal spa and be sure to visit the Farm Shop either on the way to Lake Naivasha or on your return to Nairobi.
