Family Safaris
📍 Samburu National Reserve + Ol Pejeta Conservancy + Lake Nakuru + Masai Mara + Lake Naivasha + Amboseli
11 Days Kenya Family Safari | Samburu to Amboseli
from$3,995
★★★★★ 5
Lake · East Africa
Lake Naivasha
Lake Naivasha
accent
Walk & cycle among wildlife
3Safaris
$2,460From, per person
Why Lake Naivasha
Lake Naivasha – Cruise, Explore and Unwind in Kenya's Freshwater Safari Paradise.
Nestled in the heart of Kenya’s spectacular Great Rift Valley, Lake Naivasha is one of East Africa’s most beautiful freshwater lakes and one of Kenya’s most diverse safari destinations. Located approximately 95 kilometres (59 miles) northwest of Nairobi, the lake covers an average surface area of around 139 km² (54 square miles), although its size fluctuates seasonally depending on rainfall.
Surrounded by towering acacia forests, volcanic landscapes, flower farms, and abundant wildlife, Lake Naivasha offers visitors a unique safari experience that combines wildlife viewing, birdwatching, boat safaris, walking safaris, cycling adventures, and luxury lakeside accommodation. Unlike many safari destinations where wildlife is viewed exclusively from vehicles, Lake Naivasha allows visitors to enjoy close encounters with animals on foot at nearby Crescent Island Game Sanctuary, making it one of Kenya’s most family-friendly and accessible wildlife destinations.
The lake is home to one of Africa’s largest populations of hippopotamuses, while its calm waters attract fish eagles, pelicans, cormorants, kingfishers, herons, and more than 450 bird species, earning Lake Naivasha international recognition as one of Kenya’s premier birdwatching destinations.
Nearby attractions including Hell’s Gate National Park, Crescent Island Game Sanctuary, Mount Longonot National Park, and Olkaria Geothermal Spa further enhance the destination, making Lake Naivasha an essential stop on many Kenya safari itineraries.
Whether you’re seeking a relaxing lakeside escape, an adventurous walking safari, exceptional birdwatching, or a memorable stop between Nairobi and the Masai Mara, Lake Naivasha offers an unforgettable blend of wildlife, scenery, and outdoor adventure.
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Lake Naivasha – Cruise, Explore and Unwind in Kenya's Freshwater Safari Paradise.
Experience Kenya's freshwater safari paradise with scenic boat cruises, close encounters with hippos,
Good reasons to go
Why travellers love Lake Naivasha
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Scenic Boat Safaris
A boat safari on Lake Naivasha is one of Kenya's most relaxing wildlife experiences. Glide across the tranquil waters while observing pods…
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Home to Thousands of Hippos
Lake Naivasha supports one of Kenya's largest populations of hippopotamuses. Visitors frequently observe these enormous mammals resting in the water during the…
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Walking Safaris on Crescent Island
Unlike traditional safari parks, Crescent Island Game Sanctuary allows visitors to walk safely among free-roaming giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, impalas, waterbucks, gazelles and…
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Explore Hell's Gate National Park
Located just minutes from Lake Naivasha, Hell's Gate National Park is famous for its dramatic cliffs, volcanic gorges, geothermal activity, and opportunities…
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Outstanding Birdwatching Paradise
With over 450 recorded bird species, Lake Naivasha is a paradise for bird enthusiasts. Spot African fish eagles, great white pelicans, flamingos…
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Spectacular Great Rift Valley Scenery
Lake Naivasha is surrounded by volcanic mountains, acacia forests, dramatic escarpments, and breathtaking Rift Valley landscapes that provide unforgettable sunrise and sunset…
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Relax at Olkaria Geothermal Spa
Unwind in naturally heated mineral-rich pools at the Olkaria Geothermal Spa, Africa's largest geothermal spa, located within Hell's Gate National Park. It's…
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Luxury Lakeside Lodges & Romantic Escapes
Lake Naivasha is home to some of Kenya's finest lakeside lodges, offering luxurious accommodation, gourmet dining, spa treatments, wildlife encounters and peaceful…
Ready-to-tailor itineraries
View all 3 safaris →Lake Naivasha safaris
Family Safaris
Family Safaris
📍 Amboseli + Masai Mara + Lake Naivasha + Lake Nakuru + Samburu National Reserve + Ol Pejeta Conservancy
11 Days Kenya Luxury Safari | Samburu to Amboseli
from$14,000
★★★★★ 5
Signature JourneysWhat you’ll see
Lake Naivasha’s iconic wildlife
Giraffe
Crescent Island
Boat safaris
African Fish Eagle
Hippos
Where you'll stay
Accommodation in Lake Naivasha
From value camps to premium lodges — we match every stay to your style and budget.
Budget Lodge from $80/night
Affordable
best budget hotels and camps in Lake Naivasha that offer excellent value for money while providing easy access to Lake Naivasha
- Naivasha Kongoni Lodge
- Avian Court Hotel
- Osotua Luxury Resort
Mid- Range
Semi-Luxury and Family friendly
- Sawela Lodge
- Lake Naivasha Simba Lodge
- Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort
- Great RiftValley Lodge
- Chui Lodge
- Sanctuary Farm
- Loldia House
- Enashipai Resort & Spa
When to go
Lake Naivasha's seasons
Every season has its magic — here's what to expect when, so you can travel at your perfect time.
⭐
Peak SeasonJune – October (Dry Season)
Peak
- ✓ Excellent wildlife viewing
- ✓ Best boat safaris
- ⓘ Pleasant temperatures
- ✓ Ideal for walking safaris
☀️
Shoulder SeasonJanuary – March
Shoulder
- ⓘ Warm sunny days
- ✓ Excellent birdwatching
- ✓ Clear photography conditions
- ✓ Comfortable weather
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Low SeasonApril – May & November – December
Green
- ✓ Green season
- ✓ Migratory birds
- ✓ Fewer crowds
- ✓ Refreshing weather
- ⓘ Excellent photography
Find it on the map
Where is Lake Naivasha
Good to know
Lake Naivasha — your questions answered
Where is Lake Naivasha located?
Lake Naivasha is located in Nakuru County within Kenya's Great Rift Valley, approximately 95 kilometres (59 miles) northwest of Nairobi. It is one of Kenya's most accessible safari destinations and a popular stop on itineraries to the Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru and Amboseli.
Why is Lake Naivasha famous?
Lake Naivasha is famous for its scenic freshwater lake, boat safaris, large population of hippopotamuses, exceptional birdlife, Crescent Island Game Sanctuary and its proximity to Hell's Gate National Park. It offers one of the few places in Kenya where visitors can enjoy both boat and walking safaris.
How large is Lake Naivasha?
The lake covers approximately 139 square kilometres (54 square miles), although its size changes throughout the year depending on rainfall and water levels.
What animals can I see at Lake Naivasha?
Visitors commonly see hippopotamuses, giraffes, zebras, waterbucks, impalas, buffaloes, vervet monkeys, black-and-white colobus monkeys and numerous bird species. Crescent Island also offers close encounters with free-roaming herbivores.
Are boat safaris worth it?
Absolutely. Boat safaris are among Lake Naivasha's most popular activities, offering excellent opportunities to see hippos, African fish eagles, pelicans, kingfishers, cormorants and beautiful lakeside scenery.
How long does a boat safari last?
Most boat safaris last between 1 and 2 hours, although private excursions and sunset cruises can be arranged.
What is Crescent Island Game Sanctuary?
Crescent Island is a private wildlife sanctuary located on Lake Naivasha where visitors can enjoy guided walking safaris among giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, gazelles, impalas, and waterbucks without the presence of large predators.
What is Hell's Gate National Park famous for?
Hell's Gate National Park is famous for its towering cliffs, volcanic gorges, geothermal activity, hiking trails, cycling safaris, and spectacular scenery that inspired landscapes in Disney's The Lion King.
Is Lake Naivasha good for birdwatching?
Yes. Lake Naivasha is one of Kenya's premier birdwatching destinations, with more than 450 recorded bird species.
What is the best time to visit Lake Naivasha?
The best time to visit is during the dry seasons from June to October and January to March, when wildlife viewing, boat rides, and outdoor activities are at their best.
How many days should I spend at Lake Naivasha?
A stay of 1–2 nights is ideal. Many travellers combine Lake Naivasha with Lake Nakuru National Park, the Masai Mara, or Amboseli National Park.
Is Lake Naivasha suitable for a day trip?
Yes. Its close proximity to Nairobi makes it one of Kenya's most popular day-trip destinations.
Can I cycle in Hell's Gate National Park?
Yes. Hell's Gate is one of the few national parks in Africa where visitors can safely cycle among zebras, giraffes, buffaloes and antelopes.
Is Lake Naivasha family-friendly?
Absolutely. The destination offers boat safaris, walking safaris, cycling, birdwatching, and family-friendly accommodation suitable for visitors of all ages.
Is Lake Naivasha a good honeymoon destination?
Yes. Luxury lakeside resorts, romantic boat cruises, private dinners and peaceful surroundings make Lake Naivasha an excellent honeymoon destination.
From the journal
Read the journal →Lake Naivasha travel guides
Planning & Tips
What to Pack for an African Safari: Everything You Actually Need and What You Don’t
The packing guide built from years of watching what goes wrong at the airstrip, on the vehicle and…
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Planning & Tips
What Keeps You Safe on Safari Is Not Luck. It Is Knowledge.
A practical safari safety guide from an operator who has been in the vehicle, on the plain and…
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Planning & Tips
Best Time to Visit Kenya for Safari
The question isn't simply when Kenya is best. It's when Kenya is best for what you want to…
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Your Lake Naivasha safari, your way
Let’s plan your Lake Naivasha safari
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