Hotels near Lake Naivasha

Lake Naivasha is a freshwater Rift Valley lake 90 minutes drive north-west of Nairobi - the easiest natural Kenya experience that doesn't require a 6+ hour drive to a major reserve. The 139-square-km lake hosts 400+ hippopotamuses, 400+ bird species (the lake is a Ramsar wetland of international importance), and the surrounding Crescent Island Game Park lets visitors walk among giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, and waterbuck on a small island accessible only by boat.

Day trips from Nairobi typically combine Lake Naivasha boat ride (1 hour with hippos, 2500 KES), Crescent Island walking safari (3500 KES including the boat), and lunch at a lakeside lodge - all-in 8000-12000 KES per person. Hells Gate National Park (cycling among zebras, no boat needed) 30 minutes from Naivasha is the alternative or add-on - cycling 1500 KES. The drive includes the spectacular Great Rift Valley viewpoint above Maai Mahiu.

Pro Tip: Combine Lake Naivasha with Hells Gate cycling safari in a single full-day trip - rare chance to walk and cycle with African wildlife without the 4WD vehicle. The Crescent Island walking safari is the best free-with-tour-cost wildlife experience near Nairobi.