Lake Naivasha is the highest of the Rift Valley lakes and one of the few with fresh water, which supports a large hippo population and abundant birdlife. Boat trips glide past fish eagles and pied kingfishers, and on Crescent Island you can walk among giraffe, zebra and antelope — there are no large predators.
Nearby Hell’s Gate National Park, with its towering cliffs and gorge, is one of the few parks in Kenya where you can cycle or walk among wildlife. Naivasha makes a relaxing break on the road to or from the Maasai Mara.
Highlights
- Boat trip among hippos
- Walking safari on Crescent Island
- Cycling in Hell's Gate
- Fish eagles and over 400 bird species
Wildlife & what you'll see
- Hippo
- Giraffe, zebra and wildebeest
- African fish eagle
- Colobus monkeys
Things to do
- Boat trip
- Crescent Island walk
- Hell's Gate cycling
- Birdwatching
Best time to visit
Year-round; pleasant climate at any time.
Getting there
By road from Nairobi (about 2 hours) via the Rift Valley viewpoint.
Experiences in Lake Naivasha
FAQs about Lake Naivasha
Is Naivasha good for children?
Very. Boat trips, walking among giraffe and cycling in Hell's Gate are ideal for active families and break up long drives.
