Kenya
7-Day Kenya Highlights
Elephants under Kilimanjaro, Rift Valley lakes and the big cats of the Masai Mara — Kenya’s classic circuit in one week.
Price on request
Nakuru County, Great Rift Valley
Lake Naivasha
A freshwater lake of hippos, fish eagles and walking safaris
- Country
- Kenya
- Region
- Nakuru County, Great Rift Valley
- Type
- Kenya Safari
- Best months to visit
- Jun–Oct, Dec–Mar
Overview
Lake Naivasha is the highest of the Rift Valley lakes and one of the few with fresh water. Fringed by yellow-barked fever trees and papyrus, it is a relaxed stop between Nairobi and the Masai Mara, and one of the few places on a Kenya safari where you can walk among giraffe and zebra.
Boat trips bring you close to large pods of hippos and to the African fish eagles that hunt from the lakeshore trees.
- Boat rides among hippos
- Walking safari on Crescent Island
- Over 400 bird species
- Close to Hell’s Gate and Mt Longonot
What you'll see
Hippos, waterbuck and more than 400 recorded bird species around the lake. On Crescent Island and in nearby sanctuaries, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest and gazelle graze in the open, with no large predators.
Wildlife you may see
- Hippo
- African fish eagle
- Masai giraffe
- Plains zebra
- Cape buffalo (Big Five)
- Colobus monkey
Things to do
- 01
Boat safari
A gentle cruise to see hippos and fish eagles up close.
- 02
Crescent Island walk
Walk among giraffe, zebra and wildebeest with a local guide.
- 03
Cycling in Hell’s Gate
Ride through red cliffs and gorges in a national park with no big predators.
- 04
Hike Mount Longonot
Climb the nearby volcano for views over the Rift Valley.
Best time
- Jan: Great time
- Feb: Great time
- Mar: Great time
- Apr: Possible
- May: Possible
- Jun: Great time
- Jul: Great time
- Aug: Great time
- Sep: Great time
- Oct: Great time
- Nov: Possible
- Dec: Great time
Naivasha can be visited all year. The driest months are January to March and June to October; April and May bring heavier rain.
Getting there
About 2 hours by road from Nairobi, and often combined with Lake Nakuru and the Masai Mara on a road safari.
Where to stay
Luxury
Lakeside lodges and private villas with gardens running down to the water.
We'll suggest camps and lodges that fit your dates and budget.
Comfort
Established lakeside hotels with lawns, pools and boat jetties.
We'll suggest camps and lodges that fit your dates and budget.
Budget
Simple cottages and campsites on the lakeshore.
We'll suggest camps and lodges that fit your dates and budget.
Gallery
Journeys that visit Lake Naivasha
- 7 days
More Kenya Safari
Nyandarua and Nyeri counties
Aberdare National Park
Misty forests, waterfalls and the famous tree lodges
