Kenya’s Lakeside Park
Discover Kenya’s Only Freshwater Lake
Lake Naivasha National Park, located in Kenya’s Great Rift Valley, is renowned as the region’s only freshwater lake. It may not have the famous Big Five, but it has an abundant number (approx. 1500) of hippos and various birdlife (approx. 400), including flamingos.
It is often paired with places such as Hell’s Gate National Park, which features stunning cliffs and geothermal sites, as well as Crescent Island, where you can walk alongside giraffes, zebras, and antelopes. For those interested in local culture, you can visit the nearby town of Naivasha to experience local community life, including markets and craft stores featuring local handicrafts.
Total Area
140 km²
Elevation
0- 1,884 m
Signature Experiences
Explore Kenya’s Only Freshwater Lake
Boat Safaris
Take an approx. 1 to 1.5-hour boat ride on the freshwater lake to view pods of wallowing hippos and over 400 bird species, including African fish eagles and pelicans.
Boat Rides & Tours
Watch Hippos
Immersive Safaris
Crescent Island Walking Safari
Explore this private Kenyan sanctuary on foot, where you can walk alongside giraffes, zebras and wildebeests, as there are no large predators found here.
Walking Safaris
Wildlife Viewing
Responsible Tours
Hell’s Gate National Park Exploration
Rent a bicycle or hike through dramatic gorges, towering red cliffs, and geothermal columns, known as the inspiration for The Lion King.
Bicycle Tours
Hiking & Trekking
Scenic Landscapes
Mount Longonot Hike
Hike up the massive stratovolcano and tackle the rim trail for panoramic views of the entire Rift Valley and the lake below.
Hiking & Trekking
Lake Views & Tours
4×4 Game Drives
Crater Lake Game Sanctuary
Crater Lake Game Sanctuary near Naivasha is 44 square kilometres and home to diverse wildlife.
Birdwatching
Boat Rides
4×4 Game Drives
Lake Oloiden and Lake Sonachi
These two lesser-known lakes are near Lake Naivasha, offering a peaceful retreat and a chance to appreciate the surrounding beauty.
Lakeside Views
Birdwatching
Immersive Safaris
Our Commitment
Protecting Kenya’s Only Freshwater Lake
Lake Naivasha faces major conservation challenges, with over 50% of wildlife and bird populations declining over the years. Safarizo is committed to preserving and protecting Kenyan wildlife. We have partnered with organisations and sanctuaries that promote responsible and sustainable tourism.
Sustainable Eco-tourism
Low-impact visitor management helps ensure predators and other wildlife remain undisturbed for generations.
Local Community Support
Partnering with the national park’s authority to create alternative livelihoods for indigenous communities and conservation education for eco-sensitive tourism.
Our Commitment
Responsible Tourism
OUR PURPOSE
Protect Kenyan Species
Kenya Safaris
Frequently Asked Questions.
The best time to visit Lake Naivasha is during the dry seasons from June to October and January to February, when weather conditions are driest and ideal for outdoor activities.
The best time of day to visit Lake Naivasha is early morning (6:00 AM to 10:00 AM) for the best wildlife viewing and calm water conditions.
You can reach Lake Naivasha from Nairobi in about 1.5 to 2 hours by road or via a short domestic flight. Our team will pick you up from the airport in a 4x4 game drive vehicle, transfer you to your accommodation, and pick you up for a national park visit.
Absolutely not! Swimming in Lake Naivasha is strictly forbidden and unsafe for everyone. Tour operators, guides, and safety officers have banned swimming in the lake because of major hazards.
While general entry to the lake area is free, specific surrounding activities and nearby private sanctuaries charge separate fees:
- Lake Naivasha Boat Ride: $5 to $23 USD (or 1,500 to 3,000 KES per hour depending on group size and boat type)
- Crescent Island Game Sanctuary: $30 USD (Non-residents) / 800 KES (Adult citizens)
- Crater Lake Game Sanctuary: $33 USD (Non-residents, Adult) / 1,100 KES (Residents, Adult)
- Mount Longonot Day Hike: $26 USD per person
