Kenya Rift Valley destination
Lake Naivasha
Hippos, boat safaris and walking among giraffe on Crescent Island. A Rift Valley escape less than two hours from Nairobi.
Location
Nakuru County, Kenya
Size
About 139 sq km
Ideal stay
1 to 2 days
Best time
June to October
Famous for
Boat safaris and hippos
The Rift Valley's freshwater lake
Lake Naivasha lies in Kenya’s Great Rift Valley, one of the few freshwater lakes in a region dominated by soda lakes. It is ringed by yellow-barked acacia woodland and home to large pods of hippo and hundreds of species of waterbirds.
Less than two hours from Nairobi, Naivasha is one of the easiest places to add to any Kenya itinerary. Take a boat safari among the hippos, walk among giraffe and zebra on Crescent Island, then cycle through Hell’s Gate National Park or hike the crater rim of Mount Longonot nearby.
Why Lake Naivasha is worth the short drive
Six reasons to spend a night or two by the lake.
Boat safaris
Cruise among hippo pods and flocks of waterbirds.
Walking on Crescent Island
Walk among giraffe, zebra and antelope with a local guide.
Large hippo pods
One of the best places in Kenya to see hippo up close.
Rift Valley scenery
Escarpments and extinct volcanoes frame the lake on every side.
Close to Nairobi
A full lake experience less than two hours from the capital.
Rich birdlife
Hundreds of species, including fish eagles and pelicans.
When to visit Lake Naivasha
Lake Naivasha rewards visitors in every season. Choose the window that matches your plans.
June to October
Dry season
Clear skies and calm water, perfect for boat safaris.
January to February
Short dry spell
Warm, dry weather between the two rainy seasons.
March to May
Long rains
The quietest time of year, with dramatic skies over the water.
November to December
Short rains
Lush scenery and migrant birds around the lake.
Wildlife you can expect to see at Lake Naivasha
From hippos in the water to giraffe on the shore.
Hippo
Large pods rest in the shallows and graze on land at night.
Giraffe
Maasai giraffe wander through the lakeside woodland.
Zebra
Graze freely on Crescent Island and around the lake.
Waterbirds
Cormorants, herons and kingfishers line the shore.
Pelican
Great white pelicans fish in the shallows.
Things to do at Lake Naivasha
Water, walking and some of the best day hikes near Nairobi.
Boat safaris
Cruise among hippos and waterbirds with an experienced boat guide.
Crescent Island walk
Walk freely among giraffe, zebra and antelope.
Hell's Gate National Park
Cycle or hike through dramatic gorges a short drive away.
Mount Longonot hike
Climb to the crater rim for views over the lake and the Rift Valley.
Birdwatching
Explore one of the richest lakeside bird habitats in Kenya.
Planning your trip to Lake Naivasha
Practical details to help you decide how to get there and where to stay.
Getting to Lake Naivasha
- By road: about 90 km north-west of Nairobi, usually under two hours by road.
- As a day trip: close enough to visit from Nairobi, although an overnight stay is more relaxing.
- Combined routes: pairs naturally with Lake Nakuru, Hell’s Gate and the Maasai Mara.
Where to stay
- On the lake shore: lodges and camps with gardens running down to the water.
- In the hills: quieter camps with views over the lake and the valley.
- Every budget: we match lodges to your style, from comfortable mid-range to luxury.
Lake Naivasha tours
Itineraries and day trips that include Lake Naivasha and the surrounding Rift Valley.
- Lake Baringo, Lake Bogoria, Lake Nakuru, Maasai Mara, Lake Naivasha, Amboseli
- 9 Days 8 Nights
- Maasai Mara, Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha, Hell's Gate, Amboseli
- 8 Days 7 Nights
- Maasai Mara, Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha, Hell's Gate, Amboseli
- 7 Days 6 Nights
- Maasai Mara, Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha, Hell's Gate
- 5 Days 4 Nights
- Amboseli, Lake Naivasha, Hell's Gate, Nairobi
- 5 Days 4 Nights
Lake Naivasha FAQs
Quick answers to common questions about visiting Lake Naivasha.
Where is Lake Naivasha?
Lake Naivasha is in Kenya’s Great Rift Valley in Nakuru County, about 90 km north-west of Nairobi.
Can you do Lake Naivasha as a day trip from Nairobi?
Yes, although staying overnight gives you time for a boat safari, Crescent Island and Hell’s Gate without rushing.
Can you see hippos at Lake Naivasha?
Yes. Lake Naivasha is one of the best places in Kenya to see hippos, especially on a boat safari.
What is Crescent Island?
A peninsula on the lake where you can walk among giraffe, zebra, wildebeest and antelope with a guide.
What is the best time to visit Lake Naivasha?
The lake can be visited all year. The dry months from June to October and January to February offer the best weather.
What is near Lake Naivasha?
Hell’s Gate National Park, Mount Longonot and Lake Nakuru are all within easy reach.
Start planning your Lake Naivasha visit
Tell us your travel dates and we will fit Lake Naivasha into your Kenya itinerary.