Where to stay in Lake Naivasha
1 hand-picked glamping stay in and around the park.
Lake Naivasha guide
Overview
Lake Naivasha is a freshwater lake on the floor of the Great Rift Valley, about two hours north-west of Nairobi. At about 1,880 m above sea level, it’s one of the highest lakes in the Kenyan Rift. It was listed as a Ramsar wetland of international importance in 1995.
The lake is surrounded by papyrus, fever tree woodland and private farms and ranches. Its shores are also home to many flower farms, and the area is one of Kenya’s most popular weekend escapes.
Visitors come for boat trips to see hippos and birds, for walking safaris on Crescent Island and other private sanctuaries, and for cycling in Hell’s Gate National Park nearby. The lake is an easy stop on the way to the Maasai Mara.
Wildlife & Biodiversity
On the water
Hippos are common, and African fish eagles, pelicans, kingfishers and herons live along the shore. More than 350 bird species have been recorded.
On land
Giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, waterbuck and gazelles roam the lakeside sanctuaries, where you can walk among them.
Best Time to Visit
Short answer: June to October and January to February, during the dry seasons.
| Months | Season | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Jan – Feb | Short dry season | Warm, dry and good for game viewing. |
| Mar – May | Long rains | Green and quiet. Some tracks can be muddy. |
| Jun – Oct | Long dry season | The best game viewing and the busiest time. |
| Nov – Dec | Short rains | Afternoon showers and green landscapes. |
Take a boat trip early in the morning, when the water is calm and the birds are active.
Getting There
By air
| Airport | Best for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Jomo Kenyatta International (NBO), Nairobi | Most international visitors | About 2 hours by road. |
By road
From Nairobi, take the A104 towards Nakuru, then turn down the escarpment to Naivasha town. The Moi South Lake Road runs around the southern shore to most lodges.
Entrance & Fees
There's no fee to visit the lake itself. Boat trips, private sanctuaries such as Crescent Island and Hell's Gate National Park each charge their own fees.
Confirm the current fees with the operator or your lodge before you go.
Fees last checked October 2026 against the KWS conservation fees schedule (October 2025).