Lake Naivasha

Lake Naivasha is one of Kenya’s most beautiful and accessible freshwater lakes, located in the Great Rift Valley approximately 90 kilometres northwest of Nairobi. Sitting at 1,884 metres above sea level, it is the highest lake in the Rift Valley and a vital habitat for wildlife and water birds. Lake Naivasha boat safaris are the signature activity — drifting among pods of hippo, fish eagles swooping across the water, and pelicans, cormorants, and kingfishers lining the papyrus shores. Over 400 bird species have been recorded around the lake. The surrounding area is home to 1,500 hippos — one of the highest concentrations in Kenya. Colobus monkeys inhabit the fever tree forests along the northern shore. Crescent Island — a small sanctuary within the lake — allows visitors to walk among giraffe, zebra, and wildebeest on foot without fences. Hell’s Gate National Park lies just south of the lake, making Lake Naivasha an ideal base for a two-in-one day trip combining cycling and boat activities. The lake is also central to Kenya’s flower farming industry. Multiple camps and lodges sit directly on the lakeshore, offering peaceful, scenically stunning accommodation close to Nairobi.