Top 10 Things to Do and Top Accommodations in Naivasha
Lying North West of Nairobi, Naivasha Kenya is one of the major towns in Rift Valley. It was established during the colonial era as one of the pioneer depots, serving as an airport for flying boats that were the most popular form of travel from Europe.
Naivasha is home to the first Kenyan International airport with planes from Europe landing in the waters of Lake Naivasha to drop and pick passengers. Flying boats, as the then passenger planes were called, ended around 1958 when advancement in aviation allowed large planes to land on land.
Contact Us to Book Your Trip to Lake Naivasha
You can contact one of the best travel agencies in Kenya to book your safari to Lake Naivasha. You can also send an email at james@ajkenyasafaris.com or safarioffers@ajkenyasafaris.com. You can also call or WhatsApp us at +254-748-258-880.
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Everything You Need to Know About Naivasha
The word Naivasha was coined from a Maasai phrase “nai posha” that loosely translates as “a place of rough waters.” The Maasai used to describe the city as “a place of rough water” mainly because Nakuru is prone to flash floods and raging storms, especially during the long rain season (March – May).
Tourist and International Visitor Destination
Today, Naivasha is one of the favorite tourist destinations for domestic tourists, but also a magnet for international visitors. You would not be wrong to say it’s giving Mombasa (voted Africa’s Leading Destination and Africa’s Cruise Port 2016) a run for its money.
Naivasha is ideal if you are looking for a little break from big cities like Nairobi (voted Africa’s Leading Meetings & Conference Destination, 2016) and Diani (Voted Africa’s Leading Beach Destination in 2016 for the third time in a row).
What is Lake Naivasha Famous For?
Whereas it is synonymous with Lake Naivasha, the biggest of all Rift Valley Kenya lakes, the town is home to numerous attractions that make it a must-discover place on the global tourism map.
Some of these attractions include a drive to Hells’ Gate National Park (so called for its pair of red-tinged cliffs that surround the parks fizzing hot springs), Oserian Wildlife Sanctuary that’s home to leopard, Beisa Oryx, Cheetah, the white rhino and more.
On a several day visit to Lake Naivasha, I normally advise my clients to take a day off from the wildlife to enjoy one of the best hiking experiences in the nearby Longonot mountain. Alternatively, if you are not the hiking warrior, take a drive to the local communities or school and learn a thing or two about Kenyan communities, their way of life, and culture.
Just to mention, life in Naivasha is different from life in developed countries – there is plenty to learn, and plenty to marvel at. If you are the adventurous type, Naivasha presents the perfect opportunity to taste the local cuisines or to zip the traditional Kikuyu bear called Muratina.
Naivasha Kenya is also a perfect destination for anyone traveling with kids. The weather is friendly, and the list of things to do is endless. If on a family holiday in Kenya, I suggest you organize a family fun day with local families and elders.
On its own, Lake Naivasha is a refreshing natural scene, fringed by thick papyrus, and a home to amazing wildlife. On a good day, you should be able to catch buffalos wallowing in the edges of the lake, Giraffes wandering among the acacia trees, hippos sleeping in the shallow waters, and the colobus monkey calling from treetops.
Climate & Weather at Naivasha
Naivasha Nests about 1800 meters above sea level, meaning the Weather around is generally cool and warm all year round, but it’s best to visit during the dry season (December-March). Even then, don’t forget to pack a jacket or two; nights are usually cold in Naivasha and more so during the rainy season.
Getting to Naivasha from Nairobi
Getting to Naivasha is easy. The town is well served by private and public transport (in Kenya, public transport is popular as Matatu) from surrounding towns and even from Nairobi. A safari from Nairobi to Lake Naivasha takes approximately 2 hours. A safari from Nakuru to Naivasha takes about 1.5 hours.
The fastest way to get to Naivasha is to book a flight or charter a light aircraft from Wilson Airport.
Best Time to Visit Naivasha
Usually, the peak holiday season isn’t an ideal time for you to visit, especially if you are a budget traveler. Naivasha is flooded with tourists, pushing prices up. But if you’re looking more on the adventure side than your bank, Naivasha has a lot to offer during December to March.
The weather is a major factor that influences your plans for a safari in and around Naivasha. The abundance or lack of rain dictates how flora and fauna behave.
The area experiences the long, cool, dry season from July to October. Short rains follow this in October and November and may spill over to December. In January and February, the hot-dry season, which is short-lived, kicks in, and April and June usher in the long rainy season.
If you are more on viewing the wildlife, opt for the dry months; it’s very easy to spot them as they gather near the water points. If you are out to savor the flora, it’s advisable to plan your trip when the rain is abundant; it promotes lush vegetation.
If you are worried about traffic, Naivasha isn’t as congested as Nairobi. You expect free flow of cars and human traffic. The good news about Naivasha is that you may not depend fully on vehicles to move from camp to camp.
Naivasha Nightlife
The town’s nightlife is perhaps a replica of the same activities you will find in major cities across the country. The nightclubs or the now popular lounges offer a mix of live music, Dj music, and of course, scintillating drinks and dance parties.
Some of the leading hotspots in Naivasha include club Moxies, Bubbles Lounge, Mystique Lounge and the Topaz Hideout. Others include the Skylaxx Bar and Grill, which also doubles up as a sports bar, Three Ways, and Thrills.
Out of town night spots include: The Wave Inside Enashipai Resort, Fisherman’s, Crayfish and the eco-friendly Lazybones Bar & Restaurant inside Camp Carnelleys, not to mention the Ibis Pub located within Naivasha Simba Lodge.
The Top 10 Things to Do and Attractions at Naivasha
“Karibu Naivasha” is Swahili for Welcome to Naivasha. This township, on the floor of the rift valley, is not only popular due to its wide selection of hotels and accommodation, but there is more to it.
The magnificent flower farms and the hospitable people aside, Naivasha has its own stunning share of attractions that you cannot find anywhere else. These, just but to name a few of the places to visit in Naivasha on a budget , include:
1. Lake Naivasha
Lake Naivasha is the most popular tourist attraction in Naivasha. The lake doubles up as the only freshwater lake in the Rift Valley and the highest in elevation, standing 1,884 meters above sea level.
The lake is 13 kilometers wide, and it covers about 139 sq km. It is 20 feet deep. Interestingly, Lake Naivasha is fed by two rivers, but there are no visible outlets. Where does all the incoming water go?
Within the lake, you get a chance to sample a rich variety of birds; over 400 unique species. In addition, there are grazers such as hippos, buffalo, antelopes, and waterbucks.
The lake is also home to various types of fish including tilapia, black bass, and crayfish. A boat ride is a good way of seeing the flora and fauna around this breathtaking lake. Bordering the Lake are two smaller water bodies namely Lake Oloiden and the Green Crater Lake; Sonachi.
2. Hells’ Gate National Park
A trip to Naivasha will be nothing if an excursion to the famous Hells’ Gate is not in your plans. Just 14 kilometers off the old Nairobi-Naivasha highway, the park is a representation of diverse geological scenery- perhaps one of the most stunning in Kenya.
To get to Hells’ Gate, you can use the Elsa Gate or the Olkaria Gate, which leads to the Olkaria Geothermal Station. From a distance, it may appear like Hells’ Gate is a miniature, but it’s an exquisitely carved version of the Greater Rift Valley.
Once in hell’s gate, explore the Fischer’s Tower, Central Tower, and the park’s fascinating gorge. Also, you will get a chance to sample water-carved gorges, rock towers, and steaming volcanic geysers.
Besides the beautiful sceneries, you can enjoy rock climbing, biking and there is the Olkaria Geothermal Spa, a wonder of nature where you can splash in the natures’ heated water.
If you are daring at heart, there are camping sites where you can sleep right under the stars. Hells’ Gate is the only park where you will be allowed to walk around and sample nature in real life.
3. Mount Longonot National Park
The name Longonot is derived from a Maasai name “il longonoot”, meaning the mountain with many spurs. In fact, fitness enthusiasts travel from as far as London and Las Vegas to challenge their physical form at Lake Naivasha.
Mt Longonot is located southeast of Naivasha and is a dormant volcanic mountain. This mountain stands at 2,776 meters in height. Atop the mountain, there is a perfect walking trail with a circumference of 7.2Km around the crater’s rim.
Longonot’s 4-5 hours hike not only gives the treat of amazing scenery from above but also a chance to catch a vast variety of wildlife in action. This includes buffalo, antelope, leopards, and bushbucks.
Others are Grant’s gazelles, zebras, giraffes and occasionally the king of the African jungle. There’s no need to panic since most hiking expeditions are under strict guidance by game wardens. Longonot is an adrenaline packed excursion for international tourists and domestic adventure seekers.
4. Elsamere Museum
Naivasha and wildlife conservation are uniquely bound together, and this is apparent on visiting Elsamere Museum. The Museum is built on the ground that used to be home to the worlds’ famous big cat conservationists George and Joy Adamson.
The museum perches on the southeast side of Lake Naivasha. Here, George and Joy Adamson used to breed lions and later release them back into the wild.
The area around has its fair share of wildlife that you can sample. There are primates, grazers including hippos, elands, and zebras that troop through the property day and night. Elsamere is a rich spot for bird lovers; from fish eagles and the rare Verreaux’s Giant Eagle Owl to more than 250 other types of birds.
There is also the Elsamere Field Study Centre Naivasha, which is 22 Km from town along the Moi South Lake Road. This center specializes in conservation works and it’s the ideal haven for educational tours and conferences for locals and visiting delegations.
5. Lake Oloiden Campsite
Not far from Lake Naivasha lies another gem; Lake Oloiden. According to statistics, it’s believed that Oloiden was once part of Lake Naivasha. Here you will get a chance to sample the breathtaking scenery, standing by the shores of the miniature lake. Apart from the rich variety of flora and fauna, the Oloiden camping site offers a matchless campers’ experience.
If you’re looking for adventure and privacy, Oloiden camping site has you covered on all fronts. The establishment offers tents and mattresses at a fee, free hot showers, toilets, and of course free parking.
The cuisine at the camp is mouth-watering. There is a bar serving all sorts of drinks and surprisingly, there is cable TV.
6. Naivasha Owl Centre
Susan Higgins is the brainchild behind the one of a kind endeavor. She started this center, which is KWS certified, together with two of her friends. The center takes care and rehabilitates injured birds including endangered species.
At the Owl Center, you will get an opportunity to interact with rare birds including owls, which have a superstitious connotation from a local perspective. The Kikuyu people, the biggest tribe in Kenya, believe that owls are a bad omen. Higgins also tends to injured vultures, fish and spotted eagles.
The owl center is the only bird rehabilitation outfit perhaps in the whole of Africa; it’s affiliated with the Kenya Birds of Prey Trust.
Since the center is a charitable establishment, you can be part of the conservation efforts by donating towards the bird’s rehabilitation and treatment. It will put a smile on your face later, and yes, nature will thank you too.
7. Kariandusi Pre-Historic Site
The Great Rift Valley is known for its rich variety of flora and fauna. When you visit Naivasha, you can spice your expedition by learning more about globally renowned prehistoric sites that have positioned Kenya as the cradle of man.
Located a few kilometers off the Nairobi-Nakuru highway is the Kariandusi prehistoric site near Lake Elementaita. The site has a museum where Paleolithic tools believed to be over a million years old are preserved.
This site was discovered by archaeologist Louis Leakey in 1928. Within the site, you get more than the amazing history of evolution and the Turkana boy fossils! There is a camping/picnic site, Nature Trail, Diatomite Mining Site, and exploring caves.
8. Crescent Island Game Sanctuary
If you thought that walking among wildebeest, giraffe, impala, and zebra was a wispy dream, then, the Crescent Island Game Sanctuary is a must visit.
You can access the sanctuary via boats from mainland Naivasha and sample the bliss of walking among the herds. It’s a guided tour on foot since there are no dangerous predators or big cats.
You can engage in fun activities here such as hiking, boating, and bird watching. Surprisingly, there is horse riding as well.
9. Naivasha Horticultural Fair
Away from the wildlife and the alluring lodges, Naivasha has a unique attraction that comes and goes every year. The Naivasha Horticultural Fair is quite the attraction you can’t afford to miss. It is held annually in the month of September.
If you are visiting the town around this time, why not make a date and see the sparkling flower products that Naivasha has to offer to the rest of the world? The fair is the only one of its kind in Africa, and it presents the perfect opportunity to mingle with the locals and to meet other people from your home country.
During the fair, you will learn about Kenya’s floriculture industry, and since it’s a charitable event, you can donate and go back home feeling good about your contribution. What’s more, there is great entertainment, local cuisine, drinks and live bands all just to entertain you.
10. Kigio Conservancy
Around Naivasha, there are several attempts at conserving wildlife and some of these make exceptional attractions. Kigio Conservancy is one such spot. It runs across 3,500 acres of what used to be a cattle ranch.
It was acquired by locals, who opted to go for wildlife preservation. Proceeds from visitors trickle back to the community, and it’s every reason for you to visit.
You will see a variety of wildlife here including the endangered Rothschild Giraffe, buffalos, gazelles, hippos, leopards, and hyenas. Others include waterbucks, impala, and countless bird varieties. If you are worried about fun activities to participate in within the conservancy, worry no more.
You can’t possibly exhaust the activities that include: game drives, nature walks, and the coveted night game drives. You can also indulge in biking, fishing on Malewa River and wait, if you are not for the bush breakfast or lunches offered within the Conservancy, the Malewa River Lodge is another spot to sample.
The 10 Best Hotels in Naivasha for Leisure and Business Travel
For those heading to Naivasha to blow off steam from the grind of daily life, there are countless options for leisure hotels, tented lodges, and camps. The good thing about many of these hotels is that they have received heartwarming reviews from past visitors making it easy for you to tell the good from the bad.
1. Enashipai Resort and Spa - Best Naivasha Resort
Moi South Lake road leads to the majestic Enashipai Resort & Spa. Enashipai is a Maasai word meaning “in a mood of happiness or glee.” And like the name spa suggests, you can book a room if you are a leisure traveler in search of luxury with a touch of African styles.
The resort has 40 executive rooms and 39 beautiful cottages. Each room offers an amazing view of the horizon, while the executive rooms give an intoxicating combination of comforts, convenience, and modernity.
At Enashipai Resort and Spa, you will get a chance to sample the coffee bar, cable TV, and a lot of movie channels. The resort is a family friendly spot with lots of fun activities for the kids.
Try the cuisine at the ‘Senteo Restaurant’, drinks at ‘Tepesi Bar’ or request the management to set the ‘Lakeside Bar’ for you. Of course, this will cost a little more but it’s one of the most thrilling ways to end a day in Naivasha Kenya.
2. Sleeping Warrior Lodge - Best Naivasha Lodges
Sleeping Warrior Lodge is an eco-friendly luxury lodge set within the Soysambu Conservancy. The lodge gives a stunning view of Lake Elementaita and the Great Rift Valley. It guarantees a remarkable leisure experience in the wild.
In this Lake Naivasha Lodge, you will have the option to jump in for night game drives or soak in the cool swimming pool.
Sleeping Warrior Lodge has 10 exquisite bungalows designed to offer superb views. The lodge twin and double-bedded rooms have an eco-friendly theme. Dining follows a set menu, at the Warrior Bar, and its loft is a true depiction of leisure and luxury.
3. Camp Carnelleys - Cheap Guest House in Naivasha Town
There is something for every leisure traveler along the south lake road, and this appears at camp Carnelleys. This campsite is located on Moi South Lake Road, and it offers enchanting luxury to leisure travelers.
It’s affordable, and it provides a vast variety of accommodation options. It’s not just a campsite, but it has cottages, bandas, and dormitories. Take the time to sloth in one of the hammocks at the famous Lazybones Bar and Restaurant and you won’t feel like going back home.
4. Kiboko Luxury Camp - Best Hotels in Naivasha and Prices
On the shores of Lake Naivasha lies a one of its kind luxury spot; Kiboko Luxury Camp. It’s adjacent to Lake Naivasha Country Club, and it provides tents as huge as 60 square meters with en suite bathrooms on site.
Other than the guided nature walk, you get served with wine, local drinks, and coffee. There is super fast internet Wi-Fi, laundry services, as well as a hotel doctor on call.
5. Chui Lodge - Best Lodges in Naivasha
From a vantage point, the famous Chui Lodge sits majestically within the sprawling, 18,000 acres Oserian Wildlife Sanctuary. Standing in the lodge, the Great Rift Valley and the Mau escarpment form a scenic backdrop. The good thing for those choking a leisurely treat at this lodge is that it has its own airstrip.
The lodge has 8 spectacular cottages that offer rustic fireplaces, ensuite bathrooms, and an amazing view from their verandahs. Apart from the luxury, you can take off for game drives, picnics or bush walks. Back indoors, the heated swimming pool awaits you while the cuisine is made to suit all palates.
6. The Great Rift Valley Lodge - Hotels Along Naivasha, Nakuru Highway
12 kilometers off the Nairobi-Nakuru highway, at an elevation of 7,000 feet sits the magnificent and eye-catching spot; Great Rift Valley Lodge & Golf Resort. This is one of the ideal Naivasha hotels for even the pickiest business traveler.
The hotel has the right accommodation for a business executive and facilities such as spacious and modern conference halls that can hold up to 180 people. And yes! It has 3 of them. In addition to free Wi-Fi, fax, and photocopy services.
Accommodation in The Great Rift Valley Lodge is world class and picturesque. You will have the choice of 21 twins and nine double rooms, each with a private balcony. This Naivasha lodge gives a five-star feeling deep inside the marvels of nature within the great rift.
It’s important to mention that the Great Rift Valley Lodge & Golf Resort has a reputation of its kind; it has been awarded Trip Advisor’s Certificate of Excellence. Also, it has been named Kenya’s Best Golf Hotel of 2016, and Africa’s Best Golf Hotel 2016 at the 3rd World Golf Awards event.
If you don’t feel like teeing off after your meeting, you can opt for horse riding within the Eburru forest, or you can saunter to the tennis court for a game or two.
7. Lake Naivasha Simba Lodge - Hotels in Naivasha Town Centre
Tucked away under acacia woods next to the shores of Lake Naivasha is the famous Lake Naivasha Simba Lodge. For any business traveler, the Lodge is an enchanting spot, where tranquility blends with nature to offer a setting where guests can hold their conferences peacefully, save for the occasional chirping of different bird species.
The lodge’s conference facilities are famous; it’s here that the South Sudanese Peace Agreement was signed. The accommodation is equally stylish, with private rooms where you can relax quietly while watching the wildlife grazing around.
The domineering Mount Longonot offers the lodge a picturesque backdrop in the distant horizon. After your meetings, you can choose to dive into the heated swimming pool, or you can take a guided safari walk within the property and get in touch with the wildlife from close range.
8. Lake Naivasha Country Club - Cheap Hotels in Naivasha with Swimming Pool
Lake Naivasha Country Club is one of the Kenya hotels that boast of rich history; and a presidential suite. The rustic architecture and the alluring view of the lake make this a must visit spot for a business traveler. The quiet environment makes the hotel a unique conferencing facility.
You will have the choice to hold your meetings in the lawns, or you can opt for the indoor facilities fully fitted with modern conferencing amenities. Upon booking the conference halls, you will be rewarded with complimentary access to the venue, TV, video, and projectors. You also get conference stationery, tea/coffee, and lunch.
Accommodation in the hotel is above par. There are over 50 elegantly designed rooms that are divided into standard, deluxe, executive and of course the presidential suite that is to-die-for.
You can choose to dine out in the lawns or the resident dining room within. You can cap your day with a boat ride on the lake, go for a walk in the wild and watch the sunset as well as different bird species.
9. Sawela Lodges - Hotels in Naivasha
On the southern shore of Lake Naivasha along Moi South Lake Road, Sawela Lodges stand out as a recreational and business hotspot. The lodge has a stunning lakefront view and the relaxed environment makes it ideal for any business meeting.
Sawela Lodge has exceptional accommodation; 24 superior and 18 deluxe rooms. There are internet and cable TV, and you can capture the action from the generous view right from your window.
For those interested in holding conferences, there is a lot on offer. The lodge has fully functional amenities that are suitable for any meeting; local or international.
In addition, you have all the space you need and you can have your meeting set as you like. Afterward, you can wind down with exciting activities including nature walks, fishing or bird watching from a boat.
10. Lake Naivasha Sopa Lodge - Best Lodges in Naivasha Area
Lake Naivasha Sopa lodges sit on 120 acres of prime land. The environment is surrounded by acacia and a quiet background overflowing with stunning flora and fauna. Accommodation at the lodge consists of large, airy and quiet rooms with breathtaking views through the glass panes.
The conference facilities within Sopa Resort are of international standards. The venue itself can hold between 25 and 100 persons. You can book the smaller Sopa Resort Suswa Room or the Sopa Resort Longonot Room that can hold up to 120 people.
Also, there is a reliable PA system, overhead projector, TV internet and relevant stationery. Conference delegates can also hold team building sessions in a specially designated area.
Top Tips for a Great Holiday in Naivasha
One of the many reasons why Naivasha is a destination of choice is the wide array of attractions, accommodation, and mind blowing activities to engage in. Naivasha has its enticing share of wildlife and breathtaking flora. One aspect that influences the movement of wildlife is the weather. In particular, the rains are a major influence.
The best time for a Naivasha holiday is during the dry months December and January, or the cool, dry months from June to August. Sometimes, the rains are too heavy, and there isn’t much to see or enjoy. If you are looking for a camping experience, you wouldn’t love it if you were to pitch camp on a very soggy ground.
At the same time, you need to know the peak season. Kenyans love to travel during the Christmas season, and it’s never exciting to be staying in congested or crowded establishments.