Lake Naivasha is a 139 km² freshwater lake surrounded by swamp and fever tree forests, famous for its hippos and flamingos. It's a birder's paradise with over 400 species, and one of the few places where you can sail past hippos, bike with giraffes, and horseback-ride near impala in a single day.
A close-knit parks and reserves network
When we say 'Lake Naivasha', we're really talking about a close-knit series of parks, accented with acacia forests, waterfalls, lakes, springs, geysers, and ancient volcanoes filled with every sort of wildlife. No other park area offers so many types of safaris to get close to the animals.
Where else can you sail by hippos, bike alongside grazing giraffes, and even go horseback riding up close to impala and gazelle? The lake provides an active habitat for rich and varied birdlife, and the parks and reserves are a steady source of wildlife.
The lake and its wildlife
Lake Naivasha is a freshwater lake in Kenya located in the Great Rift Valley and is the highest lake in the region. With a surface area of 139 km², it dominates the landscape, surrounded by swamp and fever tree forests. It's famous for a high population of hippos and flamingos; a birder's paradise with over 400 species.
Imagine a freshwater lake hosting hippos, pelicans, kingfishers, and hundreds of other bird species. While on the nearby shore, zebra, antelope, eland, and buffalo drink from their favourite watering hole. This is a typical scene at Lake Naivasha, just a short drive from Nairobi but home to a world of wildlife — even leopards are known to prowl its forests.
Crescent Island
Crescent Island has abundant flora and fauna. Whether an avid animal, bird, or plant lover or just an interested novice, you'll find something to excite you.
Crescent Island is often called Naivasha's best-kept secret. Perfect for wildlife spotting, birding, and wilderness fans. It is currently only accessible by boat — a convenient 2-hour drive from Nairobi.
How to use Naivasha in a circuit
Naivasha is ideal as the first stop after leaving Nairobi on a Mara-bound road circuit. It breaks up the drive, introduces the Rift Valley, and offers an exceptionally varied activity menu (boat, walk, cycle, ride).
Pair with Hell's Gate (cycling, hiking, rock climbing), Lake Elementaita (flamingos), and Lake Nakuru (rhinos and pelicans) for a layered Rift Valley block before heading into the Mara.
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