Water, fresh air and an easy escape.
A freshwater lake in the Great Rift Valley, ringed by acacia and alive with hippos and fish eagles — and just a short drive from Nairobi.
Where a weekend in Kenya slows down.
Lake Naivasha is one of the Rift Valley's freshwater lakes and a favourite escape from the capital. Lakeside lodges, boat rides and walking safaris make it easy to unwind without going far.
It also sits next to Hell's Gate National Park, where you can cycle among zebra and giraffe through dramatic gorges and cliffs.
What you can do in Lake Naivasha.
Boat ride
Glide past hippos and watch fish eagles dive for their catch.
Crescent Island
A walking safari among giraffe, zebra and antelope.
Hell's Gate cycling
Bike past wildlife and hike the gorge.
Rift Valley viewpoint
Stop above the valley floor on the drive in.
Lakeside lodges
Slow mornings, sundowners and quiet evenings.
Pair with Nakuru
Extend to Lake Nakuru for rhino and flamingos.
Two hours from Nairobi. A world away from it.
Naivasha works as a weekend on its own, or as the natural stop on the way to the Maasai Mara.
Build My Kenya TripGood to know before you go.
When to go
Good year-round. Drier months make Hell's Gate trails easier.
How long
An overnight works well; two nights lets you do it all at an easy pace.
Getting there
By road through the Rift Valley, with scenic stops along the way.
Pair it with.
Before you ask.
Can it be a day trip?
Yes, though an overnight makes the experience far more relaxed.
Is it good on the way to the Mara?
Very — it's a natural stop between Nairobi and the Maasai Mara.
Can you walk with wildlife?
On Crescent Island and in Hell's Gate, guided walking and cycling are possible.