Town · Rift Valley
Naivasha
A lake town in the Rift Valley, an easy addition for travelers short on time who still want a taste of the Rift.
How to get there
By road from Nairobi, roughly one and a half to two hours.
What to find
Lake Naivasha boat trips, Hell's Gate National Park's walking and cycling safaris, and nearby Mount Longonot.
Overview
Naivasha is a Rift Valley town on the shores of Lake Naivasha, a freshwater lake with lots of hippos and birds. It's popular for a relaxed break between Nairobi and the Maasai Mara.
Nearby Hell's Gate National Park is one of the few Kenyan parks where you can walk and cycle among wildlife, and Mount Longonot offers a rewarding crater-rim hike.
Highlights
- Boat trips among hippos on Lake Naivasha
- A walking safari on Crescent Island among giraffe, zebra and wildebeest
- Cycling and gorge walks in Hell's Gate National Park
- The Mount Longonot crater-rim hike
- Elsamere, the former home of Joy Adamson
Things to do
Boat trip
Hippos and fish eagles.
Crescent Island walk
Walk among plains game.
Hell's Gate
Cycle and hike through the gorge.
Mount Longonot
Hike around the volcano's crater rim.
Best time to visit
All year. The dry season is best for hiking and cycling.
Getting there
About 1.5 to 2 hours by road from Nairobi.
Where to stay
Lakeside lodges and camps along the shore.
Naivasha
A selection of well-known options, not a complete list. See all accommodation in Kenya →
Good to know
- A good stop on the way to or from the Maasai Mara.
Permit prices, park rules and access can change. We always confirm the latest details when we plan your trip.
From Naivasha
Places to visit from Naivasha
Drive times are approximate. Look up another city.