This lakeside town in Kenya's Rift Valley has geothermal springs, abundant wildlife, and a large freshwater lake where hippos graze along the shores at night.
Naivasha, a town in Kenya's Nakuru County, lies beside Lake Naivasha, the highest freshwater lake in the Great Rift Valley. Watch hippos splash in the water, spot fish eagles diving for prey, or walk within meters of grazing giraffes at Crescent Island. You can hike an ancient volcano at Mount Longonot or bike through dramatic gorges at Hell's Gate National Park, where steep cliffs and volcanic landscapes influenced Disney's animators while creating The Lion King.
Getting to Lake Naivasha
Lake Naivasha lies 98 kilometers northwest of Nairobi, a journey that takes about 2.5 hours by car along the Old Naivasha Road and C88. You can take a matatu (shared minibus) from Nairobi's Accra Road, or drive yourself to stop at viewpoints along the B3 Escarpment Road, where the Great Rift Valley stretches out below you.
Wildlife on Lake Naivasha
More than 1,500 hippos live in Lake Naivasha, spending up to 16 hours daily in the water. These massive animals don't actually swim - they push off the lake bottom to move around. You'll spot many of the lake's 400 bird species, from fish eagles swooping down for catches to pied kingfishers hovering above the water. Lesser and greater flamingos gather at the lake in large numbers, while giraffes, zebras, impalas, and waterbucks roam the surrounding grasslands.
Exploring Crescent Island Game Sanctuary
Walk freely among wildlife on this crescent-shaped island on the lake's eastern side. During the 1.5 to 3-hour guided walks, you'll come within meters of giraffes, zebras, and waterbucks. The sanctuary's location near Naivasha town makes it easily accessible from local accommodations. Remember to wear comfortable walking shoes and bring water, as there's limited shade on the island.
Climbing Mount Longonot
This dormant stratovolcano rises 2,776 meters above sea level, 20 kilometers from Lake Naivasha. The challenging hike to the summit takes 4-5 hours round trip, with steep sections requiring good physical fitness. At the top, the Great Rift Valley spreads out before you, and you can walk the crater rim for additional views. The Maasai named the mountain "olongonot," meaning "mountain of many spurs." Bring plenty of water and start early to avoid afternoon heat.
Lake Naivasha's Fishing Industry
Local fishermen head out in wooden boats at dawn and dusk each day, continuing a generations-old tradition. Common carp, introduced in the early 2000s, now makes up more than 90% of their catch. You can watch the fishing boats from the shore early morning or late afternoon, when they weave between hippo pods and tourist boats. Some lakeside restaurants serve fresh fish caught the same day.
