Lake Naivasha
Lake Naivasha
4.5
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- RamonMampelMadrid, Spain881 contributionsTo spend the timeWe came from Maasai Mara. Getting to Lake Naivasha takes six to seven hours by road. We took the classic boat tour on the lake. Fair birds (many cormorants, some herons, some kingfishers and many Egyptian ducks) Then walk around Crescend Island A tour for lovers of photos with zebras and giraffes. The guide makes you a book. Nice place where there are half a dozen ostriches that are capable of anything to get you to feed them. Water cobs, some wildebeest, antelopes and more beaks To spend the time. Of course, Out of Africa was filmed here. They show you the runway that the Yankees built for landing small planes and a rudimentary heliport eaten up by grass. The lions and leopards, which they brought for the filming, were taken back.Visited March 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten March 21, 2024
- ChampionQuebec City, Canada3 contributionsBeautiful RetreatA must visit if going through the Naivasha area. We dropped by after a foot safari in Hell's Gate and were glad to spare the afternoon to visit Lake Naivasha. My spouse is a hobbyist bird watcher and to her this was paradise. Lovely views, more variety of wildlife just like in hells gate. We finished off the day with a boat ride arranged by our guide, Robert. Very enjoyable plus we got to see hippos upclose; it was a bit scary, but again it's part of the experience! Much appreciation to the guide for that awesome afternoon. For a similar experience I recommend Robert. His phone is+254725894994 and rthuo541@gmail.comVisited April 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten April 30, 2024
- Travel48837950738Germany5 contributionsA Serene RideAfter an adrenaline filled morning at Hell's Gate, we toured Lake Naivasha for some peace and quiet. We took a picturesque bush walk to get to the Lake. After a photo session at the shore, we boarded our boat, already booked for us in advance by our guide Robert ( +254725894994, rthuo541@gmail.com). There was a moment as the boat was quietly paddling through the water, where it felt so serene i found myself counting the sounds made by different birds. We were lucky to watch a fish eagle in action, the osprey, kingfishers and numerous marabou storks. I liked Robert's commentary on the different species and trivia facts about them. It's definitely worth a second visit!Visited April 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten April 30, 2024
- Maxwel ONashville, Tennessee2 contributionsRide or RowFor our trip, we got to see both sides of Naivasha. We dedicated the morning for the colossal and action-filled landscapes of Hell's Gate and the afternoon for the sheer bliss of Lake Naivasha. While there are many other places to go fo a boat ride, none comes close to the avian wonder you'll find here. We had plenty of opportunities to spot a wide range of species in our 4 hour visit. We were also in luck to have in our company an expert boatsman, whose handling of the boat made him such a marvel. He was introduced to us by our guide Robert. This duo went out of their way to deliver an experience we had yet to experience. We contacted Robert through +254725894994 and rthuo541@gmail.comVisited April 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten April 30, 2024
- elizabeth mLas Vegas, Nevada2 contributionsJust Beautiful!Having started with Hell's Gate, the transition to Lake Naivasha made it seem like one giant oasis. Unlike many lakes in the Rift Valley, this one is full of life. We got to see hippos from our very first encounter. I couldn't help but exclaim how cute they were every time we spotted one, despite our guide Robert's incessant reminders of how dangerous they were. All in all, spectacular views, excellent accommodation, great food and very friendly people. A must visit for safari addicts and experience travelers. Our entire Naivasha experience was amazing and seamless courtesy of our guide Robert who deserves a mention for its planning and execution. Give him business through +254725894994 and rthuo541@gmail.comVisited April 2024Traveled with friendsWritten April 30, 2024
- CELINE OrlandoLondon, United Kingdom3 contributionsVivid Views!A tour to Hell's Gate was a perfect complement to our hike through Hell's Gate the previous day. We had no idea what to expect, but our guide Robert had promised us to make all the arrangements. We started off the day with a boat ride around the lake followed by an afternoon of picnicking at the shore. It was quite an experience to watch the world go by as the kids played card games amongst themselves. Later on we tried to catch the sunset but it was a bit of a hazer for us, even though it was very beautiful just an hour before. Our hotel too had top notch infrastructure which showed signs of superb maintenance. All round, everything about the trip was perfect, job well done Robert. Get in touch through +254725894994 and rthuo541@gmail.comVisited April 2024Traveled with familyWritten April 30, 2024
- BenLondon, United Kingdom4 contributionsFun TripIt's a serene and magical place. The water shines like a silver glass, and looks like a perfect mirror when calm. Our guide scheduled the trip in the early morning hours to take advantage of the cooler temperatures. Wildlife we saw included a number of birds: yellow-crowned night heron, white ibis, ringed kingfisher, belted kingfisher, plumbeous kite and the great blackhawk. We got to see colobus monkeys too, Robert, the guide, called out to them and that they would hilariously call back to us. We sumed up the trip late in the afternoon with a visit to hells gate. Even in the heat he was upbeat and energetic while keeping the tour running smooth and on time. You can reach out to him via +254725894994 and rthuo54@gmail.com for a similar experience.Visited February 2024Traveled with friendsWritten May 15, 2024
- TheExplorerFamilySomerset, New Jersey7,131 contributionsPricey, but Great for BirdersKenya is home to 64 (9.5%) of the total lakes found within the Continent of Africa. Lake Naivasha is a fresh-water lake. It is pretty shallow, and has poor drainage, so has become alkaline over the years. It is also rich in blue-green algae which feeds small Crustaceans and lesser Flamingos. Four of us took the hour-long boat ride on this pretty Lake. At $30 per person, we definitely felt that it was a little pricey. It was an additional $32 to walk on Crescent Island. Since they told us that it would be quite wet and slushy there, we opted not to take that chance. As it is, the heavy rains from a few months back have raised the water level of the lake by about seven feet, and there has been no receding of the waters since then. Sadly, we saw plenty of tragic and devastating evidence of the loss of homes and businesses around the lake. While on the ride, the guide pointed out various Birds to us – White Ibis, Pelicans, Great Black Hawks, Marabou Storks, African Eagles and Cormorants. There were also Hippos peeping out of the water, and had Egrets riding on their backs. At one point, the guide whistled loudly to catch the attention of the Eagle, and threw a fish into the water. It was thrilling to watch the live action of the Eagle swooping down and snag the fish. We were also informed that they put floating weights on the fish to ensure that the eagle gets the fish. The Eagle has learned to spit out the plastic piece before devouring its catch. The boat ride was fun in spite of the choppy waters. Now we have plenty of photos of the wild life in Nature to sort through. Recommend a trip if you like birds.Visited July 2024Traveled with familyWritten August 11, 2024
- CristinaRome, Italy8 contributionsLAKE ADVENTURE!Stunning place to visit not only relaxing , there are so many activities, site seeing, hiking, eating, boat trip, camping, etc. and can be a reasonably cheap day out if you go prepared with picnic lunch. We did a boat trip around part of the lake it took 45 mins & was great & very informative even though the weather was not great it was well worth doing. We also took a lovely drive around going through some nice villages; plenty of places to stop, shop for souvenirs & eat. If you want to make the most of it, boat trips are a good way of exploring different spots around the lake. There are plenty of resorts nearby, but it’s best to book in advance during busy times. My main reason for this review is to say how impressed we were by our guide Robert reachable through +254725894994 and rtho541@gmail.com. He was exceptional, and made the whole trip smooth and enjoyable. The boat itself, was immaculate. The staff were helpful from the booking office, to the crew. We could not have asked for better service or such a lovely trip around the lake. Thank you all.Visited August 2024Traveled with friendsWritten August 23, 2024
- Aditi DeBengaluru, India92 contributionsGreat Rift Valley surprisesI wasn't sure what we would stumble upon during our day out at Lake Naivasha. On the lake, from our boat, we sighted pelicans, kingfishers, vultures, flamingos and other birdlife. Suddenly, we saw spouts of water - and hippo families appeared from time to time. Surprise! Once we reached the Crescent Island sanctuary, a knowledgeable guide named Nick introduced us to zebras, impalas, waterbuck and buffalos. I'm so glad we did this trip to a lake in the Great Rift Valley.Visited July 2024Traveled with friendsWritten August 24, 2024
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Assidis F
Athens, Greece4 contributions
Feb 2025 • Family
I had no idea what to expect, but wow, what an experience. I was taken aback by how peaceful and serene the place is. The lake, its calm waters that seemed to stretch on forever, and the surrounding landscape— full of life—felt so different from anything I’d seen before.
One of the best parts was the boat ride. We got so close to the hippos that I could practically hear them breathing, and there were so many birds, from kingfishers to herons, it felt like I was in a nature movie! It’s incredible how many species call the lake home.
I also took a walk around Crescent Island. We scored a mix of wildlife—giraffes, zebras, and wildebeests—grazing alongside the lake was a sight I won’t soon forget. The atmosphere is so laid-back and quiet, perfect for reconnecting with nature.
One of those places where even time slows down and you're fully immersed in the beauty around you. Absolutely one of my favorite spots in Kenya!
Our guide was Robert, his itinerary was flawless and craftily prepared, he made sure we missed out on nothing, a true traveler's companion. He came highly recommended, and we got to experience why. His contact details are +254725894994 and rthuo541@gmail.com
One of the best parts was the boat ride. We got so close to the hippos that I could practically hear them breathing, and there were so many birds, from kingfishers to herons, it felt like I was in a nature movie! It’s incredible how many species call the lake home.
I also took a walk around Crescent Island. We scored a mix of wildlife—giraffes, zebras, and wildebeests—grazing alongside the lake was a sight I won’t soon forget. The atmosphere is so laid-back and quiet, perfect for reconnecting with nature.
One of those places where even time slows down and you're fully immersed in the beauty around you. Absolutely one of my favorite spots in Kenya!
Our guide was Robert, his itinerary was flawless and craftily prepared, he made sure we missed out on nothing, a true traveler's companion. He came highly recommended, and we got to experience why. His contact details are +254725894994 and rthuo541@gmail.com
Written February 14, 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LovesPhotoOps
Hoover, AL1,224 contributions
Oct 2023 • Friends
We were with a tour group and arrangements had been made at Lake Naivasha Crescent Camp for a lake tour. After boarding several jon boats, we spent almost an hour cruising on the lake. On the lake we saw red-knobbed coot; Egyptian goose; Marabou stork; fish eagle; hippopotamus; lovebird; pied kingfisher; great cormorant; reed cormorant; African jacana. The boat drivers would throw small fish out into the water and whistle to attract the fish eagles so we could watch them swoop down and grab the fish. It was a lot of fun being so close to the hippos and birds. We landed on Crescent Island and did a walking tour there, then rode the boats again 10 minutes back to where we started.
Written November 15, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rach
Cambridge, UK172 contributions
Dec 2022 • Couples
We stopped at Lake Naivasha for a boat ride which was included in our tour with Trailfinders and then we paid extra when we were there for a foot safari (do it!!!). The boat ride was nice and peaceful (apart from the fact you know there are hippos very close haha - part of the experience though!). We saw many birds and of course hippos (one did come very close to our boat on our way back and certainly made us jump). The foot safari was so good, we got really close to zebras, giraffes, gazelles, wildebeest and more! It was a nice little trip.
Written April 11, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
maris64
Londa, Italy408 contributions
Sep 2024 • Friends
We spent a whole day at Lake Naivasha, sleeping near the lake, I still do not recommend spending so much time there, the boat trip a real disappointment especially after having already visited Lake Nakuru and the Masai Mara (both amazing!!) maybe it is included in the tours to let people rest but in my opinion more than a couple of hours is not worth stopping. Especially if it is not included in the tour you do not do it .. we have seen very few animals. how is it passing tapia ... ok but you do not stop there
Automatically translated
Written October 4, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
abetu
Prague, Czech Republic54 contributions
Mar 2022 • Friends
We got there with our own car - paid a small entrance fee to get to the area, then got to the parking place, paid for a boat ride. The captain took us for a ride around the lake first and told us plenty of interesting facts about the animals. We saw many hippos, eagles, pelicans and others birds. We decided not to go to the Crescent island, because we didn’t have much time and the entrance fee his quite high. If we did, the boat would wait for us. But it would be hike at least for couple of hours. The boat ride great to get most of the visit in an hour or so.
Written March 11, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
James c
Oklahoma City, OK414 contributions
Oct 2021 • Solo
I took this excursion on my way to Lake nakuru National Park and was hesitant to pay the $80 but am really glad I did. The scenery here is breathtaking from the moment you take off on a motorized boat with life jackets. The blue from the water and swampy area with dead acacia trees is serene. I saw all kinds of birds, pelicans, comorants, African geese, and eagles, close up. This lake is the place to see hippos, saw them poking up under dead tree branches and near swamps and out of the water in about an hr boat ride. I was here before masai mara so you will also see hippos there as well but this is totally different scenery compared to masai mara and nakuru. I would recommend this excursion if offered or you're in the area.
Written October 1, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ajit
Bengaluru, India48 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
The boat ride is fun if you get it for the correct price. Hotel Enashpal charged 4000 KSH / boat. Guides will charge $35 / person. Felt it was a bit cheeky. You see a few Hippo's around the place.
Crescent Island a waste of time
Crescent Island a waste of time
Written August 25, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Petitewave
Perth, Australia991 contributions
Dec 2019
We took a boating excursion on Lake Naivasha with an experienced guide. The weather was beautiful, the lake was very calm and serene. We were told there are more than 450 bird species being recorded here. We spotted numerous pelicans, yellow-billed and marabou storks, herons, cormorants, ibises, Egyptian geese, fish eagles, and many other birds we couldn’t even name. We also have the pleasure of watching a Giant King fisher catching his fish! Just wonderful.
Lake Naivasha is also one of the primary drinking holes for many animals. We were very pleased to see several large groups of hippos enjoying themselves in the water.
But the most interesting scene to us was watching the local fishmen sitting on some tree stumps & branches in the middle of the lake doing their fishing.
It’s definitely worth a visit. Strongly recommend it.
Lake Naivasha is also one of the primary drinking holes for many animals. We were very pleased to see several large groups of hippos enjoying themselves in the water.
But the most interesting scene to us was watching the local fishmen sitting on some tree stumps & branches in the middle of the lake doing their fishing.
It’s definitely worth a visit. Strongly recommend it.
Written November 30, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
aleekwa
Asia184 contributions
Jul 2022
variety of animals are less than other national parks. but if you are travelling with young kids and do not want to spend hours on the bumpy roads, this may be the option for you. Great camping sites and luxurious hotels nearby. Relaxing <1hr boat tour at ~$35 pp, a bit overpriced, but can get close to animals, such as hippos, if you are lucky
Written July 7, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Emeline M
5 contributions
Dec 2023 • Family
The value for money doesn't suit me at all. We did the boat tour then the walk with the animals. Feeding the birds is beyond my strength with 30 boats an hour, I find this unacceptable. To think about the ecological impact?
I would advise not to do this activity
I would advise not to do this activity

Written January 9, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I think we had paid USD 25 per person.
Written October 14, 2019
Is the boat ride to go to Crescent Island Game Park or just around the lake itself? Is there any entrance fee for the Crescent Island? I see that the island is accessible by van also. Is the boat ride worth it or we can see the same thing by van too?
Looking forward to responses.
Thanks in advance :)
Priyanka
Written March 12, 2019
We had to pay 5000 shilling for the two of us. Its the price for the boat. Its for one hour
Written August 3, 2017
One day to Lake Naivasha...As in the information, leaving Nairobi at 8 am ,right ? and what time will be back at Nairobi?
Written May 7, 2017
Distance from nairobi to naivasha is roughly 73-80kms. Driving will take about 70-90mins depending on how far into naivasha / nairobi you are going
Written May 20, 2017
This review of Lake Naivasha does not appear in a tile under My Contributions.
Could this be rectified, please?
Many thanks
Robin
Written July 19, 2016
Where did you go to find a boat hire place on the shores of Lake Naivasha?
Written October 4, 2015
HI hope you don't mind me contacting you we are going in November this year & our time will be limited.
can you tell me how long approx. the boat ride took & did you have to book in advance. also the charge for the boat ride
kind regards Michael
Written July 26, 2015
HI hope you don't mind me contacting you we are going in November this year & our time will be limited.
can you tell me how long approx. the boat ride took & did you have to book in advance. also the charge for the boat ride
kind regards Michael
Written July 26, 2015
pennachio52
New York City, New York
Hello. Considering a trip to Kenya with included stay at Lake Naivasha which has 6000' feet altitude. For those who have visited, did you have any breathing problems? Thank you. Marie
Written May 3, 2015
Nessun problema respiratorio; tieni presente vestiario pesante perchè la temperatura al mattino e la notte è piuttosto freschetta. I camerieri per la notte hanno messo la borsa dell'acqua calda nel letto. Ciao buon viaggio!!!
Written June 18, 2015
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