Super User 20 September 2023

Best Travel Guide To Lake Naivasha National Park in Kenya

A haven for birders, Lake Naivasha lies at the highest point of the Great Rift Valley. More than 400 species of birds have been spotted here, including African fish eagles, jacanas, white-fronted bee-eaters, and several species of kingfishers.

Lake Naivasha is famous for its strong populations of hippos and flamingos. There are over 1,500 hippos in the area, and you are almost guaranteed to see one. The lake is a birder's paradise as it is home to over 400 bird species. One of the best ways to view the wildlife is by boat. Hippos slosh in the water, and giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, and eland graze around the edges of the lake. Keep a lookout for colobus monkeys in the canopies, too.

Near Lake Naivasha, the Crater Lake Game Sanctuary features a wildlife-rich nature trail.

Just south of Lake Naivasha, the relatively affordable Hell's Gate National Park protects a wide variety of wildlife and offers excellent climbing opportunities, with two extinct volcanoes and the red cliffs of Hell's Gate Gorge.

On the southern shore of Lake Naivasha, you can pop in for a cup of tea at the Elsamere Conservation Centre, the former home of the late Joy Adamson, author of Born Free, and her husband George.

Note that Lake Naivasha has been known to shrink considerably in times of extreme drought, and a flourishing floriculture industry in the area is also impacting water levels and quality. But the lake is typically lush and full of life.

Lake Naivasha National Park Location:

Lake Naivasha is a freshwater lake in Kenya, outside the town of Naivasha in Nakuru County, northwest of Nairobi.

About Lake Naivasha National Park:

It is part of the Great Rift Valley and the name derives from the local Maasai name Nai’posha, meaning, “rough water” because of the sudden storms which can arise.

Established in 1995, Lake Naivasha National Park is one of the youngest National Parks in Kenya that tourists can visit while on a safari in Kenya.

Lake Naivasha is rather shallow and seasonal, with water levels reducing significantly during the dry season, one of its many unique features.

Lake Naivasha National Park Wildlife:

Lake Naivasha National Park Animals:

The wildlife in Lake Naivasha Park in Kenya is very diverse. There are a number of wild animals that travelers can easily spot including giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, hippos, and many more. These animals can be seen while on a game drive through the Park, walking safari or even biking and on horseback.

Crescent Island is a private island sanctuary that is unfenced and thus allows free movement of the wildlife and nature walks are allowed on the island and not elsewhere in Lake Naivasha.

Accessing Crescent Island is by boat or on a 4WD passing a narrow swampy road that is usually used by animals like buffaloes and lucky visitors might even spot a leopard.

Lake Naivasha National Park Birding:

Over 400 bird species call Lake Naivasha home with a wide mix of pigeons and doves species including speckled pigeons, mourning collared-dove, red-eyed-dove, ring-necked doves, laughing doves, fulvous Whistling-ducks, Egyptian goose and the Northern Pintail.

Other Tourist activities at Lake Naivasha National Park:

Here are some other activities that visitors can consider during their East Africa safari experience in Lake Naivasha National Park;

Lake Naivasha National Park Nature Walks:

Explore the nature wildlife on foot, an authentic and economical means of exploring wildlife in Lake Naivasha National Park.

Lake Naivasha National Park Photography:

Visitors on a photo safari can share a photography tour with like-minded individuals and capture their favorite moments.

Access to Lake Naivasha National Park:

By Plane:

Daily flights are available via private charter from Nairobi to Loldia airstrip on the western side of Naivasha. International flights arrive via Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) for visitors wondering how to get to Kenya.

NBO airport is located 15km/9 mi southeast of Nairobi and a Kenya visa will most likely be required to enter the country.

By Road:

Lake Naivasha National Park takes around 90 minutes drive northwest from the capital Nairobi with great scenic views of the stunning Rift Valley escarpments.

Accommodation:

Rates mainly depend on the season and type of accommodation. Carrying a small amount of Kenyan currency, the Kenya Shilling (KES) is recommended to pay for groceries and smaller items where credit cards aren’t accepted.

Camps and Lodges:

Lodges and camps are exclusive and luxurious with views amongst the most spectacular in the world along with world-class service, incredible food, and all luxury amenities, simply ideal for the perfect luxury location.

Recommended lodges include Lake Naivasha Sopa Lodge, a relaxed resort in a complex of brick and wood makuti cottages on the shore of Lake Naivasha and Naivasha Kongoni Lodge and Loldia House.

Campsites:

Fisherman’s Camp and Lake Naivasha Ymca Camp provide basic campsite provisions and more including toilets, running water, campfire facilities, watching hippos in the night, and cycling the scenic lake route.

Campervan:

Guests on a safari game viewing drive by themselves in a campervan can make significant savings by sleeping in their vehicle.

Best time visit:

The Park can be visited all year round though the long dry season is the best time to visit Lake Naivasha, and also when combined with a safari to Masai Mara to view the Great Wildebeest Migration from August to October.

Visitors often enjoy combining their safari adventure with some quiet downtime on Kenya’s best beaches, a perfect end to their African adventure.

Arrange and Book with Ultimate Wild Safaris for the Lake Naivasha National Park Safari tour in Kenya.

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