Lake Naivasha
Freshwater Rift Valley lake famous for hippos, African fish eagles, and the Crescent Island walking safari.
About Lake Naivasha
Lake Naivasha, a stunning freshwater lake in the Great Rift Valley, is one of Kenya's most accessible wildlife destinations, just 90 km (1.5 hours) from Nairobi. Unlike the alkaline Rift Valley lakes nearby, Naivasha is freshwater, supporting a rich ecosystem of papyrus beds, fever tree forests, and open grasslands.
The lake is famous for its 600+ hippos and abundant African fish eagles. Boat rides offer close encounters with hippos in the shallows while fish eagles perch in lakeside fever trees. Over 400 bird species make it a premier birding destination.
Crescent Island, a private game sanctuary on the eastern shore, offers one of Kenya's most unique experiences: a walking safari among giraffes, zebras, and wildebeest with no large predators. Nearby Hell's Gate National Park offers cycling and hiking among wildlife, and the Olkaria geothermal spa provides a unique hot spring experience.
Highlights
Quick Facts
Available Safari Packages
Explore our curated safari packages that include Lake Naivasha
History & Culture
Discover the rich heritage and cultural significance of Lake Naivasha
Happy Valley and Colonial Kenya
The Lake Naivasha area was the centre of colonial Kenya's notorious "Happy Valley" social set during the 1920s-1940s. British aristocrats established lavish estates, living a decadent lifestyle of parties and hunting that scandalised society. The unsolved murder of Lord Erroll in 1941 became one of the era's most famous crimes, immortalised in "White Mischief."
The Flower Industry
Today, Lake Naivasha is the centre of Kenya's massive flower industry. The fresh water and equatorial climate are ideal for roses — Kenya is the world's third-largest cut-flower exporter, with the majority coming from greenhouses here. While employing over 100,000 people, the industry has raised environmental concerns about water extraction and agrochemicals.
Wildlife & Animals
Discover the incredible wildlife that calls Lake Naivasha home
Hippos
Over 600 hippos inhabit the lake — boat rides offer close encounters with pods in the shallows.
African Fish Eagles
Kenya's iconic raptor is abundant, often seen snatching fish from the surface.
Giraffes
Masai and Rothschild's giraffes roam Crescent Island and surrounding conservancies.
Zebras
Plains zebras graze on Crescent Island, where walking safaris allow close approach on foot.
Buffalos
Cape buffalo herds are found around the shoreline and surrounding ranches.
Colobus Monkeys
Black-and-white colobus monkeys inhabit the fever tree forests along the shore.
Safari Activities
Experience the best of Lake Naivasha with these amazing activities
Boat Safari
Cruise the lake spotting hippos, fish eagles, pelicans, and cormorants at close range.
Crescent Island Walking Safari
Walk freely among giraffes, zebras, and wildebeest on this predator-free sanctuary.
Hell's Gate Cycling
Cycle or hike through Hell's Gate National Park among wildlife and dramatic cliffs.
Bird Watching
Over 400 species including pelicans, herons, kingfishers, and fish eagles.
Where to Stay
Choose from a variety of accommodation options in Lake Naivasha
Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort
Lakeside resort with lush gardens and hippos grazing on the lawns at night.
Elsamere Conservation Centre
Joy Adamson's former home, now a conservation centre and guesthouse.
Did You Know?
Fascinating facts about Lake Naivasha that will amaze you
Lake Naivasha is the highest Rift Valley lake at 1,884 metres and one of the only freshwater lakes in the chain.
Over 600 hippos live in the lake — they graze on lawns of lakeside lodges at night.
Crescent Island was a filming location for "Out of Africa" and "The Constant Gardener."
The area was the centre of colonial Kenya's "Happy Valley" set — hedonistic aristocrats whose scandals made headlines.
Kenya exports over 500 million stems of cut flowers per year, mostly grown around this lake.
Hell's Gate National Park inspired landscapes in Disney's "The Lion King."
Elsamere, Joy Adamson's former home, is now a conservation centre on the lake shore.
The lake's level fluctuates dramatically, sometimes flooding surrounding farms during heavy rains.