Flooded acacia trees on a lake at sunset

Kenya

Lake Naivasha

Hippos by boat and a walking safari on Crescent Island

About Lake Naivasha

Lake Naivasha is the highest of the Rift Valley lakes and, unusually, fresh water, which is why its shores are lined with yellow-barked acacia and its waters full of hippo. It is not a national park, so the way to see it is by boat, then on foot.

The afternoon here is the same on every route: a boat ride among the hippos and fish eagles, followed by a walk on Crescent Island, where there are no predators and you can stroll among giraffes, zebras and antelope. After days in a vehicle it is a welcome change of pace.

Known for

  • Boat rides among the hippos
  • Walking safari on Crescent Island
  • Fish eagles and water birds
  • A relaxed break between parks

Wildlife you can expect

  • Hippo
  • Giraffe
  • Zebra
  • Waterbuck
  • Fish eagle
  • Pelican
  • Colobus monkey

When to visit Lake Naivasha

  1. Jan – Feb

    Dry season

    Calm water and clear mornings for the boat ride.

    Our pick
  2. Mar – May

    Long rains

    Afternoon rain is common; mornings are usually fine.

    Quieter and cheaper
  3. Jun – Oct

    Cool and dry

    Pleasant temperatures and the busiest months on the circuit.

    Our pick
  4. Nov – Dec

    Short rains

    Short showers and lush, green shoreline.

    Good time to go
Two hippos surfacing in a lake

Want Lake Naivasha on your route?

Send your dates and a rough idea of what you want to see. We come back with a day-by-day route and a quote, usually within one working day.