List Of Best Things To Do In Naivasha

Here is a list of the best things to do in Naivasha, Nakuru County. Naivasha is about a 2-hour drive from Nairobi. Naivasha is a one-of-a-kind tourist destination with attractions for all types of nature lovers and adventure seekers. Naivasha is one of Kenya’s top tourist destinations, thanks to its stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and rich cultural heritage.

If you are planning to visit Naivasha, the list below sums up some of the best attractions and things to do in Naivasha. 

Best Things To Do In Naivasha

1. Visit Crescent Island Game Sanctuary

This beautiful nature sanctuary is a peninsula located on the eastern side of Lake Naivasha, often referred to as “Naivasha’s best-kept secret,” and can only be accessed by boat. It is one of the places where you can enjoy the wilderness. They boast of having more animals per acre than any other Kenyan Park. They have a watch tower on a hill with a 360-degree view across the lake to Mau Escarpment onto Aberdare ranges. The private island is perfect for bird watching, wildlife viewing, and nature walking. Boat trips on Lake Naivasha provide a close view of the island and sights of resident wild animals like hippos, zebras, and giraffes.

2. Camp at Camp Carnelley’s

From luxury-tented camps to budget-friendly pitch-your-own-tent grounds, Naivasha caters to all types of travellers. If you’re looking for a tranquil place to relax on a budget, stay at Carnelley’s. Camp Carnelle is our favourite place to camp in Naivasha. It’s conveniently located close to the lake and other places to visit, like Hell’s Gate National Park. Besides camping grounds, they have a nice restaurant which serves excellent meals and drinks. They also offer activities like boat riding, fishing, and bird watching. Other camps in Naivasha include Oloiden, Crayfish, Fisherman’s Camp, and Naivasha West Beach, among many others.

3. Swim at Olkaria Geothermal Spa

The Olkaria Geothermal Spa is situated within Hell’s Gate National Park. It’s a nice place to take a warm dip after a long day in the wild. The spa offers therapeutic swimming in a pool that can accommodate up to 400 people with water temperatures between 30°C and 40°C. Besides the relaxing effect water naturally provides, this particular pool also contains sulphur, which is believed to have many healing effects. Visitors can also enjoy delicious meals at the cafeteria, and sundowners at the bar. It’s the perfect spot to spend at least half a day unwinding, (particularly if you’ve already covered some ground at Hell’s Gate or taken a hike!).

4. Boat ride on Lake Naivasha

Lake Naivasha is a freshwater lake in Kenya on the Great Rift Valley floor. It’s a short distance from Naivasha town along the Moi South Lake road. The lake is an overflow of tranquillity and beauty, decorated with various wildlife, bird species, campsites, and dining spots to enjoy. A Lake Naivasha boat ride is a safari on the water with remarkable sights to see and can be taken from any of the countless locations around the lake. Each boat carries between six and twenty people, depending on its capacity and the rates start from Ksh 2,500 per hour, inclusive of a tour guide and life jackets. The ride through the dead acacia trees and above the blue waters will expose you to a lot of birdlife among them pelicans, fish eagles, herons, and giant kingfishers that make up part of over 300 bird species found in the area. Hippos are easily spotted from the several hotels dotted along the shores.

After the boat ride, take time to explore the shoreline. Here, you’ll have the chance to interact with the locals and sample their delicious food.

5. Explore Lake Oloiden

Lake Oloiden is a flamingo paradise that offers some of the best camping experiences in Naivasha. Several flower farms also surround it. If you fancy floriculture, take a tour of one of the farms to get a unique Kenyan experience. Trips to these farms are free. 

6. Visit the Crater Lake Game Sanctuary

Crater Lake is a small alkaline lake located at the bottom of an extinct volcano on the western side of Lake Naivasha. It lies within a private game sanctuary that attracts a variety of animals and birds. Visitors can explore the game sanctuary on foot and spot wildlife such as zebras, giraffes, gazelles, and bird species like the impressive flamingos. A nature walk around the rim of the crater takes about 2 hours.

7. Hike, Ol Doinyo Eburru

The Eburru Forest is one of our favourite hiking spots in Kenya. It’s less crowded than popular trails like Mt. Longonot and provides a genuine connection with nature. This indigenous forest is nestled within the folds of Ol Doinyo Eburru mountain, which rises 2,820 metres above sea level at its highest point. The Eburru hiking trail leads from the forest gate through dry lands and dense forests to contrasting valleys and steep ridges. You’ll pass by crystal-clear streams and a waterfall along the way. The final ascent leads to a ridge with spectacular views of Lake Naivasha and the Great Rift Valley.

8. Visit Hells Gate, National Park

Named after a narrow break in the cliffs and once a tributary of a prehistoric lake that fed early humans in the Rift Valley, Hell’s Gate National Park is located south of Lake Naivasha. This place offers magnificent scenery such as; water-gouged gouges, volcanoes, stark rock towers, and wildlife (zebras, buffalos, gazelles, and hartebeests). This park is also equipped with three basic campsites and has a Maasai Cultural Centre, which provides education about the Maasai tribe’s culture and traditions.

Visitors to Hell’s Gate National Park can enjoy activities such as rock climbing, mountain biking, nature walks, picnics in the park’s plains, and also enjoy a moment in the natural spa.

9. Hiking up Mt. Longonot

This extinct volcano is a hiker’s paradise, with scenic landscapes and unobstructed views of Lake Naivasha and the Great Rift Valley. The hike will take about 4 to 6 hours, depending on one’s endurance. For beginner hikers, you can start with Sleeping Warrior and Ugali Hills in Elementaita, about 30 minutes from Naivasha.

10. Learn and play Golf at Barons Park Golf Centre

Barons Park is Kenya’s first dedicated golf practice facility, located on the Nairobi-Nakuru highway at the Delamere Kobil Service station. You can learn and play golf for as little as Ksh 200 here. They hope to dispel the myth that golf is only for the wealthy. It includes a day and night golf practice area, full-size multi-hole putting greens, a pro shop, a clubhouse, and golf instruction facilities.

11. Take a flower farm Tour

Naivasha is the horticulture industry’s hub, accounting for 40% of Kenya’s cut flower exports and is home to around 70 flower farms. This is due to the region’s fertile soils and abundant water supply. To learn more about the various flower varieties grown in the area, you can book a free flower farm tour. You, like me, will be surprised to learn that there are approximately 14 different types of roses.

12. Take Horseback Safaris at The Sanctuary Farm

The Sanctuary Farm is a pleasant surprise. Unlike in Hell’s Gate, where you only spot animals from a distance, you can get up close and personal with the wildlife here. You can choose to explore the sanctuary on foot or horseback. Either way, you’ll have beautiful encounters with zebras, giraffes, gazelles, and wildebeests. The charming farmhouse inside the sanctuary is also an excellent base for your trip to Naivasha. It’s perfect for a weekend getaway for families or small groups.

13. Visit BMM Bikers Recreational Centre

BMM Bikers Recreational Centre, located on Moi South Lake, is a one-stop shop for adrenaline junkies. Horseback riding, hoverboarding, quad bikes, archery, dirt bikes, skating, PS4 games, table tennis, volleyball, and drive club simulation for children to learn driving skills are all available at the centre. For Ksh 200, they also host boot camp sessions with unlimited challenges and obstacles to try out. Dirt bikes cost Ksh1,500 for 15 minutes, while quad bikes cost Ksh 900, including safety equipment. If you want to spend the night at the centre, they have beautiful sleeping pods that can sleep two people for Ksh 4,000, including breakfast.

14. Eat Fish at Karagita Beach

Karagita Beach is the most popular launching point for boat trips on Lake Naivasha. This public “beach” attracts many travellers (mostly locals), especially during weekends. The beach is free to visit and offers a spectacular view of the lake and a chance to engage with locals. If you’re feeling peckish, and fancy trying the best-fried fish in Naivasha, this is the place to find it. However, don’t be fooled by the word “beach”. Karagita is not all white sands and sunbeds. It’s a small centre along the marshy shores of Lake Naivasha.

15. Go Wine Tasting at Morendat Farm

A trip to Kenya isn’t always about wildlife safaris, adventures, nightlife, and cultural experiences. There are numerous other things to do and see in the country. Wine tasting is one example of such an activity. Leleshwa, located in Morendat Farm, is the first of its kind in Kenya. Nothing pointed to a winery when the owner moved to the country almost 30 years ago. However, James Farquharson saw an opportunity and began growing vines on Morendat Farm, which overlooks Mt. Longonot. Today, Leleshwa is an award-winning winery known for its four brands: Merlot Shiraz, Leleshwa Rose, Sauvignon Blanc, and Chenin Blanc.

If you’re looking for romantic places to visit in Naivasha, we recommend Leleshwa Winery. You can go on a wine-tasting tour or visit a farm.

16. Visit the Elsamere Conservation Centre

Located along the shores of Lake Naivasha, Elsamere is a lodge and conservation centre. It’s the former home of the legendary George and Joy Adamson, who spent most of their life advocating for wildlife conservation in Kenya. The couple is famous for raising Elsa, an orphaned lion, and re-introducing her into the wild. Today, Elsamere is a pleasant lodge run by the Elsa Trust, offering accommodation in cottages with a homely atmosphere and good food.

It also has a study centre that provides conservation programmes for tourists, schools, and community groups. If you’re interested in wildlife conservation and learning about its works, a visit to this centre is a must. You’ll also learn about her projects in others like Meru, Kora, and Samburu. If you’re interested in wildlife conservation and learning about the works of Joy Adamson, a visit to this centre is a must. You’ll also learn about her projects in other game parks in Kenya like Meru, Kora, and Samburu.

17. Enjoy Naivasha nightlife

Naivasha is a symbol of fun and adventure. Thanks to the pace set by the Happy Valley set, the town is a centre of all-night partying, drinking, and dancing. During weekends, it’s a playground for locals and residents. Revealers take road trips, especially from Nairobi, giving the town added life at night. There’s a common phrase in Kenya, “Twende Vasha.” It translates to “Let’s go to Naivasha,”  a call to leave the capital behind and head to the party town. The best clubs in “Vasha” include Bubbles Lounge and Skylux Club.

18. Tour Naivasha Raptor Centre

Learn about Kenya’s birds of prey and the work done at the centre to rescue, rehabilitate and conserve raptors. The Naivasha Raptor Centre is open to visitors daily at 11:00 am and 3:00 pm (by appointment only) and visitors are required to make a minimum donation of Kshs 1,000 for adults and Kshs 500 for children.

19. Ol-Njorowa Gorge

Hell’s Gate is home to naturally formed cliffs, vistas and gorges. The gorges have been closed off to tourists because there was a fatal accident a couple of years ago. The area is prone to flash flooding and walking is not recommended during the rainy season. Make sure you do your research before planning your visit. The gorges are managed by the Olorkarian Community and you pay a separate fee to access the gorges.

20. Try your hand at paragliding at Mt Margaret and fly over Lake Naivasha and Mt Longonot.

21. Shopping or Lunch at The Buffalo Mall

The shopping centre in Naivasha, known as Buffalo Mall, is a great stop for anyone who needs a break while driving. The mall has a variety of retail stores where you can buy refreshments like milkshakes and snacks. Additionally, there is a supermarket where you can purchase everything you need at cost-friendly prices. If you’re worried about getting lost, don’t be. The guards are very friendly and willing to help you navigate the mall.

Buffalo Mall Kids Playground is a perfect spot for family entertainment and recreation. It offers fun activities for children like the revolving spaceship, trampoline, swings and slides, and an awesome zipline. The playground is an ideal place for a quick detour if you’re on a road trip or when you’re out and about on a weekend afternoon. It’s also a great spot for a children’s play date or a themed kids’ birthday lunch.

22. Stay at Naivasha Rocky Eco Lodge (Rocky Resort)

Located in Naivasha, the Naivasha Rocky Eco Lodge is just 5 km away from Crescent Island Game Park. The lodge is nestled in a beautiful haven of trees and foliage, making it a small ‘garden of Eden’. The architectural design of this unique place is rustic yet creative, with interesting rocky designs and man-made waterfalls and fountains.

Attention to detail in terms of service is inadequate, although the interiors are very well done. The evenings can be rather chilly, but staying outdoors near a bonfire helps a little.

It’s a great place for a picnic and a cool place to catch up with friends. The lodge is worth taking some selfies in, as it has been beautified fantastically and boasts artistic touches that are top-notch.

The Naivasha Rocky Eco Lodge has a lot to offer, including accommodations with a restaurant, free private parking, a bar, and a shared lounge. Guests can enjoy free WiFi throughout the property and take advantage of the 24-hour front desk and room service. The hotel also has a garden and playground, providing ample opportunities for guests to relax and enjoy their stay.

Where to Stay in Naivasha

Most accommodation facilities in Naivasha are located along the Moi South Lake road in Karagita and Kongoni. There are also several options in Naivasha town and along the Moi North Lake road.

1. Camping Picks: Camp Carnellys, Crayfish Camp, Oloiden Camp Site, Fisherman’s Camp

2. Budget Picks: The Symphony Hotel, Rocky Eco Lodge, Eseriani Hotel, BMM Bikers, and The Nest Boutique Hotel

3. Hotels: Enashipai Resort and Spa, The Great Rift Valley Lodge, Kiboko Luxury Camp, Chui Lodge, Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort, Naivasha Kongoni Lodge, and Lake Naivasha Resort

Best Restaurants in Naivasha

1. Fisherman’s Camp Restaurant

Fisherman’s Camp is one place that never disappoints. The restaurant has an incredible ambience, and its food is delicious. The must-try dishes here are fish, Ugali, and Kachumbari. Their excellent location allows you to enjoy food and drinks while viewing the lake. It’s one of the most chilled-out restaurants in Naivasha, and the campsite is fantastic too.

2. La Belle Inn Restaurant

La Belle Inn is a decent old hotel located in Naivasha town. Besides the hotel rooms, it hosts a restaurant with a selection of delicious dishes to suit all tastes. Stop by the restaurant if you’re craving fish, chips, pasta, steak, or local dishes. Their prices are also reasonable, averaging at around $10 a meal. While it’s not as vibrant as in the late 1920s, La Belle Inn is still a friendly stopover restaurant with good food.

3. Ranch House Bistro
We visited this restaurant during my stay in Naivasha and loved its vibe. It’s intimate and offers one of the best views of Lake Oloiden.

Their freshly prepared meals are delicious and affordable. If you’re looking for a place to eat clay oven pizzas or enjoy a cold drink with great views of wildlife, visit Ranch House Bistro.