Rift Valley Escapes
A natural pairing with Hell's Gate, a short drive from the lakeshore.
← All DestinationsKenya · 0.8°S, 36.4°E
Lake Naivasha
Kenya's Freshwater Rift Valley Lake
One of only two freshwater lakes in Kenya's Rift Valley, fed by rivers with no visible outlet of its own. Boat safaris move past resident hippo pods and dense birdlife, with Mount Longonot's cone visible across the water.
Best Suited ForFamily Safaris
What You'll See
Who Lives Here
Hippo
A sizeable resident population, the highlight of most boat safaris here.
Birdlife
Over 400 recorded species, among the richest lists of any lake in the Rift.
African Fish Eagle
A near-constant presence along the shoreline.
Waterbuck & Giraffe
Found on Crescent Island, a peninsula walkable without a vehicle.
The Landscape
Ground That Shapes the Light
A freshwater lake fringed by papyrus and acacia woodland, with Mount Longonot's volcanic cone rising to the south. Floriculture lines much of the shore beyond the protected areas.
Best Season
Year-round
Mornings are calmest on the water; the surrounding hills stay green for most of the year.
Weather
What to Pack For
- Dry
- Jun – Oct, Jan – Feb
- 12–25°C
- Cool mornings on the water, warm by midday.
- Wet
- Mar – May, Nov – Dec
- 14–23°C
- Rift Valley rains, still workable for boat safaris.
Find Your Bearings
Lake Naivasha on the Map
Select any point to see where else the ground leads.
Photography
Lake Naivasha, in Detail
Recommended For Lake Naivasha
Built for This Exact Ground
Ready When You Are
Start Planning Your Lake Naivasha Safari
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