Why it's iconic
Hippos & acacia reflections
A freshwater Rift Valley lake fringed by fever trees, hippos and over 400 bird species — a relaxed counterpoint to game-drive heavy safaris.
History & heritage
A freshwater Rift Valley lake at 1,884 m, Naivasha was the playground of the famous (and infamous) 'Happy Valley' settler set of the 1920s and 30s. Joy Adamson lived on its shores, and Out of Africa author Karen Blixen called it her favourite place in Kenya. Today the lake supports flower farms, hippos, fish eagles, and a constellation of lakeside lodges.
Things to explore
- Boat safari with hippos and pelicans
- Walking safari on Crescent Island
- Combine with Hell's Gate cycling
- Lakeside lunch at Elsamere
Highlights
Don't leave without doing this
Travel here
Packages that include Kenya
Nine-day family-friendly adventure: safari, beach, and the Giraffe Centre.
A week of white sand, snorkelling and Swahili sunsets on Kenya's south coast.
Six-day traverse via Sirimon ascent and Chogoria descent to Point Lenana (4,985m).