Discover Lake Naivasha: Wildlife Tours and Hiking Adventures
Lake Naivasha, a gem in Kenya's Rift Valley, offers a diverse range of activities just a short distance from its shores. From the serene boat rides to Crescent Island and invigorating walking safaris to the thrilling biking and hiking adventures at Hell’s Gate and Mount Longonot National Parks, visitors can experience the region's rich wildlife and dramatic landscapes in unique ways. Let us look at the activities in detail below.
Boat Ride to Crescent Island and Walking Safari
One of the most enchanting activities at Lake Naivasha is the boat ride to Crescent Island Sanctuary, followed by a walking safari that immerses you in the heart of Kenya's wildlife. Located in the Rift Valley, just 90 km (55 miles) from Nairobi, Crescent Island is a game-rich peninsula surrounded by the serene waters of Lake Naivasha. The island itself is a haven for wildlife, providing visitors with a unique opportunity to walk among animals in their natural habitat - a rare experience in Kenya.
The journey begins with a 30-minute boat trip across Lake Naivasha, and as you approach Crescent Island, you'll be struck by the breathtaking 360-degree panorama, a visual feast that truly encapsulates the raw beauty of the Rift Valley. Once on the island, visitors spend about an hour exploring the sanctuary before taking the 30-minute return boat ride, making the entire activity last approximately two hours in total.
Crescent Island, now connected to the mainland due to the lake’s receding water levels since 1988, is home to some wildlife. Here, you can freely walk alongside Masai giraffes, zebras, elands, wildebeests, impalas, and gazelles. The flat terrain makes the island easily accessible, inviting walkers of all abilities to explore its vast network of trails. Without any predators on the island, the wildlife roams peacefully, allowing for exceptional game viewing opportunities.
The sanctuary is not only a paradise for mammals but also a birdwatcher's dream. With over 200 bird species recorded, including fish eagles, ospreys, black crakes, lily-trotters, and a variety of herons, the island offers an extraordinary birding experience. The surrounding lake is home to a large population of hippos, often visible from the island’s shores, adding to the area’s rich biodiversity.
Visitors can spend time meandering through the island at their own pace, soaking in the tranquility that is only interrupted by the gentle sounds of the wildlife. The absence of predators allows for a uniquely peaceful atmosphere, making the walking safari on Crescent Island a truly special experience. Whether you’re an avid birdwatcher, a wildlife enthusiast, or simply looking to connect with nature, Crescent Island offers a serene escape into one of Kenya’s most captivating natural environments.
Walking and Biking Tour of Hell’s Gate National Park
Hell’s Gate National Park offers an extraordinary experience for those who wish to explore Kenya’s natural beauty on foot or by bike. Covering an area of 68.25 square kilometers and located just 90 km from Nairobi, this park is a treasure trove of diverse landscapes, including towering cliffs, deep gorges, and volcanic formations. A walking tour through Hell’s Gate is a journey through geological time, where you can marvel at the stark rock towers, red-colored cliffs, and spewing geothermal steam that define this unique quarter of the Great Rift Valley.
While the park is not abundant with wildlife, visitors may occasionally spot African buffalo, giraffes, zebras, antelopes, and monkeys. The park is more notable for its dramatic scenery than its game viewing. Bird lovers will not be disappointed though, as the park is home to over 100 bird species, including the lammergeyer (Bearded Vulture), Verreaux's Eagles, and augur buzzards, making it an excellent destination for birdwatching. As you traverse the park's well-marked nature trails, the serenity is punctuated only by the sounds of nature and the distant hum of geothermal activity from the nearby Olkaria Geothermal Station.
For those looking for an adrenaline rush, the biking tour of Hell’s Gate National Park offers a thrilling way to explore its rugged terrain. The park is one of the few in Kenya that allows cycling, providing a unique opportunity for adventure. Cyclists, starting at either Elsa Gate or Olkaria Gate, can ride along the park’s extensive trails, passing through stunning landscapes and, with some luck, catching glimpses of wildlife like buffalo, giraffes, and zebras. Though not always guaranteed, these encounters add to the excitement of cycling through the park.
Both the walking and biking tours come with additional costs. The park entry fee is $30 per adult and $20 per child. The biking tour itself costs $25 per person, with an option to hire a guide for an additional $25 per group of 4-5 people. Walking tours are slightly less, ranging from $25 to $35 per group of the same size. The biking route often leads to the iconic Fischer’s Tower and through the Hell’s Gate Gorge, where visitors can witness the park’s dramatic scenery up close. The combination of cycling and game viewing in such an atmospheric setting makes this an unforgettable experience.
The absence of large predators ensures that both walking and biking are safe, allowing visitors to immerse themselves fully in the natural wonders of Hell’s Gate. Whether you’re exploring on foot or by bike, the park offers a unique opportunity to connect with Kenya’s wild side. Its distinct combination of geological features, occasional wildlife sightings, and outdoor activities make Hell’s Gate National Park a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.
Mount Longonot Hike
Mount Longonot, a prominent stratovolcano in the Great Rift Valley, offers an exhilarating hiking experience with two distinct routes. Located about 90 km southeast of Lake Naivasha, the mountain is renowned for its challenging terrain and stunning vistas. The hike begins at the trailhead behind the information center, where the path initially meanders through relatively flat terrain before ascending steeply towards the crater rim.
Hiking to the crater rim covers a roundtrip distance of approximately 6 kilometers. The journey starts on a manageable path, but quickly turns steep as you approach the false peak, marked by a gazebo. This is a perfect spot for a brief rest and to admire the expansive views of the Great Rift Valley before tackling the most strenuous section of the hike. The final stretch to the crater rim is notably steep, with some parts requiring careful navigation. Once at the top, hikers are rewarded with breathtaking views of the crater’s flora-filled interior and the surrounding landscape. Most tourists prefer to complete their hike at the rim, making the hike a 3 to 4-hour roundtrip, which still provides a fulfilling experience and stunning views without circling the entire crater.
For those seeking a more extended adventure, continuing the hike around the crater rim adds approximately 7.2 kilometers to the journey, making the total roundtrip about 13.5 kilometers. This loop offers an even more immersive experience, with the chance to reach the true summit of Mount Longonot. Hikers can choose to traverse the rim in either direction, with the counter-clockwise route allowing for an earlier ascent to the peak and more gradual descents afterward. The summit, marked by a bright orange sign, provides panoramic views of the Great Rift Valley and Lake Naivasha.
The entire hiking experience, including the rim loop, typically takes between 4 to 6 hours, depending on your pace and the chosen route. The hike is rated from moderate to advanced, requiring a good level of fitness due to the steep and rugged terrain. Hikers should prepare for varying weather conditions, packing essentials such as water, snacks, sun protection, and rain gear.
Entry fees to Mount Longonot National Park are $30 per adult and $20 per child. Additionally, a hiking guide can be hired for $30 to $40 per group of up to 4-5 people. Whether you choose to hike only to the crater rim or take on the full rim loop, Mount Longonot’s diverse landscape—from its forested crater to its dramatic ridges—makes it a rewarding destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The combination of challenging trails and spectacular views ensures that this hike is a memorable part of any visit to Lake Naivasha.
Horse Riding in Sanctuary Farm
One of the most popular day tours from Nairobi is the horseback riding experience at Sanctuary Farm in Naivasha. This 500-acre dairy farm, owned by Francis Erskine, not only trains racehorses but also offers visitors the chance to ride among wildlife in a stunning landscape. The farm is nestled on the shores of Lake Naivasha and is surrounded by acacia trees, providing a tranquil setting for both novice and experienced riders alike.
A horseback riding tour at Sanctuary Farm is truly special because it allows riders to get remarkably close to the animals, creating an unforgettable connection with nature. As you ride through the farm, you’ll encounter an array of wildlife, including giraffes, wildebeests, impalas, zebras, gazelles, dik-diks, and even hippos and buffalo. The farm is also a paradise for bird watchers, with an extraordinary variety of bird species concentrated in the area.
The horseback safari is suitable for riders of all experience levels, and you will receive a brief training session before setting off. The farm’s well-trained guides and horses ensure that you feel comfortable, adjusting the pace of the ride to match your skill level. Whether you’re an experienced rider or new to the activity, you’ll only ride at a pace you’re comfortable with. For those who want a longer experience, a 2-hour ride is available for $55, while shorter options, such as the 1-hour ride for $40 or a 30-minute ride for $23, cater to those with less time or experience.
Safety is a priority at Sanctuary Farm. Every rider is provided with a mandatory safety helmet, and all horses are equipped with saddlebags to store your belongings like cameras, sunscreen, or water during the ride. The horses here live and interact with the wildlife daily, so they are not startled by close encounters with the animals. As there are no predators in the area, the environment is peaceful and secure for all riders.
Horseback riding tours can start anytime between 7 am and 5 pm, accommodating different schedules. Children aged three and above are also welcome to ride, making this a family-friendly adventure. The experience of riding through the wildlife-rich landscape of Sanctuary Farm is a truly unique way to explore Lake Naivasha’s natural beauty, leaving visitors with lasting memories of their close encounters with Kenya's majestic wildlife