Things to do in Naivasha
Lake Naivasha sits in the Rift Valley in Nakuru County. Most visitors come for the water: a boat among the hippos, a walk on Crescent Island and the birds. The land around adds a volcano hike, two small lakes and the house of Joy Adamson.
You can cover the main sights in two days. Day one can be the lake, with a boat ride and Crescent Island. Day two can be Mount Longonot or the small lakes. Plan around the water level, which has risen since 2010 and changes access.
Our picks: things to do around Lake Naivasha
For something different from a boat ride, take the horseback day or the geothermal spa day. The bike day in Hell's Gate is the one to choose if cycling is what you want.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Hell's Gate, geothermal spa and lake boat
- Hell's Gate entry
- Geothermal spa entry
- Boat fee included
An eight-hour day with the park, the spa and the boat fees already in the price. Ask whether bike hire and a gorge guide are included before you book.
Check availability →Horseback safari and Lake Naivasha boat ride
- Guided horseback ride
- Boat safari with life jackets
- Transfer from Nairobi
Riding and a boat safari in one day. Entry to Crescent Island and its walking safari is not part of the price.
Check availability →
Hell's Gate by bike with an optional lake stop
- Bike hire included
- Private park guide
- Nairobi pickup and return
The drive to the lake is an option, not a guaranteed boat ride. The park entry and the boat are paid on top.
Check availability →Things to do in Naivasha: tours and day trips
Boat rides, island walks, hikes and day trips from Nairobi, with live prices and availability.
Places to visit in Naivasha
The main sights, each with its own guide.
Boat ride on the lake
A one-hour boat trip costs from KES 4,000 per boat for up to 7 passengers, depending on the departure point (as of 2026). A boat to Crescent Island costs from KES 8,000 per boat. Hippos are a good chance, but no sighting is guaranteed.
Boat ride guide →Crescent Island
A walking safari at a private sanctuary. Entry is $33 for a non-resident adult in 2026 and is paid on the island. Open from 08:30, last entry 16:30, closing at 17:45.
Crescent Island guide →Hippos
Hippos live in the lake, the swamps and the Malewa area. Watch them from a boat in daylight and keep away from the shore at night.
Hippo guide →Mount Longonot
A national park hike to the crater rim. Park hours are 06:00 to 18:00 and entry is $50 for a non-resident adult in 2026.
Longonot guide →Crater Lake and Lake Oloiden
A small crater lake in a private sanctuary and a small lake next to the main lake. Check rates and times first.
Small lakes guide →Elsamere and Joy Adamson
A museum visit with a film and high tea. The day package costs KES 1,200 or $15 for adults in 2026.
Elsamere guide →Birds
More than 400 species have been recorded around the lake. Fish eagles and pelicans are among the easiest to find.
Bird guide →More things to do around the lake
Private farms, a conservancy, a spa and a scenic road.
Private sanctuary farm
A private sanctuary farm on the lake offers guided horse riding, nature walks, bicycle hire, night drives and boat trips. These are activities on private land, not rights in a national park. Ask for rates and age limits when you book.
Kigio Wildlife Conservancy
Kigio Wildlife Conservancy is a member of the Rift Lakes Conservancies Association. Check current access and activities with the conservancy before you plan a visit.
Olkaria Geothermal Spa
The spa lies inside Hell's Gate and opens daily from 08:00 to 17:00. It is separate from the park entry fee. See the Olkaria Geothermal Spa guide for details. The park itself has its own site: Hell's Gate National Park.
Naivasha town
The town is the service stop for food, supplies and onward travel. It is a municipality in Nakuru County.
Naivasha town guide →Mai Mahiu and the escarpment
On the road from Nairobi you pass the Rift Valley escarpment near Mai Mahiu. A Catholic church there dates to 1942 and was built by Italian prisoners of war.
Mai Mahiu guide →Lake Nakuru
The next lake to the north is a separate park with its own guide: Lake Nakuru.
Which activity suits you
A quick comparison.
| Activity | Time | Cost to check | Suits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lake boat ride | 1 hour | From KES 4,000 per boat | Everyone |
| Crescent Island | Half a day | $33 per non-resident adult | Walking and wildlife |
| Mount Longonot | 4 to 7 hours | $50 per non-resident adult | Hikers |
| Elsamere | Half a day | KES 1,200 or $15 per adult | History and a quiet stop |
| Crater Lake | – | Set by the sanctuary | Short walks |
| Olkaria Geothermal Spa | – | – | A rest day |
For most first-time visitors, a boat ride plus Crescent Island fills a good first day, and Mount Longonot is the right second day for walkers.
Plan the rest of your trip
Practical guides for the trip.
Things to do in Naivasha: frequently asked questions
What are the main things to do in Naivasha?
A boat ride among the hippos, a walking safari on Crescent Island and the hike up Mount Longonot are the main ones. Elsamere, the small lakes and bird watching round out a two-day visit.
How many days do I need?
Two days cover the main sights: the lake and the island on one day, Mount Longonot or the small lakes on the other. One day works if you pick a boat ride and one other stop.
Can I swim in Lake Naivasha?
Do not assume swimming is allowed. Hippos live in the lake. Ask a local operator before you enter the water.
Are there places to visit in Naivasha without a park fee?
Elsamere and the boat rides are paid separately by the operators. Mount Longonot and Hell's Gate charge KWS park entry. Crescent Island and Crater Lake are private sanctuaries with their own rates.
Can I visit Hell's Gate from Naivasha?
Yes. Hell's Gate lies south of the lake and has its own site, linked above. Mount Longonot and Hell's Gate use the same KWS fee categories.
Is this site an official tourism website?
No. This is an independent travel guide. It is not run by KWS, Nakuru County or any operator named here.