Where to stay. Updated November 2026. 4 min read.
Lake Naivasha is where Nairobi goes for the weekend: hippos grunting outside the tent, fish eagles calling at breakfast, and a bicycle ride among zebras at Hell's Gate before lunch. It is about 90 minutes from the city and feels like a different world.
The short answer: stay on the south shore if you want the most choice, boat trips to Crescent Island and hippos at night. Stay on the hilltop for views across the Rift Valley and a round of golf. Stay on the north shore or in a private sanctuary for quiet, history and game on foot. Stay near Crater Lake or Hell's Gate if your days are about walking and cycling. Naivasha also makes a natural overnight stop on the road between Nairobi and the Mara.
The areas
| Area | Character | Picks |
|---|---|---|
| South lake shore (Moi South Lake Road) | Most lodges, hippos at night, Crescent Island boats | Lake Naivasha Sopa, Sawela Lodge, Lake Naivasha Country Club, Crescent Camp, Camp Carnelley's, Fisherman's Camp |
| Hilltop and golf | Views over the Rift Valley | Great Rift Valley Lodge and Golf Resort |
| North lake and private sanctuaries | Quiet, colonial-era houses, game on the grounds | Loldia House, Chui Lodge in the Oserian sanctuary, Olerai House, Kiangazi House |
| Crater Lake and Hell's Gate | Walks and cycling | Crater Lake Camp, Naiburta campsite |
The south shore
Moi South Lake Road runs along the southern shore, and most of Naivasha's lodges and camps sit between it and the water. Lake Naivasha Sopa has wide lawns where hippos graze after dark. Lake Naivasha Country Club is the old-style hotel with gardens to the lake. Crescent Camp is a tented option, and Camp Carnelley's and Fisherman's Camp are the budget choices, with Carnelley's known for its live music and lively bar. From here, boats run across to Crescent Island for a walking safari among giraffes, zebras and wildebeest.
The hilltop
Great Rift Valley Lodge and Golf Resort sits on the hills above the lake, with long views across the Rift Valley and a golf course. It suits couples, golfers and anyone who prefers a view to a lakeshore.
The north shore and private sanctuaries
The quieter side of the lake is where Naivasha's colonial-era houses are, set in private land with game on the grounds. Loldia House is a family-run ranch house, Chui Lodge sits inside the Oserian wildlife sanctuary, Kiangazi House is a country house nearby, and Olerai House belongs to the family behind Elephant Watch Camp in Samburu. These are small, personal places, with walks and game viewing on private land.
Crater Lake and Hell's Gate
Crater Lake Camp sits by a small green crater lake west of the main lake, and Naiburta campsite is inside Hell's Gate itself. Stay here if you want to be first on the cycle tracks or the gorge walk in the morning, before the day visitors arrive from Nairobi.
Lodges and camps by budget
| Lodge or camp | Area | Style | Price band | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Naiburta campsite | Hell's Gate | Campsite | Budget | Campers and cyclists |
| Fisherman's Camp | South shore | Camp and bandas | Budget | Backpackers and students |
| Camp Carnelley's | South shore | Camp and cottages, live music | Budget | Young travelers and groups |
| Crater Lake Camp | Crater Lake | Tented camp | Mid-range | Walkers |
| Crescent Camp | South shore | Tented camp | Mid-range | Couples |
| Lake Naivasha Country Club | South shore | Classic hotel | Mid-range | Families and history lovers |
| Lake Naivasha Sopa | South shore | Lodge | Mid-range | Families, hippos on the lawn |
| Sawela Lodge | South shore | Lodge | Mid-range | Weekend breaks |
| Great Rift Valley Lodge and Golf Resort | Hilltop | Resort | Upper mid-range | Golfers and views |
| Kiangazi House | North side | Country house | Top end | Small groups |
| Chui Lodge | Oserian sanctuary | Lodge | Top end | Privacy and game on foot |
| Loldia House | North shore | Ranch house | Top end | Families and riders |
| Olerai House | Lake Naivasha | Family house | Top end | A personal stay |
Who should stay where
- Families: Lake Naivasha Sopa or the Country Club, with lawns, pools and Crescent Island a boat ride away
- Couples: Loldia House, Chui Lodge or the Great Rift Valley Lodge for views
- Budget travelers and student groups: Camp Carnelley's or Fisherman's Camp
- Cyclists and walkers: Crater Lake Camp or Naiburta, close to Hell's Gate
A good day at Naivasha
- Early morning: boat on the lake for hippos and fish eagles, then a guided walk on Crescent Island
- Late morning: cycle through Hell's Gate among zebras, giraffes and buffalo, and walk the gorge with a local guide
- Afternoon: rest, or visit a flower farm to see where many of the roses sold in Europe begin
- Evening: dinner at your lodge, and stay on the lit paths after dark, because hippos come out to graze
Things to know
Naivasha sits at 1,884 m, so nights are cool; bring a fleece. Hippos walk through lakeside camps after dark, so always stay on paths and use the escort your camp provides. The lake's level has risen since 2020 and flooded some older lodges, so check that the place you have in mind is open. Weekend rates are higher, because Nairobi comes here on Saturdays. The Hell's Gate park fee is about $50 per non-resident adult per day at the time of writing; check the Kenya Wildlife Service for the current rate.
Getting there
By road, Naivasha is about 90 minutes from Nairobi, depending on traffic on the escarpment road. Most travelers come by road as part of a safari, stopping for a night or two on the way to the Mara or Lake Nakuru. There are also small airstrips used by charter flights.
What we recommend
For a first trip, we use one or two nights on the south shore to break the drive to the Mara, with Crescent Island and Hell's Gate in between. For a quieter stay, we book Loldia House or Chui Lodge. For students, Fisherman's Camp or Camp Carnelley's keep the cost down. Pay in full or monthly with no deposit.
