Lake Naivasha

Overview

Introduction

Lake Naivasha, Kenya, located 50 mi/80 km northwest of Nairobi, is most commonly visited as an overnight stop by tours going from Masai Mara to Lake Nakuru. It's a shame, because there's a lot to see around the lake itself. The waters are loaded with hippos and birds, and you can go fishing. It's a good place to relax for a few days at the country hotels on the lakeshore—an alternative to the coast. If you have time, take a pleasant boat trip to Crescent Island, one of the few game-viewing areas where visitors can walk around and set up a tripod to photograph animals.

Also near the lake is Joy Adamson's former home, which is now a museum dedicated to her life and important conservation work in Kenya. There, you can visit the museum, see a documentary film about her life and enjoy a cup of tea among the giant acacia trees on the lawns.