How to Plan Your Day Trip to Lake Naivasha from Nairobi

If you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of Nairobi and spend a day in nature, then a day trip to Lake Naivasha is just what you need. This freshwater lake is located in the Great Rift Valley and is home to a variety of wildlife, including giraffes, buffaloes, and over 400 bird species. This guide will take you through everything you need to know to plan your day trip to Lake Naivasha from Nairobi.

Overview

The day trip to Lake Naivasha from Nairobi is a private tour offered by Casolodge Travel and Safaris. The tour includes a visit to Hell’s Gate National Reserve, where you can enjoy a bike ride, a hike, and spot wildlife. You’ll also get the chance to go on a boat ride on Lake Naivasha and see hippos and other aquatic animals. Park entry fees to Hell’s Gate National Reserve are included in the tour price, as well as all activities at the reserve and boat riding.

What’s Included

The tour includes the following:

• Park entry fee at Hell’s Gate National Park
• Guided bicycle riding at Hell’s Gate National Reserve
• Boat riding on Lake Naivasha
• All activities not mentioned above

Meeting and Pickup

You can choose to head directly to the meeting point, which is City Hall Annex. The address is PR7C+999 Muindi Mbingu St Nairobi Kenya, directly opposite City hall. Alternatively, you can request pickup from Villas Apartments, all hotels, and residences within Nairobi. The pickup time is at 8:00 AM. The activity ends back at the meeting point.

What to Expect

During the tour, you’ll get to experience some incredible nature and wildlife, as well as enjoy some physical activity.

You’ll start your day at Hell’s Gate National Reserve, where you’ll get fitted for a bike and embark on a guided bike tour. The bike tour will take you through the park’s scenic landscape, with stunning views of towering cliffs, deep gorges, rock towers, and natural hot springs. The bike tour takes approximately two hours and is suitable for all fitness levels.

After the bike tour, you’ll have time to hike and explore the park more, as well as spot wildlife such as baboons, giraffes, and buffaloes.

Next, you’ll head to Lake Naivasha for a boat ride. The boat ride provides the opportunity to spot some wildlife, including hippos and other aquatic animals, as well as admire the stunning natural scenery.

Additional Info

• Confirmation will be received at the time of booking.
• The tour is wheelchair accessible.
• Most travelers can participate.
• This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate.
• Operated by Casolodge Travel and Safaris.
• Cancellation policy: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
• For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
• If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience, there will be no refund.

Book Your Day Trip to Lake Naivasha from Nairobi

To book your day trip to Lake Naivasha from Nairobi, visit this link. It’s a great opportunity to take a break from the city and experience the stunning nature of Kenya.

How to Plan Your Day Trip to Lake Naivasha from Nairobi: FAQs

Lake Naivasha is a beautiful freshwater lake located north-west of Nairobi. It is a popular destination for many tourists who want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy some peace and quiet in a serene location. If you’re planning a day trip to Lake Naivasha from Nairobi, here are some frequently asked questions that will be helpful in planning your trip.

1. How far is Lake Naivasha from Nairobi?

Lake Naivasha is approximately 90 kilometers (56 miles) from Nairobi. The journey takes about 1.5-2 hours, depending on traffic and the route taken. If you’re driving, you can take the Nairobi-Nakuru Highway, then turn off at the Naivasha junction, and follow the signs to Lake Naivasha. Alternatively, you can take public transportation or hire a taxi.

2. What are the entrance fees for Lake Naivasha?

There are various activities to do around Lake Naivasha such as boat tours, cycling, camping, and wildlife watching. The entrance fees vary depending on the activities you choose. For instance, the entrance fee to Hell’s Gate National Park is Ksh 300 for Kenyan citizens and Ksh 1,200 ($12) for non-residents.

3. What is the best time to visit Lake Naivasha?

Lake Naivasha is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit is during the dry season, which is from June to September. During this period, the weather is warm and dry, making it ideal for outdoor activities like bird watching, hiking, cycling, camping, and wildlife watching. However, you can still visit during other times of the year, but it’s best to check the weather forecast before you go.

4. What kind of wildlife can you see at Lake Naivasha?

Lake Naivasha is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including hippos, giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, antelopes, and numerous bird species like flamingos, African fish eagles, cormorants, and pelicans. The best place to see wildlife is at the Hell’s Gate National Park, which offers game drives, rock climbing, and hiking. However, you can also spot wildlife while taking a boat tour around the lake.

5. What are some of the activities to do at Lake Naivasha?

When visiting Lake Naivasha, there are plenty of outdoor activities to indulge in. For instance, you can go on a boat tour around the lake, hike at Hell’s Gate National Park, go bird watching, cycling, or camping. Additionally, you can visit Crescent Island, which is accessible only by boat, and offers a serene environment for picnics and sightseeing.

6. Is it safe to visit Lake Naivasha?

Lake Naivasha is a relatively safe destination for visitors. However, it’s essential to take necessary precautions to ensure your safety. For instance, don’t walk alone at night, don’t leave valuables unattended, and always follow the park rules and guidelines when visiting National Parks like Hell’s Gate.

7. What should you carry when visiting Lake Naivasha?

When visiting Lake Naivasha, it’s essential to carry appropriate gear and supplies depending on the activities you’ll be doing. Some of the things to carry include comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots, sunscreen, binoculars, hats, insect repellent, a camera, and a water bottle. Additionally, if you’re planning to camp, don’t forget to carry camping gear such as a tent, sleeping bag, and cooking equipment.

8. How much money do you need to plan a day trip to Lake Naivasha?

The cost of a day trip to Lake Naivasha varies depending on your budget and the activities you plan to do. If you’re on a tight budget, you can expect to spend around Ksh 1,000 ($10) to Ksh 2,000 ($20) per person for entrance fees, food, and transportation. However, if you want to indulge in more activities like boat tours or game drives, you should budget around Ksh 5,000($50) to Ksh 10,000($100) per person.

9. Can you visit Lake Naivasha on a weekend getaway?

Yes, you can visit Lake Naivasha as a weekend getaway. Since the lake is just a couple of hours away from Nairobi, you can spend a day or two exploring the area’s attractions. Additionally, there are plenty of lodging options around the lake, ranging from camping sites to luxury resorts.

In Conclusion,
Lake Naivasha is a beautiful destination that should be on every traveler’s bucket list when visiting Nairobi. With proper planning, you can ensure a fantastic day trip to the lake. Remember to carry appropriate gear, follow park guidelines, and have fun exploring the many attractions around the lake.