Lake Naivasha

Lake Naivasha

Lake Naivasha is located near Kenya’s Great Rift Valley and is a popular weekend escape for Nairobi residents.

• Take a boat trip on Lake Naivasha and spot hippos, fish eagles, kingfishers and other birdlife. This is one of Kenya’s best birdwatching destinations.
• Go on a walking safari on Crescent Island and explore the area on foot among zebras, giraffes and antelopes.
• Cycle through Hell’s Gate National Park, one of the few parks in Kenya where you can explore by bike.
• Hike through Hell’s Gate Gorge and discover narrow canyons, red rock formations and small waterfalls.
• Enjoy lunch or a drink at Camp Carnelley’s, a lively lakeside spot popular with Nairobi residents, especially during weekends.
• Hike Mount Longonot, a full-day hike.

Approx. 7 hours | 307 km

Get an early start; today is a long driving day. First, return to Nairobi and take the city bypass to join the Nairobi – Mombasa highway. Google Maps will suggest two routes — but don’t trust it blindly. The route via Athi River–Namanga (C103) looks shorter but is in bad condition and can easily damage your car. Instead, take the Nairobi–Mombasa highway, turn off at Emali, and follow the smooth C102 to Kimana Gate. This route is fully paved, fast, scenic and the best way to enter the park.

Approx. 2 hours | 80 km

On the way, make a stop at Lake Elementaita to stretch your legs and enjoy the view.

Approx. 4 – 5 hours | 178 km

From Lake Naivasha, drive towards Narok, the main gateway town to the Masai Mara. Narok is a good place to refuel and stock up on supplies before continuing your journey.

From Narok, follow the C12 towards the Masai Mara. Near the small village of Bakitabu, leave the C12 and branch left, where you’ll see the signpost to your camp at Maji Moto. Google Maps may suggest taking the C11, but avoid this route. The road is very rough, can be hard on the car and will take considerably longer.

Approx. 5–6 hours | 212 km

From Lake Naivasha, drive towards Narok, the main gateway town to the Masai Mara. Narok is a good place to refuel and stock up on supplies before continuing your journey.

From Narok, follow the C12 towards the Masai Mara. Depending on the location of your accommodation, continue towards either Sekenani or Talek Gate, or navigate directly to your accommodation if it is located outside the reserve.

Approx. 2-3  hours | 95 km

It’s a lovely drive on a good paved road. The route takes you up and down the escarpment, with sweeping views over the Masai plains.