Naivasha

Day Trips

Make the most of your day with our curated plans, packed with Naivasha's hidden gems and unique experiences!

day 1
Arrival and Lake Naivasha Boat Ride
morning
:

Arrive in Naivasha and settle into your accommodation overlooking the lake. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast while taking in the serene views of the surrounding hills. Prepare for a peaceful boat ride to spot hippos, fish eagles, and various water birds.

afternoon
:

After your boat trip, visit Crescent Island Game Sanctuary for a guided walking safari among giraffes, zebras, and antelopes. Picnic by the lakeshore as you soak up the natural beauty of the area. Explore the nearby flower farms that contribute to Kenya's floriculture industry.

evening
:

Return to your lodge for a relaxing evening by the fire pit. Dine under the stars, enjoying local Kenyan cuisine paired with fresh Lake Naivasha produce. Reflect on the day’s wildlife experiences and prepare for tomorrow’s adventures.

day 2
Hell's Gate National Park Exploration
morning
:

Set out early with a packed breakfast for Hell's Gate National Park. Rent a bike or hike through dramatic gorges and unique rock formations, keeping an eye out for baboons and colorful birds. Take in the raw, volcanic landscape that inspired the movie 'The Lion King.'

afternoon
:

Visit the geothermal spa at Olkaria for a rejuvenating soak to soothe your muscles after a morning of exploration. Learn about geothermal energy production and its importance to Kenya's sustainable power generation. Enjoy a picnic lunch at the park’s picnic sites surrounded by nature.

evening
:

Head back to Naivasha town and explore local markets for handcrafted souvenirs. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant featuring fresh Tilapia from the lake. Unwind with a leisurely stroll near the lake as the sun sets.

day 3
Mount Longonot National Park Hike
morning
:

Begin your day early to tackle the hike up Mount Longonot, a dormant volcano with breathtaking panoramic views. Trek around the crater rim, spotting unique flora and fauna along the trail. Pause at scenic lookouts to capture photos of the Great Rift Valley and Lake Naivasha.

afternoon
:

Descend and have a well-deserved lunch at a nearby lodge or packed picnic area. Relax and enjoy the fresh air while recounting the hiking adventure with fellow travelers. Optionally, visit a nearby flower farm for a tour of the vibrant blooms grown for export.

evening
:

Return to your accommodation to rest and freshen up. Enjoy a quiet dinner, perhaps sampling nyama choma, a Kenyan grilled meat specialty. Spend the evening stargazing in the clear, unpolluted skies of the Rift Valley.

day 4
Garbage Collection and Eco-tourism Education
morning
:

Participate in a community-driven eco-tourism cleanup project around Lake Naivasha. Learn about the impact of conservation on local livelihoods and the environment. Engage with local guides sharing firsthand insights into sustainable tourism practices.

afternoon
:

Visit the Naivasha Environmental Education Center to understand water conservation efforts and wildlife protection strategies. Enjoy a locally sourced lunch prepared by community members supporting eco-tourism. Visit nearby Indigenous communities to learn about cultural traditions and crafts.

evening
:

Gather at your lodge for an open discussion or presentation about conservation challenges and successes in the region. Enjoy a meal featuring organic produce and share stories from your day’s experiences. Rest well with the peaceful sounds of nature around you.

day 5
Cruise and Bird Watching at Lake Oloiden
morning
:

Travel to nearby Lake Oloiden for an early morning bird-watching cruise. Observe migratory and resident species such as flamingos, pelicans, and kingfishers in their natural habitat. Enjoy breakfast on board while admiring the tranquil water and vast birdlife diversity.

afternoon
:

Explore the Lake Oloiden area by foot with a naturalist guide, learning about local aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. Have a rustic picnic lunch near the wetlands, appreciating the serenity away from the bustle of town. Visit a nearby farm to see how farmers utilize lake resources sustainably.

evening
:

Return to Naivasha for dinner at a lakeside restaurant with views of the sunset over the water. Engage with local anglers to hear about traditional fishing methods on the lake. Relax with a quiet evening walk along the shore under the stars.

day 6
Crater Lake Game Sanctuary Visit
morning
:

Visit the Crater Lake Game Sanctuary to see a rare ecosystem nestled within a volcanic crater. Enjoy a guided game drive spotting wildlife such as buffalo, hartebeest, and numerous bird species. Capture striking photos of the deep emerald lake surrounded by steep cliffs.

afternoon
:

Have lunch at the sanctuary’s picnic areas, surrounded by lush vegetation and wildlife sounds. Take a short hike around the rim trail for more impressive vistas and peaceful nature immersion. Learn about the sanctuary’s efforts in conservation and wildlife management.

evening
:

Return to Naivasha and dine at your lodge featuring fresh lake fish or vegetarian dishes. Participate in an informal cultural performance showcasing local music and dance. Reflect on the day’s excursions amidst the tranquil evening ambiance.

day 7
Sekenani Camp and Maasai Cultural Experience
morning
:

Drive to Sekenani Camp, located adjacent to Maasai Mara National Reserve’s northern edge. Meet Maasai community members and learn about their traditions, dress, and way of life. Start the day with a guided walk focusing on local herbal medicine and traditional hunting techniques.

afternoon
:

Enjoy a traditional Maasai lunch with storytelling about their customs and history. Participate in beadwork workshops where you can create your own Maasai jewelry. Take a short guided safari nearby to spot wildlife typical to the Mara ecosystem.

evening
:

Experience a Maasai dance and song performance by local villagers. Dine on traditional dishes around a campfire under the expansive African sky. Share stories and deepen connections with your hosts for an authentic cultural encounter.

day 8
Ol Pejeta Conservancy Day Trip
morning
:

Set out early for Ol Pejeta Conservancy, renowned for endangered species conservation including rhinos. Enjoy a morning game drive with expert guides looking for black rhinos, elephants, lions, and chimpanzees. Learn about anti-poaching efforts and wildlife protection programs within the conservancy.

afternoon
:

Have lunch at the Sweetwaters Serena Camp inside Ol Pejeta. Visit the chimpanzee sanctuary to see rescued primates in a protected environment. Explore the conservancy’s picturesque landscapes, savannahs, and waterholes dotted with wildlife.

evening
:

Head back to Naivasha in the evening, stopping for sundowner drinks with views across the plains. Enjoy a calm dinner at your lodge recounting today's wildlife sightings. Rest well after a fulfilling day immersed in one of Kenya’s premier conservancies.

day 9
Cycling and Village Visits Around Naivasha
morning
:

Rent bicycles and explore the scenic rural roads around Naivasha early in the day. Pass through agricultural villages growing maize, beans, and floriculture crops while witnessing daily Kenyan rural life. Stop to interact with locals and learn about their agricultural practices.

afternoon
:

Take a break for a hearty lunch at a local eatery serving traditional fare. Visit a community school or health center to understand development initiatives impacting the region. Continue cycling to natural springs and small streams used by local farmers and households.

evening
:

Return at dusk to your accommodation for a refreshing shower. Dine on a fusion of local and international cuisine prepared by your lodge chefs. Spend a quiet, reflective evening enjoying the peaceful countryside sounds.

day 10
Relaxation and Departure
morning
:

Spend a leisurely morning at your lodge enjoying a spa treatment or nature walk. Have a relaxing breakfast overlooking Lake Naivasha with views of hippos and birdlife. Take final photographs and souvenir shopping at boutique stores within the lodge grounds.

afternoon
:

Pack your belongings and check out of your accommodation. Take a last stroll along the lake shore to soak up the tranquility and beauty of the Rift Valley. Depart Naivasha with fond memories of Kenya’s lakeside charm and wildlife.

evening
:

Travel to Nairobi or your onward destination with convenient transport arranged from Naivasha. Reflect on your immersive 10-day itinerary filled with nature, culture, and wildlife. Plan your next visit to this captivating part of Kenya.

Discover Naivasha

Read more in our Naivasha 2025 Travel Guide.

Naivasha Travel Guide