Overview
Lake Naivasha, just 90 minutes from Nairobi, is a top destination for both local and international travelers. With its freshwater lake, dramatic views of Mt. Longonot, abundant wildlife (including hippos and over 400 bird species), and access to attractions like Hell’s Gate National Park and Crescent Island, Naivasha is ideal for relaxation, safaris, and outdoor adventures. Accommodation options are vast, from five-star luxury resorts to quirky cottages, eco-lodges, and rustic campsites.
1. Luxury Lakeside Lodges & Hotels
Experience the best of Naivasha’s hospitality with top amenities, lakeside locations, and fine dining.
- Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort: Iconic lodge on a vast lakeshore estate, large rooms, hippo lawns, two pools, kids’ club, gardens, conference facilities.
- Enashipai Resort & Spa: 5-star resort, stylish rooms, award-winning spa, multiple restaurants, pool, night club, family-friendly.
- Sawela Lodges: Spacious grounds, beautiful gardens, two pools, kids’ play area, team-building activities, top for groups and conferences.
- Lake Naivasha Country Club: Colonial-era elegance, lush lawns, large pool, great birding, sunset boat cruises.
- The Great Rift Valley Lodge & Golf Resort: Set on the escarpment above the lake, golf course, villas, tennis, nature trails, panoramic views.
- Chui Lodge: Exclusive boutique lodge in the Oserengoni Wildlife Sanctuary, luxury cottages, gourmet cuisine, wildlife viewing.
- Muthu Lake Naivasha Country Club: Heritage property, updated facilities, spa, tennis, gardens.
- Kiboko Luxury Camp: Tented luxury, private decks on the lake, fine dining, wildlife at your doorstep.
- Naivasha Kongoni Lodge: Elegant cottages, pool, restaurant, close to Hell’s Gate and Oserengoni Conservancy.
- Crater Lake Tented Camp & Game Sanctuary: Unique location inside a volcanic crater, tented rooms, walking safaris, flamingo lake.
2. Mid-Range Hotels, Lodges & Camps
Well-appointed rooms, good food, and lovely locations for reasonable prices. Perfect for families and groups.
- Fisherman’s Camp: Iconic Naivasha camp, lakeside bandas, family chalets, excellent bar/restaurant, live music, boat trips.
- Elsamere Conservation Centre: Once Joy Adamson’s home, lakeside cottages, high tea, wildlife and history tours.
- Camp Carnelley’s: Chill lakeside hangout, bandas, treehouses, family-friendly, great bar/restaurant, yoga, boat trips.
- Burch’s Resort Naivasha: Modern rooms, pool, restaurant, direct lake access, boat rides.
- Taphe Guest Resort: Affordable, neat rooms, homely meals, views of the lake.
- Masada Hotel: Reliable, pool, bar, good for groups.
- Sweet Lake Resort: Spacious grounds, pool, comfortable rooms, weddings, events.
- Astorian Grand Hotel: Well-equipped, affordable, friendly staff, centrally located.
- Lake Naivasha Crescent Camp: Tented camp, pool, birdlife, lakeside setting.
- Naivasha Peppercorn Holiday Resort: Chalets and tents, nice gardens, pool, family-friendly.
3. Eco-Lodges & Nature Retreats
Low-impact, sustainable stays close to nature. Great for eco-travelers, birders, and those seeking a quieter retreat.
- Olerai House: Intimate, eco-chic lodge set in acacia woodland, run by a renowned Kenyan conservationist.
- Hippo Point Wildlife Sanctuary: Exclusive, unique 1930s tower and manor, wildlife-filled estate, wellness focus.
- Malu Lodge: Forest hideaway in the hills above Naivasha, cozy cottages, farm-to-table dining, biking and walking trails.
- Wileli House: Eco-lodge in private wildlife sanctuary, bush walks, spa, birdlife, lakeside views.
- Oasis Eco Camp: Off-grid, simple eco-cabins, friendly hosts, lakeshore setting, canoeing and fishing.
- Crayfish Camp: Set on the papyrus-lined lake edge, eco-chalets, basic camping, popular for events.
- Chui Lodge: (Also luxury) Known for conservation efforts, private reserve game drives.
- Elmenteita Weavers Eco Camp: Off-the-beaten-path, simple eco-campsite near Lake Elementaita, good for birders.
4. Self-Catering Villas, Cottages & Apartments
Ideal for families, groups, and longer stays—enjoy independence, privacy, and the comfort of home.
- Lake Naivasha Villas: Fully furnished, gated estate, pool, gardens, full kitchens.
- Fina Gardens Resort: Modern cottages, self-cater or order meals, safe for kids.
- Boffar Apartments: Spacious apartments, lake access, good for long stays.
- Elsamere Villas: Extended stays with historic charm, close to the main centre.
- Jambo Naivasha Resort: Villas and apartments with pool, gardens, conference space.
- Shepherds Huts Naivasha: Charming English-style huts, kitchens, lakeside.
- Naivasha West Beach Camp: Cottages with kitchenettes, affordable and family-friendly.
- Naivasha Holiday Homes: Variety of rental options from studios to 5-bedroom villas.
- Ziwa Bush Lodge: Self-contained cottages, wildlife-rich setting.
- Kiboko Bay Resort: Cottages with kitchens, boat access.
5. Budget-Friendly Campsites & Hostels
Affordable, social, and ideal for adventure seekers and overlanders. Often with simple bandas or dorms and great atmospheres.
- Fisherman’s Camp (Lower and Upper): Budget bandas, campsites, vibrant scene, basic kitchen facilities, backpacker favorite.
- Camp Carnelley’s: Treehouses, dorms, camping, lakeside location, fun vibe.
- Crayfish Camp: Pitch your own tent, rent a simple room or banda, restaurant and bar.
- Triple Eden Naivasha Hotel: Budget rooms, camping, close to town.
- Naivasha Treehouse Hostel: Dorms and camping under giant acacias, relaxed, sociable.
- Burch’s Resort Camping: Large, grassy grounds for tents, lakeshore.
- Elmenteita Weavers Eco Camp: Campsite and dorms, fire pit, communal kitchen.
- Oasis Eco Camp: Lakeside pitches, eco-lodges, chill, friendly.
- Jaza Naivasha Backpackers: Dorm beds, communal kitchen, social travelers.
- Sweet Lake Resort Campsite: Camping zone within a mid-range resort, access to pool.
6. Family & Group-Friendly Resorts
Spacious rooms, activities, pools, and flexible options make these best for families or larger groups.
- Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort: Multiple pools, playground, gardens, kids’ menu, adjoining rooms.
- Sawela Lodges: Family suites, children’s activities, large play areas, conference options.
- Enashipai Resort & Spa: Villas, kids’ club, childminding, lots of group activities.
- Sweet Lake Resort: Large grounds, wedding facilities, child-friendly menus.
- Burch’s Resort: Family cottages, pool, fun for all ages.
- Fina Gardens Resort: Cottages, safe for kids, group bookings.
- Lake Naivasha Crescent Camp: Family tents, child-friendly, pool.
- Masada Hotel: Group rates, adjoining rooms, safe grounds.
- Naivasha Holiday Homes: Range of villas to accommodate any group size.
- Ziwa Bush Lodge: Wildlife-viewing, family cottages, safe setting.
7. Romantic & Honeymoon Retreats
Perfect for couples seeking seclusion, luxury, and breathtaking scenery.
- Chui Lodge: Intimate cottages, bush dinners, private reserve, game drives just for two.
- The Great Rift Valley Lodge & Golf Resort: Villas with private balconies, mountain views, golf, spa.
- Olerai House: Romantic woodland setting, elegant decor, personal service.
- Lake Naivasha Country Club: Historic charm, sunset boat rides, lovely lawns.
- Enashipai Resort & Spa: Couples’ spa packages, suites, private dinners.
- Crater Lake Tented Camp: Sleep beside a volcanic lake, pink flamingo dawns.
- Hippo Point Wildlife Sanctuary: Secluded tower, personalized attention.
- Wileli House: Private cottages, bush walks, tranquil sanctuary.
- Elsamere Conservation Centre: Sunset teas, lakeside views, wildlife on the lawn.
- Kiboko Luxury Camp: Private decks, lakeside, fine dining.
8. Long Stay & Business Travel
Those needing workspaces, city convenience, or extended stays will find great options.
- Sarova Woodlands Hotel & Spa: Modern amenities, spa, gym, city location.
- Boffar Apartments: Full kitchens, high-speed WiFi, central.
- Astorian Grand Hotel: Business center, reliable service.
- Taphe Guest Resort: Extended stay rates, home-cooked meals.
- Masada Hotel: Pool, conference rooms, close to town.
- Jambo Naivasha Resort: Apartments, gardens, meeting rooms.
- Fina Gardens Resort: Weekly/monthly deals, family friendly.
- Legacy Apartments: New, comfortable, good for professionals.
- Eka Hotel Naivasha: Full-service hotel, easy highway access.
Naivasha Accommodation Comparison Table
| Property/Category | Location | Style/Type | Price Range (pppn) | Key Features | Family Friendly | Pool | On Lake | Eco/Ethical |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort | Lakeside | Luxury Resort | $180–$350 | Hippo lawns, big rooms, kids’ club | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Enashipai Resort & Spa | Town/Lakeside | 5-Star Resort | $200–$400 | Spa, night club, villas | Yes | Yes | No | Some |
| The Great Rift Valley Lodge | Hills/Escarp | Resort/Villas | $150–$300 | Golf, mountain views, nature trails | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Chui Lodge | Sanctuary | Boutique Lodge | $300–$600 | Game drives, exclusive, eco-focus | No | Yes | No | Yes |
| Camp Carnelley’s | Lakeside | Camp/Bandas | $10–$80 | Treehouses, bar, yoga, chill vibe | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Fisherman’s Camp | Lakeside | Camp/Bandas | $10–$60 | Live music, bandas, camping | Yes | No | Yes | Some |
| Lake Naivasha Crescent Camp | Lakeside | Tented Camp | $90–$160 | Pool, birdlife, family tents | Yes | Yes | Yes | Some |
| Wileli House | Sanctuary | Eco-Lodge | $120–$250 | Wildlife, spa, private | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Olerai House | Woodland | Boutique/Eco | $200–$350 | Birding, gardens, intimate | Yes | No | No | Yes |
| Crayfish Camp | Papyrus Edge | Camp/Eco | $10–$40 | Events, basic camping, bar | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Lake Naivasha Country Club | Lakeside | Historic Hotel | $120–$220 | Colonial, lawns, pool, boat rides | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Fina Gardens Resort | Town | Cottages/Villas | $40–$120 | Kitchens, family safe, long stay | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Kiboko Luxury Camp | Lakeside | Luxury Tented | $200–$350 | Private decks, lakeside wildlife | Yes | No | Yes | No |
| Oasis Eco Camp | Lakeside | Eco Camp/Camping | $10–$50 | Off-grid, canoes, friendly | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Elsamere Conservation Centre | Lakeside | Historic Lodge | $80–$160 | Tea, wildlife, historic tours | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
*pppn = per person per night. Rates are estimates and may change seasonally.