Naivasha is a city in Kenya, 90 km northwest of Nairobi on Lake Naivasha.
Get in
There are frequent matatus from Nairobi (1½ hr, Ksh 300), a matatu from Nyahururu (2 hours, 400 Ksh). The bus or matatu fare from Naivasha to Nakuru is Ksh 200 and the trip takes one hour.
The new high-speed standard gauge railway (SGR) from Mombasa and Nairobi does not serve Naivasha directly but rather stops in Suswa, located 35 km to the southwest. Journey time from Nairobi is just over 1½ hours. This new line is useful for travelling to some of the national parks in the vicinity, but not the city itself. However, the old slower line between Nairobi and Nakuru has a station in central Naivasha, the old line has rehabilitated and limited passenger traffic is running. National operator passenger rail operator Kenya Railways Corporation maintains schedules at their website.
Some trains on the old metre gauge line will connect with the SGR at Naivasha ICD railway station while others continue to Nairobi.
- Naivasha railway station, -0.7166°, 36.4309°. 2021-08-14
- Naivasha ICD railway station, -1.0467°, 36.4910°. 2021-12-12
- Suswa railway station, -1.044764°, 36.320483°. 2020-01-01
Get around
Matatus run along the Moi South Lake Rd to Kongoni (one hour, Ksh 100). You can get off for the Hell's Gate National Park on the way.
See
- Lake Naivasha is a beautiful freshwater lake with the highest elevation of the Kenyan Rift valley at 1,890 m. It's a popular weekend getaway for Nairobians.
- Hell's Gate National Park, outside the town, south of Lake Naivasha.
Do
- Take a boat ride on Lake Naivasha to see the birds and hippos.
- Bike through Hell's Gate National Park and see the zebra, gazelle and warthogs.
- Hike down and through the Ol Njorowa Gorge. You can get a local guide at the entrance to the gorge. Wear hiking shoes and be prepared to get a little muddy.
- Dine on fresh fish from the lake.
Buy
- Buffalo Mall, Moi S Lake Road. 9AM-9PM. many stores. 2020-10-15
- Naivas Supermarket, Blashara street. 8AM-8PM. large supermarket 2020-10-15
- Equity Bank. Has a Master Card/Visa Card ATM. 2020-10-15
Eat
The lodges and other accommodation usually have a restaurant (and bar) on site. You can also visit the local villages for fresh and very cheap Kenyan food in the restaurants and cafes.
Drink
Most lodges have a bar on site, sometimes with a TV for sports. For cheaper beer go to the bars in the villages.
Sleep
The shores of Lake Naivasha are dotted with lodging options, ranging from camping ground to high-end hotels.
- Fisherman's Camp, -0.8240°, 36.3332°, +254 202 139 922, +254 726 870 590. Fisherman's Camp is a campsite situated on the shores of Lake Naivasha (meaning 'rippling waters' in Masai). A fully equipped cottage and 4 Bandas (Kenya's equivalent to small challets) are also available. The site also has its own bar and restaurant (phone +254 5 050 462 for bookings). camping Ksh 700 per person, camping in their tents (without bedding) Ksh 950 per person, cabins for 3-5 people Ksh 5,000 2017-05-17
- Fish Eagle Inn, Moi S Lake Rd (Located next to Fisherman's Camp), -0.8269°, 36.3337°, +254 20 2737956, info@fisheagleinn.co.ke. Fish Eagle Inn has a range of accommodation from dormitories to executive suites with options for full and half board, or bed only. Camping Ksh 600, dorm bed Ksh 1000
- G M T Guest House, next to weigh bridge mai mahiu. Check-in: 11AM, check-out: 10AM. Fan double room with own bathroom and TV. from Ksh 1300 2015-08-21
- Naivasha Silver View, Kenyatta Ave, +254 716-660022. Single/double rooms. Ksh 800 2015-09-17
- Naivasha Guest House, Kenyatta Avenue (2 km from town center.), +254 50-2021227. Single/double rooms with own bathrooms. From Ksh 1,000 2015-09-17
- Heshima B & L, Kariuki Chotara Road, +254 723-103836. Room with outside hot water bathroom. Ksh 800 2015-10-10
- YMCA, Moi South Lake Road (15 km from the junction.), +254 722-840857. Camping, dorm beds, room. Camping Ksh 400, dorm bed Ksh 600 2015-10-10
- Wambuku Lodge, Moi Avenue (next to the post office.), +254 50-2030287. Single/double rooms with own bathroom. From Ksh 1200 2015-10-10
- Four Seasons Lodge. Double room with own bathroom. Ksh 800 2015-10-15
Connect
Go next
From Naivasha Town you can catch a matatu north to Nakuru.