Naivasha

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), from Nyahururu (2 hours, Ksh 400), and sometimes from Narok (126 kms 2.5 hours Ksh 400). The bus or matatu fare from Naivasha to Nakuru is Ksh 300 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. There is one train a week to Kisumu every Friday costing Ksh 600 (as of 2021).

Some trains on the old metre gauge line will connect with the SGR at Naivasha ICD railway station while others continue to Nairobi.

• 1 Naivasha railway station. (updated Aug 2021)
• 2 Naivasha ICD railway station. (updated Dec 2021)
• 3 Suswa railway station. (updated Jan 2020)

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 (allegedly morning between 7-9 is best for Hippos as they sunbathe a bit, otherwise you only see their snouts). You can combine that with a transfer to Crescent Island.
• Bike through Hell's Gate National Park and see the zebra, gazelle and warthogs. It can also be a half-day hike, you can see more that way because the bike ride is a bit taxing and takes your attention. The Ol Njorowa Gorge is unfortunately closed due to past flash flood casualties. Mvuke Spa Geothermal Spa fed by a Sulphur Hot Spring in the Northwest of the park is a nice way to end an adventurous day if you manage to arrive before they close at 6pm.
• Dine on fresh fish from the lake (Tilapia & Mudfish).

Buy

• Buffalo Mall, Moi S Lake Road. 9AM-9PM. many stores. (updated May 2023)
• Naivas Supermarket, Blashara street. 8AM-8PM. there are now two Naivas supermarkets in Naivasha. best supermarket in towm. (updated May 2023)
• Cooperative Bank. 24 hours atm.. Has a no fee Master Card/Visa Card ATM. (updated Jun 2023)
• Jamaa Supermaket, Station Ln. 8am-8pm. large supermarket. (updated Jun 2023)
• Khetias Supermarket, Mbaris Kaniy Road. 8am-8pm. (updated Jun 2023)

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.

• 1 Fisherman's Camp, ☏ +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. (updated May 2022)
• 2 Fish Eagle Inn, Moi S Lake Rd (Located next to Fisherman's Camp), ☏ +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. 
• Hotel Kafiko, Biashara Road, ☏ +254-7013390068. Check-in: 11AM, check-out: 10AM. clean single/double room with own hotwater bathroom, TV, free breakfast and good Wifi. Ksh 1500/2200. (updated Jun 2023)
• YMCA, Moi South Lake Road (15 km from the junction.), ☏ +254 722-840857. Camping, dorm beds, room. Camping Ksh 400, dorm bed Ksh 700. (updated Oct 2022)

Go next

From Naivasha Town you can catch a matatu north to Nakuru.

• Hell's Gate National Park
• Mount Longonot National Park