Naivasha is a breathtaking destination in the heart of Kenya, where natural beauty, outdoor adventure and rich cultural experiences come together.
With its stunning landscapes — from rolling hills and pristine lakes to vibrant forests and fertile farmlands — it’s a sought-after destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.
Naivasha is a charming Rift Valley town set on the shores of Lake Naivasha, one of the Great Rift Valley’s rare freshwater lakes. Blending scenic beauty, abundant wildlife and rich agricultural landscapes, it’s a favourite escape for both local and international travellers.
From budget-friendly stays to refined luxury escapes, Naivasha offers accommodation to suit every preference and budget. Here are some of the best hotels to consider during your stay.
From wildlife safaris and scenic hikes to water sports and lakeside relaxation, Naivasha offers something for every traveller. Discover its rich culture, explore local villages and markets, and connect with its welcoming community. Visit Naivasha for an unforgettable experience in one of Kenya’s most captivating destinations.
Naivasha, with a population of around 180,000–200,000, spans roughly 139 km² and uses the Kenyan Shilling (KES). The best time to visit is June to October or January to March for dry, sunny weather ideal for safaris, lake activities, and hiking. English and Swahili are widely spoken, alongside local Kikuyu and Maasai dialects.
Classic savannah landscape, with grassy plains.
A verdant and thriving forest situated along the Mara River's banks.
Lake Nakuru, encompassed by grassy woodlands.
Seen in huge numbers in Kenya’s Masai Mara.
The largest of the zebras and a welcome sighting.
Classic savannah landscape, with grassy plains.
Naivasha experiences a dry season from June to October and January to March with sunny, ideal conditions for safaris, lake activities, and hiking, a green season in April to May and November with occasional rains and lush scenery, and transition periods at the edges of the rainy months offering mixed but generally pleasant weather for outdoor exploration.
Whether you’re a nature lover, birdwatcher, thrill-seeker or simply in search of a peaceful escape, Naivasha delivers. With luxury resorts, eco-lodges and budget-friendly hotels, there’s something for every traveller.
Malindi, where the Kenyan coast shimmers with history and culture, blends Swahili charm with centuries of Indian Ocean influence. Wander colorful streets lined with bustling markets, historic landmarks, and aromatic spice shops, while dhows drift lazily along the sparkling harbor. Every corner whispers stories of explorers and traders, inviting discovery beyond the usual tourist path. Through Esci Travel’s curated guidance, your Malindi journey unfolds effortlessly, connecting you with the city’s heritage, hidden gems, and authentic coastal experiences.
Masai Mara
Overview Disclaimer Embark on a 5-day Kenyan adventure showcasing the country’s iconic landscapes and wildlife. Start at Lake Naivasha with an exploration of Hell’s Gate National Park, known for its striking cliffs and geothermal features. Continue to Lake Nakuru to witness its spectacular birdlife, including flamingos, and a variety of wildlife against scenic Rift Valley backdrops. Conclude with the legendary Masai Mara, where classic Big Five encounters and expansive savannahs offer an unforgettable safari experience. This itinerary delivers a balanced blend of geology, birdlife, and iconic African wildlife. Prices are subject to change based on accommodation availability and applicable government regulations. Children aged between 0-2 years are FOC Children aged 3-12 years pay 50% of the adult sharing rate when sharing with adult. Children aged 3-12 years pay 75% of the adult rate when staying in their own separate room. Children above 12 years are recognized as adults Embark on a 5-day Kenyan adventure showcasing the country’s iconic landscapes and wildlife. Start at Lake Naivasha with an exploration of Hell’s Gate National Park, known for its striking cliffs and geothermal features. Continue to Lake Nakuru to witness its spectacular birdlife, including flamingos, and a variety of wildlife against scenic Rift Valley backdrops. Conclude with the legendary Masai Mara, where classic Big Five encounters and expansive savannahs offer an unforgettable safari experience. This itinerary delivers a balanced blend of geology, birdlife, and iconic African wildlife. Prices are subject to change based on accommodation availability and applicable government regulations. Children aged between 0-2 years are FOC Children aged 3-12 years pay 50% of the adult sharing rate when sharing with adult. Children aged 3-12 years pay 75% of the adult rate when staying in their own separate room. Children above 12 years are recognized as adults
5 days 4 nights
6 people
Amboseli
Overview Disclaimer For 7 days, discover the heart of Kenya on this unforgettable safari through its most iconic landscapes and wildlife destinations. The journey begins in Amboseli National Park, where vast plains are home to giant-tusked elephants and sweeping views of Mount Kilimanjaro create a dramatic backdrop for unforgettable game drives. Expect close wildlife encounters and classic safari scenes beneath Africa’s highest peak. Travel onward into the Great Rift Valley to Lake Nakuru, renowned for its flamingo-dotted shores and as a vital sanctuary for black and white rhinos. Game drives here reveal rich birdlife, grazing wildlife, and scenic lakeside vistas. A peaceful contrast awaits at Lake Naivasha, a freshwater oasis where hippos lounge along the shoreline, fish eagles soar overhead, and the safari pace slows amid tranquil landscapes. The adventure culminates in the legendary Masai Mara, where endless savannahs host the Big Five and, in season, the dramatic Great Migration of wildebeest and zebras. With expertly guided game drives, authentic cultural encounters, and carefully selected accommodations, this safari offers a perfect balance of adventure, scenery, and iconic wildlife—delivering a true Kenyan classic filled with once-in-a-lifetime moments Prices are subject to change based on accommodation availability and applicable government regulations. Children aged between 0-2 years are FOC Children aged 3-12 years pay 50% of the adult sharing rate when sharing with adult. Children aged 3-12 years pay 75% of the adult rate when staying in their own separate room. Children above 12 years are recognized as adults For 7 days, discover the heart of Kenya on this unforgettable safari through its most iconic landscapes and wildlife destinations. The journey begins in Amboseli National Park, where vast plains are home to giant-tusked elephants and sweeping views of Mount Kilimanjaro create a dramatic backdrop for unforgettable game drives. Expect close wildlife encounters and classic safari scenes beneath Africa’s highest peak. Travel onward into the Great Rift Valley to Lake Nakuru, renowned for its flamingo-dotted shores and as a vital sanctuary for black and white rhinos. Game drives here reveal rich birdlife, grazing wildlife, and scenic lakeside vistas. A peaceful contrast awaits at Lake Naivasha, a freshwater oasis where hippos lounge along the shoreline, fish eagles soar overhead, and the safari pace slows amid tranquil landscapes. The adventure culminates in the legendary Masai Mara, where endless savannahs host the Big Five and, in season, the dramatic Great Migration of wildebeest and zebras. With expertly guided game drives, authentic cultural encounters, and carefully selected accommodations, this safari offers a perfect balance of adventure, scenery, and iconic wildlife—delivering a true Kenyan classic filled with once-in-a-lifetime moments Prices are subject to change based on accommodation availability and applicable government regulations. Children aged between 0-2 years are FOC Children aged 3-12 years pay 50% of the adult sharing rate when sharing with adult. Children aged 3-12 years pay 75% of the adult rate when staying in their own separate room. Children above 12 years are recognized as adults
7 days 6 nights
6 people
Tsavo
Overview Disclaimer Embark on a 9-day journey through Kenya’s most iconic landscapes, where dramatic scenery, abundant wildlife, and authentic culture come together. Begin in Tsavo West, with its volcanic hills, roaring rocks, and crystal-clear Mzima Springs, home to elephants, hippos, and predators. Next, visit Amboseli National Park, set beneath Mount Kilimanjaro, to encounter vast elephant herds and experience Maasai culture through traditional song, dance, and village visits. Explore the Rift Valley lakes of Naivasha and Nakuru, where boat rides reveal hippos and birds, flamingoes paint the shores pink, and rhinos roam protected sanctuaries. Conclude in the legendary Maasai Mara, where endless savannahs offer thrilling sightings of the Big Five, cheetahs, leopards, and, during migration season, sweeping herds of wildebeest and zebras. This safari blends game drives, scenic vistas, wildlife encounters, and cultural experiences, creating an unforgettable adventure in the heart of Kenya. Prices are subject to change based on accommodation availability and applicable government regulations. Children aged between 0-2 years are FOC Children aged 3-12 years pay 50% of the adult sharing rate when sharing with adult. Children aged 3-12 years pay 75% of the adult rate when staying in their own separate room. Children above 12 years are recognized as adults Embark on a 9-day journey through Kenya’s most iconic landscapes, where dramatic scenery, abundant wildlife, and authentic culture come together. Begin in Tsavo West, with its volcanic hills, roaring rocks, and crystal-clear Mzima Springs, home to elephants, hippos, and predators. Next, visit Amboseli National Park, set beneath Mount Kilimanjaro, to encounter vast elephant herds and experience Maasai culture through traditional song, dance, and village visits. Explore the Rift Valley lakes of Naivasha and Nakuru, where boat rides reveal hippos and birds, flamingoes paint the shores pink, and rhinos roam protected sanctuaries. Conclude in the legendary Maasai Mara, where endless savannahs offer thrilling sightings of the Big Five, cheetahs, leopards, and, during migration season, sweeping herds of wildebeest and zebras. This safari blends game drives, scenic vistas, wildlife encounters, and cultural experiences, creating an unforgettable adventure in the heart of Kenya. Prices are subject to change based on accommodation availability and applicable government regulations. Children aged between 0-2 years are FOC Children aged 3-12 years pay 50% of the adult sharing rate when sharing with adult. Children aged 3-12 years pay 75% of the adult rate when staying in their own separate room. Children above 12 years are recognized as adults
9 days 8 nights
6 people
The best times to visit Naivasha are the dry seasons—June to September and January to February—offering clear skies, pleasant temperatures, ideal conditions for hiking, cycling, boat rides, and easier wildlife spotting. The rainy seasons (March to May and October to December) bring lush, vibrant landscapes and fewer tourists, though some roads and trails may be muddy or difficult to access.
Naivasha’s dining scene blends local and international flavors, from fresh lake fish like tilapia and Nile perch to traditional Kenyan staples such as ugali and sukuma wiki. Many lodges and resorts offer farm-to-table meals, stews, grilled meats, and global dishes, while lakeside dining at sunset provides a perfect setting for romantic dinners or special celebrations.
Naivasha isn’t just for serene wildlife viewing—it’s an adventure hub, offering hiking, cycling, rock climbing, and horseback safaris for every interest and fitness level.
Loldia House offers a choice of accommodation either in the old family house or in cottages in the grounds. In the main house, there is one en-suite double room.
