Naivasha's best kept secrets: 5 places you need to visit
- Faith Barorot
- Feb 11, 2020
- 2 min read
Updated: Feb 12, 2020
What's the first thing that comes to mind when you think about Naivasha? For me, it was always Hellsgate, Delamare, Great Rift and Lake Naivasha. However, this weekend getaway revealed the diversity of Naivasha, filled with several attractions that don't make the 'mainstream' cut.
For your next adventure to Naivasha, make sure you consider the following activities to experience it in a different light!
1. Crave Kitchen & Bakery for breakfast
I'd heard about this restaurant several times so I thought I could sneak it into the itinerary given its on the way to Naivasha. My efforts weren't in vain. This cafe surprised me with its location, ambience and food. You would not expect much from a cafe hidden away between the other small shops on that street.
It doesn't end there, the prices are also unbeatable! I spent a total of Kshs 140 for a full breakfast. If you hear I'm moving to Kikuyu in the near future, don't be too surprised!
2. Lake Naivasha for boat riding and kayaking
First stop in Naivasha was The Fisherman's Camp. Here, one can access the boat riding and kayaking services. The prices are fixed so no bargaining required. I hear you can get cheaper prices if you access the lake from the public beach, but I thought this would be easier, given this is where we were spending the night too.
Be aware of the hippos! They're notorious in Lake Naivasha, having taken a few lives in the past (the guide casually mentioned this as we were deep in the water). However, I enjoyed the kayaking, especially because we went with the boat too, so I took a break when I got tired.
Kayaking- Kshs 500 pp per hour
Boat riding- Kshs 3500 for 7 people
3. A short hike to the Crater lake viewpoint
Crater lake is easily one of my best sights in Kenya so far. I wonder why it doesn't get the attention it deserves. It is privately owned, so you have to access it through the Crater lake Tented Camp and Game Sanctuary. Once you drive to the main reception, it is just a short hike(about half an hour) to get to the viewpoint.
Entrance: Kshs 300 pp and Kshs 200 for the car
4. A meal at the floating restaurant
The Crater Lake Tented Camp and Game Sanctuary also has a floating restaurant. Can't say much about the food but the view is breathtaking. If you don't have valentines plans yet, this could be worth considering!
5. A walk around the crescent island at Sanctuary farm
I never imagined going for a walk surrounded by wild animals. Crescent Island Game Park, accessed either through Sanctuary farm or by boat, offers a secure walk with wild animals such as giraffes, antelopes and zebras. I feel weird about disturbing their ecosystem, probably puzzled by two-legged creatures. However, I enjoyed the thrill of being surrounded by wild animals.
Fun fact: giraffes are mostly mute and have undeveloped voiceboxes!
Entrance: Kshs. 800pp to the Crescent Island Game Park and Kshs. 300 for the car entrance to Sanctuary farm
Total cost of the trip: Kshs. 7000 (2 days 1 night)
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