Lake Naivasha | Urban Jay Safaris

About the Reserve

Lake Naivasha is one of Kenya’s most peaceful and scenic safari destinations — a freshwater lake in the Great Rift Valley, about 90–100 km from Nairobi (≈1.5–2 hours drive). It’s the kind of place where the vibe slows down: calm waters, yellow acacia trees, fish eagles calling overhead, and hippos grunting at sunset.

Unlike most Kenyan parks that focus on vehicle game drives, Naivasha is more relaxed and activity-based — think boat rides, walking safaris, cycling, and nature walks.
It’s especially popular for:

Weekend getaways
Family trips
Honeymoons
First/last night stops before or after Maasai Mara safaris

Highlights

Close to Nairobi (easy access)
Perfect for short stays or weekend trips
Boat safaris offer unique wildlife viewing
Walking safaris possible (rare in Kenya parks)
Very scenic and green landscapes
Great birdwatching destination
Less crowded than big parks
Family-friendly and safe
Good mix of relaxation + activities
Affordable accommodation options available

Good to Know

No Big Five (no lions, elephants, buffalo inside main lake area)
Not ideal for classic predator game drives
Can feel more like a holiday resort than wilderness safari
Some areas have mosquitoes
Weather can be cool or rainy at times
Flower farms nearby reduce the “wild” feel in some spots
Water levels sometimes flood certain areas

Wildlife & Nature

Hippos (very common) Giraffes Zebras Waterbuck Impalas Gazelles Warthogs Buffalo (mainly in nearby parks) Colobus monkeys Vervet monkeys Hyrax Jackals Birds (huge variety) African fish eagle Pelicans Cormorants Kingfishers Herons Egrets Flamingos (seasonal) Ospreys African jacanas Cranes Over 400 species total Nile monitor lizards Small crocodiles (rare sightings)