Great Rift Valley
Naivasha.
Lakeside retreats and country houses an easy drive from Nairobi
7 Miki stays available
About Naivasha
Lakeside sanctuaries two hours from Nairobi
Lake Naivasha's shores hide some of Kenya's most romantic retreats — from lakeside farmhouses to a fairytale wooden tower — all within two hours of Nairobi.
Lake Naivasha sits at the highest point of the Kenyan Rift at 1,884 metres, ringed by acacia woodland, flower farms and volcanic scenery — Mount Longonot and Hell's Gate National Park are both close enough for a morning excursion. The lake shore has drawn escapists since the 1930s, and some of Kenya's most romantic and eccentric retreats stand here, from historic farmhouses among grazing giraffe to a fairytale wooden tower on the water's edge.
Days fill easily: boat rides among hippos and fish eagles, walking and cycling with game in Hell's Gate, horse rides through the sanctuaries, and birdlife in extraordinary variety.
Getting there
Naivasha is the easiest wilderness escape from Nairobi — around two hours by road (120 km on the A104), which makes it a favourite for long weekends. Private charters can use local airstrips.
Where to stay
Villas in Naivasha.
Ajabu House, Lake Naivasha
4 beds · sleeps 14 5.0 (3)
A delightful colonial-era bungalow and guest cottages overlooking Lake Naivasha, Ajabu sits within the private 5,500-acre Loldia Conservancy on the quiet and little-visited North Lake shore. Tranquil, traditional and highly-recommended as the ideal weekend escape from – and antidote to – Nairobi. Highlights: Beautifully and peacefully situated overlooking Lake Naivasha; Lovely gardens, bird-watching and game drives; Sleeps 14+ guests in Main House and guest cottages; Attentive experienced staff and delicious organic food; From Kes 73,080 per night for up to 6 guests “self-catering” with chef and staff.
Dodo’s Tower, Lake Oloiden, Naivasha
4 beds · sleeps 2
Unique and exquisite Dodo’s Tower is set on a magical and secluded 500-acre private estate teeming with wildlife. A stay here is an enchanting experience and combines elegant and atmospheric accommodation with glorious scenery, wonderful birds-eye views and exceptional cuisine and service. Highlights: A truly gorgeous, one-of-a-kind retreat in a sublime lakeside setting; The perfect secluded and luxurious romantic or honeymoon escape; Excellent wildlife viewing and bird watching on foot or by vehicle; 25-metre swimming pool with pool house and terrace; Charming, attentive staff and outstanding meals; Accommodates up to 6 adult guests in 4 beautiful bedrooms; Exclusive-use stays for parties of 2+ guests for 2+ nights. Rates are per night for 2 guests additional guests –.
Hippo Point Manor House, Lake Oloiden, Naivasha
6 beds · sleeps 12 5.0 (3)
Hippo Point is an escapist’s dream – an exquisite and historic Tudor-style manor house in a sublime and secluded lakeside setting. A stay here is a transporting experience and combines elegant, romantic accommodation and welcoming service with gorgeous scenery and abundant wildlife. Highlights: Stay in ‘wild luxury’ and enjoy a ‘slow safari’ at this unique private retreat; Set on a magical 500-acre lakeside sanctuary teeming with wildlife; Home to 1200 animals and 350 species of bird; Charming, attentive staff and exceptional cuisine; 25-metre swimming pool with pool house and terrace; Accommodates up to 12 guests in 6 beautiful bedrooms; Exclusive-use stays for parties of 6+ adult guests. Rates are per night for 6 guests additional guests –.
Ol Popongi Camp, Kedong, Naivasha
5 beds · sleeps 10 5.0 (3)
A beautiful and well-equipped private tented camp with swimming pool, Ol Popongi is a lovely and highly relaxing destination in itself – as well as the ideal base from which to explore and enjoy all the attractions of Lake Naivasha, Mount Longonot and Hell’s Gate National Park. Highlights: An exclusive private bush camp close to Lake Naivasha; Lovely shady grounds with swimming pool and ponds; Just 1½ hours from Nairobi by car; Excellent staff and chef on hand to help with your stay; Sleeps up to 10 guests in four spacious tents and family cottage; From US$6 0 0 per night.
Olerai House, North Lake, Naivasha
6 beds · sleeps 12 5.0 (3)
One of Naivasha and Kenya’s best kept secrets – an intimate, welcoming and characterful boutique lodge set within the magical Olerai Sanctuary – 300 beautiful rewilded lakeside acres teeming with wildlife. It’s hard to imagine a more relaxing or authentic near-to-Nairobi retreat. Highlights: Charming, rustic-chic accommodation in the former Olerai farmhouse and cottages; Just 6 bright and comfortable ensuite bedrooms – plus cosy drawing room and dining rooms; Filled with history and character – home to the Rocco and Douglas-Hamilton families for more than 90 years; A warm traditional welcome and excellent flavoursome cooking from the farm’s organic gardens; The Olerai Sanctuary is home to a huge wealth and variety of animal and birdlife; Set in 300 green acres filled with towering fig and acacia trees. Use of the swimming pool at nearby Sirocco House; Can be rented in conjunction with the 2-bedroom Olerai Studio and 3-bedroom Olerai Dairy.
The Dairy, North Lake, Naivasha
3 beds · sleeps 6 5.0 (3)
A bright, welcoming and very roomy 3-bedroom home-from-home recently and lovingly converted from the original dairy on the beautiful lakeside Olerai Sanctuary. The Dairy is filled with hospitality, comfort and charm and the extensive grounds are home to a huge wealth and variety of animal and birdlife. Highlights: A really spacious and inviting private holiday home; Set in 300 green acres teeming with wildlife; Use of shared swimming pool; Choose ‘self catering’ or from an ‘a la carte’ menu; Accommodates 6+ guests in 3 ensuite bedrooms; Can be rented in conjunction with the 2-bedroom Olerai Studio and 5-bedrooom Olerai House; Self catering – Kes 69,000 per night for up to 6 guests.
The Olerai Studio, North Lake, Naivasha
2 beds · sleeps 4 5.0 (3)
A delightful, colourful and spacious 2-bedroom cottage set within the beautiful 300-acre Olerai Sanctuary on the northern shore of Lake Naivasha, this former artist’s studio is surrounded by nature and wildlife and makes the perfect private escape from the city for a couple or family. Highlights: A pretty and spacious holiday cottage in a magical location; Set in 300 green acres teeming with wildlife; Use of shared swimming pool; Choose ‘self catering’ or from an ‘a la carte’ menu; Accommodates 4+ guests in 2 ensuite bedrooms; Can be rented in conjunction with the 3-bedroom Olerai Dairy and 5-bedrooom Olerai House; Self catering – Kes 48,000 per night for up to 4 guests + 1 child ( under 12 years).