Internal Flights on a Kenyan Safari

Lake Naivasha is a beautiful freshwater lake, located in the Rift Valley of Kenya, known for its diverse wildlife, including over 400 bird species. It offers various recreational activities such as fishing, bird watching, and boat rides to explore the crescent island. The lake's calm waters and picturesque landscape of surrounding acacia trees make it a peaceful retreat for nature lovers.

Lake Naivasha is generally safe, but visitors should follow guidelines for wildlife encounters. Vaccinations for hepatitis A, typhoid, and yellow fever are recommended.

Safety & Vaccinations

Easily accessible by road from Nairobi, approximately a 2-hour drive. Public transport options are available but renting a car or joining a tour is more convenient.

Getting There

Renting a bike, hiring a boat for lake tours, or exploring on foot with a local guide are the best ways to see the area.

Getting Around

Visitors must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) in advance. Kenya's eTA system simplifies entry for tourists, with some countries exempt. Always check the latest visa requirements before traveling.

Visas

Lake Naivasha

Lake Naivasha stands as a captivating destination, offering an array of activities that elevate the visitor's experience. From serene boat rides at an accessible cost, providing a picturesque panorama of the lake and upscale hotels, to bird and animal viewing, the options are plentiful. Witnessing hippos in their natural habitat adds a touch of wild allure.
We got to enjoy the  culinary delights abound with freshly caught fish that tantalizes the taste buds.
However, it's worth noting that during holidays and weekends, the beaches and landing points may experience congestion, lacking the expected orderliness.
Despite occasional crowding, Lake Naivasha remains a gem for those seeking a blend of relaxation and natural wonders

One of the best tourist destinations in Kenya. Must visit place with family and friends. You can experience live fish cooking.

It has amazing views, and also wildlife, hippos, water bucks, monkeys, and many more.

You will appreciate nature with the sun views you get at Lake Naivasha

Very vibrant place to be! Boat rides, hippos, and a variety of birds.
Giraffes and waterbucks linger on, not at all scared of the human activities.
And to top it off, a meal of the freshest tilapia, fried as you wait.
Great place!

This place is amazing. I’ve been there twice. Once in 2012 and once recently (2024). The fees have jumped dramatically but still worth taking a boat to the island and check out the free roaming animals.
The resort refunded us for one of our two boat fees because the boat left us stranded for 30 minutes on the island in the hot sun.

Access is via a 1.5-hour drive from Nairobi, or a short flight to the nearest airstrip with a following transfer to the resort.

Located 90 km from Nairobi, the resort is approximately a 1.5-hour drive from the city, offering easy access via well-maintained roads.

Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort

The hotel grounds are beautiful and wild animals roam free which is just incredible!!! The food is pretty good and the pool is okay. The rooms are dated (no window or balcony door nets, no AC). The rooms are very large though and the bathroom is well set up. They just need to invest in an update and add AC it’s very hot there. The grounds are breathtaking. The staff seemed nice and friendly.

Resort on Lake Naivasha with all the resort amenities -- spa, gym, conference rooms. The boat ride from the resort offers a great birding opportunity, and a way to view the lakes hippos when they're in water. There are a number of giraffes, zebras, and impalas on the property, which add to the very family friendly atmosphere. And as always amazing Kenyan hospitality from the staff. We had a great experience staying here.

The best hotel I've ever been to. The staff is super nice and helpful. The surrounding nature is astonishing, you can see all kinds of animals around the property and the food is delicious. It's worth every penny.

My recent stay at the Sopa lodge near Lake Naivasha was a mixed bag of experiences. The lodge, while bustling with tourists, provided a decent stay. The most standout feature of Sopa is undoubtedly its friendly staff. Each member of the team was approachable and always ready to assist, which made a big difference in our overall experience.

The dining experience at Sopa was quite satisfactory. The food was served in buffet style, offering a variety of choices. While the dishes weren't extraordinary, they were enjoyable and catered to different tastes. The dining area was well-maintained, and the staff in the restaurant were particularly attentive.

Regarding the accommodations, the rooms gave off a classic vibe but felt a bit outdated. They could benefit from some modern touches. Nonetheless, the rooms were clean and spacious, providing all the basic amenities needed for a comfortable stay.

The highlight of Sopa, however, was its unique location amidst wildlife. Walking to our room while spotting giraffes and zebras roaming freely around the lodge was an incredible experience. This close encounter with nature was both thrilling and serene, creating a memorable aspect of our stay.

For those looking for a straightforward, no-frills lodge with the bonus of wildlife interactions, Sopa near Lake Naivasha is worth considering. While it might not dazzle with luxury, it offers a pleasant stay with the charm of being close to nature. The experience of sharing space with giraffes and zebras is something you don’t get to see every day, making it a special destination for nature lovers.

We loved Naivasha soap lodge, it was an absolutely amazing experience to see the zebras and giraffes strolling by our room in the morning. Amazing friendly staff. Simply awesome food. As vegetarians we were so pleased to see a wide variety of vegetarian options for every meal. Strongly recommend this place to everyone

The resort comprises 82 rooms, including 6 inter-connecting rooms on the ground floor and 2 rooms accessible for wheelchair users. The cottages, built in a crescent shape, feature large windows, televisions, mini-bars, telephones, electronic safes, and tea and coffee making facilities. Ground floor rooms offer sunken living rooms that open onto manicured lawns, while top floor rooms boast king-size beds and balconies overlooking the gardens.

A scenic 2 hour drive from Nairobi, offering guests an easy and picturesque journey to the resort. 

Accessible via chartered flights to the nearest airstrip, providing a seamless connection to Kenya's major cities and attractions.

Enashipai Resort & Spa

Great customer service, clean rooms, quiet area, perfect for a getaway. However, I have a complaint on the spa treatment. The massage oil used on me caused rashes all over. I've taken an antihistamine to relieve the itchiness and reduce the mutation. Kindly check the oils you use.

What a place to be, I loved everything about Enashipai. The staff at the reception are friendly and welcoming. The food was super delicious, rooms are very nice, spacious and clean. I'd like to appreciate Martha, she made our stay very enjoyable and truly memorable.

The service was one of a kind...right from the reception..thank you Beatrice for making us feel soo welcome and warm.Everyone went out of their way to make our stay delightful. Thank you.
The spa is an experience that l would recommend to all..it left me relaxed and stress free..
The food was sumptuous and lots of variety..we were spoilt for choice..
The walk to the lake through the well paved paths was a joy and a great activity.
I do recommend this hotel for any one who wants to enjoy a weekend or a holiday.We will be coming bck soon for a longer stay.

The facility is good but staff are dishonest and rude.
A case in point is that of Duncan the chef and manager at the main restaurant on Sunday 26 February 2024 demanding to be paid by customers to allow them celebrate a birthday party for a 2 year old baby. Shame on them and the Leadership of that day!!
Never again shall we refer now and in future or use this facility because of harassment and dishonesty by the staff.

Sorry but I want the whole world to read the concerns of affected customers, its not a private matter!!
Why didn't the manager or staff for that matter tell us before we sat down to order until we had dinner then they rush rudely shaking to us that we can't celebrate in that environment?? That's what I call being dishonest to customers! Let the world know the truth, no hiding!

Families will find endless entertainment at Enashipai. The Kiboko Kids' Club keeps little ones engaged with fun activities, while the swimming pool and playground provide hours of laughter. Enjoy family game nights, movie nights under the stars, or simply bond over a delicious meal together.

Enashipai Resort & Spa is more than just a resort; it's an experience. It's a place to reconnect with nature, discover new adventures, and create unforgettable memories with loved ones. Whether you're seeking relaxation, adventure, or a taste of authentic African culture, Enashipai promises a "Place of Happiness" that will leave you yearning to return.

Enashipai Resort and Spa

Enashipai Resort and Spa offers a variety of room types to cater to every guest's needs, including Fountain Executive Rooms, Garden Executive Rooms, Villa Executive Rooms, and a special Honeymoon Suite. Each room is spaciously designed with Afro-chic décor, king or twin beds, and modern amenities. The rooms feature large bathrooms, dressing areas, fireplaces, and private verandas with views of lush tropical gardens or the surrounding hills, ensuring a comfortable and serene stay.

Traveling from Nairobi to Loldia House takes about 30 minutes by plane, with daily flights available from Governors’ Aviation.

A road transfer from Nairobi to Loldia House takes approximately two hours, offering a scenic drive through the beautiful landscapes of Kenya.

Loldia House

Loldia House is located further west of the  Lake Naivasha shores, it is in a wildlife conservancy where you can enjoy night, day game drives and boat ride on the lake. A beautiful place to relax as you continue with your safari.

Where to even start....I feel so privileged staying at Loldia House. I love a nice bath and I think I need a hot water bottle every night from now on (thank you Charles!). We had a private guide, Samuel, who was incredibly knowledgeable about more than just the big animals (plants, history, and the small critters). We ended up having a private chef, Runo, who I think was a bit dismayed that I didn't want to eat much, trust me it was amazing! The host Tina was a true professional and made sure to touch base with us regularly to make sure we were happy. And I can't forget Simon who kept us well fed and hydrated. And thank you to all the other staff that made our stay so special!

It’s a dream place!!!!

The property is overseeing the Lake Naivasha - you wake up with the stunning view! It’s located on a private land, away from roads -it’s a perfect place to relax. Just that is a dream itself, however, what makes the place exceptional is the staff. If you go there ask for  Simon who is the best waiter and will do absolutely anything to accommodate and make you smile. Ask for Peter who would move mountains to make you feel welcomed in the house and last but not least you need to have Gideon as your tour guide. He has no equal in what he does - he is resemblance of knowledge, passion and kindness.

Biggest thank you to the 3 of you as you made our stay unforgettable!

It is a game lodge..located on the shores of lake naivasha...food is excellent and the rooms very comfortable..quite and
beautiful view of the lake ..one can have a game drive to see wild animals.

A wonderful, relaxing and truly special place to stay. Amazingly friendly and helpful staff, tasty food and a perfect place to unwind and settle into Kenyan life before or after a safari. Loved the infinity pool and will return again next time I visit Kenya.

Accommodations at Loldia House are a blend of comfort and rustic charm, offering beautiful country-style rooms with en-suite bathrooms. Guests can choose from the main house, garden cottages, or the hilltop Top Cottage, which is ideal for families or groups. All rooms are adorned with elegant furnishings and provide stunning views of the surroundings, including the lake and Mount Longonot. Modern amenities like 220/240 UK Volt plugs and Wi-Fi in the main areas ensure a comfortable and connected stay.

A serene freshwater lake with abundant wildlife and bird species.

Ideal for bird watching with clear skies and minimal rain, making outdoor activities pleasant.

High Season

Heavy rainfall can make wildlife spotting challenging, but the landscape is lush and vibrant.

Low Season

Mild weather with occasional showers, perfect for those looking to avoid peak crowds.

Shoulder Season

Warm and dry conditions are perfect for exploring the diverse flora and fauna.

Best time to go

The lion has been one of the best-known wild animals since earliest times. Lions are most active at night and live in a variety of habitats.

The lion is a well-muscled cat with a long body, large head, and short legs. Size and appearance vary considerably between the sexes. The male’s outstanding characteristic is his mane, which varies between different individuals and populations. 

Lions are unique among cats in that they live in a pride. The pride typically spend the day scattered that may unite to hunt or share a meal. Lions prey on a large variety of animals ranging in size from wildebeest to Cape Buffalo.

Lion

Elephant

Black Rhino

Cheetah

Hippo

Hyena

Leopard

Giraffe

Zebra

Gazelle

Buffalo

Wildebeest

Lake Naivasha is a haven for bird enthusiasts, with hippos, giraffes, buffalos, and zebras commonly seen around the lake.

Lake Naivasha

Lake Naivasha

About Lake Naivasha

When to go

Seasons

What to do

Wildlife

Lion

Elephant

Black Rhino

Cheetah

Hippo

Hyena

Leopard

Giraffe

Zebra

Gazelle

Buffalo

Wildebeest

Lion

Elephant

Black Rhino

Cheetah

Hippo

Hyena

Leopard

Giraffe

Zebra

Gazelle

Buffalo

Wildebeest

Where to stay

Hotels & Lodges

Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort

Enashipai Resort and Spa

Loldia House

What to know

Blog

Internal Flights on a Kenyan Safari

Frequently Asked Questions