Lake Naivasha Safari with family boat rides: Best Family safari destinations in Kenya

Are you planning a family safari in Kenya? Lake Naivasha, a hidden gem located in the heart of the Great Rift Valley, in the Nakuru County of Kenya, is a remarkable destination to visit. The word “Naivasha” comes from the Maasai word “Enaiposha”, which means “rough water” or “that which heaves”. Naivasha arose from a British attempt to pronounce the local Maasai name (Enaiposha). The lake is located at the highest elevation of the Kenyan Rift Valley, 1,884 meters (6,181ft). This area is known for its geological combinations of Volcanic rocks and sedimentary deposits from a larger Pleistocene Era Lake. Lake Naivasha is home to a variety of wildlife species and bird life, popular for its population of hippos and over 400 different bird species. Lake Naivasha Safari with family boat rides offers visitors a unique and exciting adventure, including activities like a boat cruise, nature walks, and wildlife viewing.

Lake Naivasha offers an unforgettable safari experience for both kids and adults. Whether you’re traveling with toddlers or teenagers, this destination delivers a blend of nature, wildlife, relaxation, and adventure—all in one package.

Why Choose Lake Naivasha for a Family Safari? Lake Naivasha Safari with family boat rides

Naivasha is just a short 1½ to 2-hour drive from Nairobi, making it an ideal destination for travelers looking for a day excursion or holiday escape from Nairobi. Although it is not better than the iconic destinations in Kenya like Masai Mara National Reserve, Lake Naivasha is known for its mild climate, scenic landscapes, and safe, low-altitude terrain that is perfect for family adventures – especially for those traveling with Kids. Unlike traditional game drives that require long hours in a vehicle, Lake Naivasha offers interactive and flexible activities such as boat rides, nature walks, and cycling safaris that are not offered in other top safari destinations like Masai Mara National Reserve.

Activities & Experiences in Lake Naivasha: Best things to do on Lake Naivasha Safari with family boat rides

Boat Cruise on Lake Naivasha (Family Boat Rides on Lake Naivasha)

One of the major highlights of Safaris to Lake Naivasha is the boat safari or boat rides. The boat safaris allow visitors to pass floating hippos by boat on Lake Naivasha. The cruise takes you between huge groups of hippos while seeing eagles and cormorants flying above you, and admiring giraffes and several other wildlife species on the shores.

During the boat cruise, visitors also get to view the spectacular Mount Longonot and the surrounding hills. The Boat cruise on Lake Naivasha lasts for about two hours and costs approximately 40 USD per person and about 52 USD per boat (prices are subject to change).

Visit Crescent Island Game Sanctuary

Besides the Boat cruise on Lake Naivasha, family safaris here offer even more exciting adventures like walking freely among wildlife on the Crescent Island. The Crescent Island is one of the few places in Kenya where visitors can enjoy nature guided walks. The Island is inhabited by some top wildlife species, including giraffes, zebras, waterbucks, impala, wildebeest, hares, and many small mammals. The Crescent Island is also a great home for different birdlife, including the African fish eagles, Cormorants, Kingfishers, pelicans, Grey herons, Egyptian geese, and Haerkops among others.  with no big predators.

Explore Hell’s Gate National Park

From Lake Naivasha, it is also possible to connect to Hell’s Gate National Park, which is just 15 km away. Hell’s Gate National Park is known for its towering cliffs, rugged gorges, steam vents, and geothermal activity – a landscape that looks like something out of the prehistoric world. Unlike most National parks and National Reserves in Kenya, Hell’s Gate National Park lacks predators, making it a great place to do unique adventures like cycling and nature walking safaris.

The park is home to several other wildlife species, including zebras, giraffes, buffalo, warthogs, antelopes, and several bird species. Visitors here will enjoy viewing the stunning landscapes, wildlife, and birdlife during each kind of adventure they decide to embark on.

Birdwatching Tours

Lake Naivasha is a birding paradise with over 400 recorded species found within this area. Both adults and youngsters can enjoy viewing different bird species, including kingfishers, hornbills, Goliath heron, African jacana, Yellow-billed stork, and African fish eagles, among others. Visitors will spot birdlife around the area, some perched on the trees or even as they hover overhead.