Naivasha is a popular tourist destination in Kenya. It is 76 kilometres from Nairobi which translates to roughly 2 hours drive from the capital.
Hells Gate National Park, Mount Longonot National Park, Lake Naivasha and Mount Longonot are some of the attractions in Naivasha.
You have a lot of options to choose from when looking for accommodation in Naivasha be it for a family getaway, honeymoon or even an out of town with friends. Here is a list of places to stay when visiting Naivasha.
1. Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort
With their traditional and conscientious care for the environment, Sopa carefully positioned all the buildings on the property so as not to chop down any of the numerous trees on site. As a result, they had to come up with a radically innovative design for the main public area building which now snakes between the trees. The lodge has 84 rooms, two being wheelchair accessible rooms. Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort also has two swimming pools, a tennis court, two conference halls and easy easy access to Lake Naivasha.
Contact: +254-20-3750235 / +254-20-3616000
2. Naivasha Kongoni Lodge
Located 27km from the turn-off to Moi South Lake Road is Naivasha Kongoni Lodge, crafted from simple bush stone local Acacia, Leleshwa and Olivewood with a beautiful thatched Makuti roof. The Lodge whose name is Swahili for hartebeest overlooks Lake Oloiden and Lake Naivasha and only a few minutes away from Hell’s Gate National Park. It has three executive/honeymoon cottages and 26 well-spaced and beautifully furnished deluxe rooms. Each executive room has an indoor and outdoor jacuzzi and a luxurious corner shower. A swimming pool is available and sundowners can be arranged in their rondavel.
Contact: +254 702 993131 / +254 774 435628
reservations@naivashakongonilodge.com
3. Olerai House
Nature was left to take charge of this former cattle farm in 2001, and today, the farmhouse is shrouded in bougainvillaea and the scent of wildflowers fills the air. Their rooms are beautifully furnished with expansive beds and crisp linens complete with ensuite bathrooms.
The farmhouse drawing room is comfortably arranged around a crackling log fire where you can sip wine, relax and warm up.
Contact: +254 (0)731 596437
4. Lucita Farm Guest House
If you love art, then Lucita Farms is a haven for you. There are three properties on the farm. The guesthouses are perfect for families while the stable suite is perfect for couples. The guesthouses are spacious, complete with fully equipped kitchens. The stable suite is all white with quirky decor. The farm also has horses and dogs and you can easily book the cottages on Airbnb
Contact: 0707119203
5. Mundui House
Built-in 1926, this property is situated on the shore of Lake Oloiden within the ARR private wildlife conservancy, nestled in the volcanic hills and open grasslands on the western edge of Lake Naivasha. It is a 2 hours drive from Nairobi. Mundui House is the perfect romantic escape or weekend getaway for couples, families and friends. The lawns, which slope down to the lakeshore, are a favourite hangout and grazing spot for warthog, antelope, zebra, giraffe, hippo, buffalo and many species of birds. The house has no fences and wildlife roams freely.
Contact: +254 (0) 713 236 366
6. Chui Lodge
This lodge is built from simple bush stone, acacia, olive and leleshwa wood all sourced from within the sanctuary. There are eight spacious ensuite cottages, each with its own verandah and striking views. The bedrooms have magnificent four-poster beds, roaring log fires and unique decor, making the rooms completely different from one another. A large swimming pool on the property overlooks a wild sanctuary beyond.
7. The Manor House & Dodo’s Tower
The colonial Tudor-style house sits on the exclusive hippo point conservancy along with the wooden 120 foot Dodo’s tower. The Manor was derelict before being purchased by its current owners about 30 years ago, and they have since transformed it into the cosy home it is today while retaining much of its Elizabethan charm. Some of the living spaces have been renovated, with stables being turned into two-storey one-bedroom pads and a granary now serving as the main lounge.
Contact: +254 202663397
8. Elsamere Lodge
Once a holiday home and later to be a retirement home for the Adamsons, Elsamere remains a unique destination in Naivasha. Delicious meals are served here and the traditional style high teas remain the best in Kenya.
Elsamere’s history connects with the future as conservation is its main objective. The lodge has 10 double rooms, all ensuite, with private verandahs facing Lake Naivasha.
Contact: +254-722648123
9. Kiboko Luxury Camp
This boutique camp on the shores of Lake Naivasha has only eight spacious luxury tents set in the green serene surroundings. Guests can expect five-course gourmet meals from the restaurant as prepared by talented chefs, best enjoyed while taking staring at the rich scenery. While here, excursions around Naivasha can be easily arranged based on your interests.
Contact: +254 703048000
10. Enashipai Resort & Spa
A bit closer to Nairobi is Enashipai which means a place of happiness. This resort on the shores of Lake Naivasha is a great base for exploring the lake, but also for relaxation. Various kinds of rooms such as the Afro-chic fountain, executive rooms with their signature Maasai necklace headboards are available. At the spa, the signature treatment involves a mud wrap, a waterfall treatment followed by a calabash instrument massage.
Contact: +254 719 051000
11. Great Rift Valley Lodge
The Great Rift Valley Lodge is an hour and a half’s drive or a 30-minute flight from Nairobi. It is built on the Eburru. It sits at about 7,000 feet from which elevation it enjoys magnificent views to the west and east. The vistas stretch from Lake Naivasha to the jagged volcanic crater of Mount Longonot and beyond the sloping shoulders of the Aberdare Mountain. It has 21 twin and nine double rooms, all with private balconies overlooking the spectacular expanse of the rift valley. The rooms are located in spacious two and three-storey blocks, furnished with four large poster-beds, handmade wooden furniture and modern ensuite bathrooms.
Contact: +254 722 205 894
