Naivasha: Boat Ride and Crescent Island Guided Tour

Nakuru County, Kenya



Experience Lake Naivasha with a boat ride and a walk on Crescent Island, with optional horseback riding at an extra cost. Spot wildlife, enjoy scenic views, and learn about the lake’s ecosystem.

Highlights

  • Enjoy panoramic views of the Rift Valley viewpoint
  • Take a boat ride on Lake Naivasha to see hippos, birds and various animals
  • Learn about the lake’s ecosystem from your expert guide
  • Take a walk on Crescent Island to see giraffes, zebras and ostriches
  • Benefit from included pickup and drop-off

Description

Begin your adventure with a relaxing boat ride on the shimmering waters of Lake Naivasha, one of Kenya’s most picturesque freshwater lakes. Glide past floating water lilies while spotting hippos lounging in the water, colorful birdlife, including fish eagles, kingfishers, and cormorants, and giraffes, zebras, and antelopes grazing along the shoreline.

Next, step onto Crescent Island, a private wildlife sanctuary and one of the few places in Kenya where you can walk freely among wild animals. Unlike traditional game drives, this intimate walking safari allows you to get up close to giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, and waterbucks, enjoy panoramic views of Lake Naivasha and the surrounding Rift Valley, and take stunning photos in a serene, crowd-free environment.

For those seeking a unique way to explore Naivasha’s landscapes, enjoy an optional horseback riding experience. Ride through acacia forests, open plains, and along the lake’s edge while spotting wildlife from a different perspective.

Includes

  • Pickup and drop-off at your selected location
  • Boat ride fees
  • Crescent Island entrance & guided walk
  • Professional tour guide
  • Nairobi transport (if selected)

Excludes

  • Lunch & drinks
  • Horse riding (optional add-on)
  • Personal expenses

Important Information

  • Optional horse riding is available at an extra cost
  • Lunch is at your own expense
  • Pickup from Nairobi includes additional transport cost

Easy cancellation

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund

Frequently Asked Questions

You can see hippos, various bird species like fish eagles and kingfishers, and other wildlife along the shores of Lake Naivasha in Kenya.
Crescent Island is a private island on Lake Naivasha where you can walk among giraffes, zebras, and ostriches in a free-roaming environment.
The combined boat ride and guided walk on Crescent Island typically last several hours; check the activity provider’s website for exact timing.
No prior experience is needed; the tour is suitable for all fitness levels and includes expert guidance throughout.
Yes, the tour includes pickup and drop-off from designated locations in the Naivasha area.
Yes, photography is allowed and encouraged to capture the wildlife and scenic views in Kenya.
You may see zebras, ostriches, various bird species, and other native animals along Lake Naivasha and Crescent Island.
The tour is family-friendly, but it’s recommended to check age restrictions and suitability with the provider prior to booking.
The expert guide provides educational commentary about the lake's ecosystem, animal behavior, and conservation efforts in Kenya.
The tour operates year-round, but wildlife visibility is often best during Kenya's dry seasons; check the official site for seasonal advice.

Trusted local guides, read by millions every month

  • 2006 online since
  • 26.4M page views a month across the network
  • 14 languages

180+ destination guides, one network

Every guide covers a single destination on its own website, with events, restaurants, things to do and places to stay chosen from local recommendations.

My Guide Network Locations

Nearby Destinations

Add to your trip

Add your travel dates so we can place this on the right day, or save it for later.

Added to your trip Added to day {[{trip.toast.day}]}, MorningAfternoonEvening Saved to your trip Already in your trip Transfer saved to your trip Save your trip to get fresh suggestions Staying in {[{trip.toast.label}]} Base cleared Trip deleted Link copied Could not save your trip Something went wrong, please try again