Escape Nairobi is making the hustle to Naivasha lakeside in the paradise of (1.5-2hrs drive)90km (1.5-2hrs drive) northwest, all the finest Weekend Trip and boat safaris, hippo viewing, Hells Gate bicycle riding, and Crescent Island hiking. matatu/Uber Friday evening Nairobi CBD/Station (KSh400/KSh3,000) A budget hotel, such as Naivasha Sopa Lodge, costs KSh10,000/night. Saturday: KSh2000 boat hippo tour, KSh1500 Hells Gate bike hire/geyser hike. Sunday: picnic at Fisherman Camp, home by 6 PM. Whole budget KSh15,000/head, including food – pack sunscreen, book boats at camps. Dry seasons June-Oct; rainy seasons Mar-May greener but muddy tracks.
Transport Options
Matatu from CBD Stage (KSh400, 2hrs); Uber/pod (KSh3,000-5,000); self-drive Moi South Lake Rd via A104. Weekend shuttles from Safari Hub are reliable.
Accommodation Picks
Budget Fisherman’s Camp KSh5,000 tented; mid-range Naivasha Sopa Lodge KSh10,000, lake views/pool. Luxury Enashipai Resort KSh25,000 spa safaris.
Activity Highlights
Hippo boat KSh2,000/person 1hr; Hell’s Gate bike/geyser KSh1,500; Crescent Island walk KSh3,000 giraffe/zebra trek. Carnivore Nairobi dinner en route.
FAQs
Cheapest Nairobi-Naivasha transport?
Matatu KSh400 from CBD Stage, 2hrs—frequent Fri evenings. Book Safari Hub shuttles KSh1,500 RT.
Best budget stay Naivasha weekend?
Fisherman’s Camp KSh5,000 lakefront tents—hippo views, barbecues included.
Top Saturday activities?
Hippo boat safari KSh2,000, Hell’s Gate cycling/geysers KSh1,500—combine for full day.
Sunday return timing?
Leave 2 PM post-picnic; 2hrs back Nairobi by 6 PM—avoid dark roads.
Packing essentials Naivasha trip?
Sunscreen, hat, reusable water bottle, cash for boats. Malaria tabs rainy season.
