By The Gem Hotel · Updated 30 October 2026
Naivasha is about 90 km from Nairobi, and the drive usually takes 1.5 to 2 hours depending on traffic. Most people take the A104 Nairobi–Nakuru highway through Limuru and down the Rift Valley escarpment. The alternative is the Mai Mahiu road, which is handy if you are heading straight to the lakeside resorts or Hell’s Gate.
We are on the A104 at the Delamere interchange, so most of our guests arrive this way. This guide covers both routes, public transport, timing and the small things that make the trip easier.
Key takeaways
- Distance: about 90 km.
- Time: 1.5 to 2 hours, longer on Friday evenings and Sunday afternoons.
- Main route: A104 via Limuru, best for Naivasha town and the highway hotels.
- Alternative: via Mai Mahiu, best for Moi South Lake Road, Hell’s Gate and Lake Oloiden.
- No car? Matatus and shuttles run regularly from Nairobi’s CBD.
In this guide
- The two main routes
- Routes compared
- Public transport
- Best time to travel
- Driving tips
- Frequently asked questions
The two main routes from Nairobi to Naivasha
Route 1: the A104 via Limuru (the main highway)
Head out of Nairobi on Waiyaki Way, continue through Limuru and follow the A104 north-west. After Limuru the road climbs before dropping down the escarpment into the Rift Valley, with wide views over the valley floor. Pull over at one of the viewpoints along the escarpment for photos; there are stalls selling curios.
The A104 is a busy dual and single carriageway road carrying a lot of heavy trucks heading to Nakuru, Uganda and beyond. It is the fastest and most direct route to Naivasha town, Buffalo Mall and the hotels on the highway, including ours at the Delamere interchange.
Route 2: via Mai Mahiu (the old Naivasha road)
This route leaves the A104 near the top of the escarpment and descends to Mai Mahiu on the valley floor, then continues towards Naivasha, passing close to Mount Longonot. It joins Moi South Lake Road before reaching town, which makes it the natural choice for the lakeside resorts, Hell’s Gate, Lake Oloiden and camps like Naivasha West Beach Camp.
It is usually quieter on the descent, though trucks use it too. If you are hiking Mount Longonot, this is your road.
Nairobi to Naivasha routes compared
| A104 via Limuru | Via Mai Mahiu | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Naivasha town, Buffalo Mall, highway hotels, onward to Nakuru | Moi South Lake Road, Hell’s Gate, Lake Oloiden, Longonot |
| Typical time | 1.5 to 2 hours | 1.5 to 2 hours |
| Traffic | Heavy trucks, busy at weekends | Lighter, but trucks on the escarpment |
| Views | Escarpment viewpoints | Valley floor and Longonot |
Worked example: planning a Friday arrival
Say you leave Westlands at 4pm on a Friday. Traffic out of Nairobi and through Limuru can add 45 minutes or more, so a 1.5-hour drive becomes 2.5 hours, and you arrive after dark. Leave at 1pm instead and you are likely to arrive by mid-afternoon with time to check in and walk around. If you must travel on Friday evening, plan dinner at your hotel rather than a reservation elsewhere.
Public transport from Nairobi to Naivasha
- Matatus and shuttles: regular services leave Nairobi’s CBD for Naivasha throughout the day. Fares and departure points change, so check with the operator before you travel. Most drop you in Naivasha town, where taxis and boda bodas can take you onward.
- Buses heading west: long-distance buses to Nakuru and beyond pass through Naivasha and can drop you on the way.
- Taxis and ride-hailing: a private car from Nairobi is the most comfortable option, especially for groups. Agree the price in advance.
- Hotel transfers: many hotels arrange transport. The Gem can arrange transport from Nairobi at an extra charge, which helps with conference groups.
Travelling with a team? Our guide to conference costs covers how transport fits into a group budget.
The best time to drive to Naivasha
- Best: weekday mornings after the Nairobi rush, between about 9am and 11am.
- Worst outbound: Friday afternoons and evenings, and the eve of public holidays.
- Worst inbound: Sunday afternoons and evenings, when weekend visitors head back to Nairobi.
- Weather: the escarpment can be misty early in the morning and in the rainy seasons. Drive with lights on and leave a wide gap.
Stops worth making on the way
The drive is short enough to do in one go, but a couple of stops turn it into part of the trip, especially if you have visitors who have not seen the Rift Valley before.
- The escarpment viewpoints. As the road drops off the edge of the Rift Valley, there are lay-bys with sweeping views across the valley floor towards Mount Longonot and Mount Suswa. On a clear morning it is one of the best views within reach of Nairobi. Expect curio stalls and friendly sellers; you are under no obligation to buy.
- A food stop. Roadside eateries along the way are popular for nyama choma and roasted maize. If you are travelling with a group, agree the stop in advance so the convoy stays together.
- Fuel and supplies. If you plan to spend a full day in the parks, fill up and buy water before you leave the main towns. There are fuel stations in Naivasha town and along the highway, but fewer once you head along the lake roads.
Keep stops short on busy days. Parking on the escarpment shoulders is tight, and heavy trucks use this road.
Arriving in Naivasha: which way to turn
“Naivasha” covers a wide area, and where you are heading changes the last part of the drive.
- Naivasha town sits just off the highway. Most banks, shops and the main matatu stage are here.
- The highway hotels, including The Gem at the Delamere interchange near Buffalo Mall, are right on the main road. You can be at reception within minutes of leaving the highway, which is why business travellers and day delegates like this area.
- The south lake shore, along Moi South Lake Road, is where most lakeside resorts, Crescent Island boat landings and the road to Hell’s Gate are. Allow another 20 to 40 minutes from town depending on how far along the shore you are going.
- The north lake shore is quieter and reached by a separate road from town.
If you are staying near the highway and planning lake activities, it is worth doing them on your first or last day, so you only make the lake drive once. For more on choosing a base, see our guide to where to stay in Naivasha.
Pros and cons of driving yourself
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Freedom to visit Hell’s Gate, the lake and Longonot | Heavy truck traffic on the A104 |
| Cheaper for families and groups of three or more | Weekend traffic can double the journey time |
| Stop at viewpoints on the escarpment | Fuel and parking costs add up |
Should you drive at night?
We would avoid it if you can. The road itself is good, but after dark you share it with heavy trucks, slow vehicles without proper lights and the occasional pedestrian or animal on the verge. The escarpment section is the hardest part at night, with bends, steep gradients and overtaking lorries.
If you finish work late in Nairobi, it is often better to leave early the next morning and still arrive in time for breakfast. If you must travel at night, take the main highway rather than the quieter route, keep your speed down and avoid overtaking on the escarpment.
Driving tips for the Nairobi to Naivasha road
- Be patient with trucks. Only overtake on clear, straight sections. Many accidents on this road come from impatient overtaking.
- Fuel up in Nairobi or Naivasha town. There are stations along the way, but it is easier to fill up before you start.
- Carry some cash. Most places take M-Pesa, but viewpoint stalls and some parking may prefer cash.
- Download maps offline. Signal can drop on parts of the escarpment.
- Check the news before you leave. Roadworks or accidents occasionally slow the highway.
Once you arrive, see things to do in Naivasha and our guide on where to stay.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Naivasha from Nairobi?
About 90 km by road.
How long does it take to drive from Nairobi to Naivasha?
Usually 1.5 to 2 hours. Allow more on Friday evenings, Sunday afternoons and before public holidays.
Which route is best from Nairobi to Naivasha?
Take the A104 via Limuru for Naivasha town and the highway hotels. Take the Mai Mahiu road for Moi South Lake Road, Hell’s Gate, Lake Oloiden and Mount Longonot.
Can I get to Naivasha by public transport?
Yes. Matatus and shuttles run from Nairobi’s CBD throughout the day, and long-distance buses heading west pass through Naivasha. Check current fares and departure points with the operator.
Where can I stop on the drive from Nairobi to Naivasha?
The Rift Valley escarpment viewpoints are the classic stop, with views towards Mount Longonot. There are also roadside eateries and fuel stations along the route.
How far is Lake Naivasha from Naivasha town?
The lake is a short drive from town, but the lakeside resorts and activities along Moi South Lake Road are spread out. Allow 20 to 40 minutes from town depending on where you are going.
Heading our way? The Gem is right on the A104 at the Delamere interchange. See our directions and contacts or call +254 758 824 117.
Travel times are typical estimates and vary with traffic, weather and roadworks. Drive safely.