Local Activities
Top Things to Do Near The Gem Hotel in Naivasha
Naivasha sits on the floor of the Great Rift Valley, and most of its best sights are within an easy drive of the hotel on the Naivasha–Nakuru highway. Here is a quick guide to what is worth your time, with honest notes on what each one involves.
Hell’s Gate National Park
One of the few Kenyan parks you can explore on foot or by bike. Ride past zebra, giraffe and buffalo between towering red cliffs, then walk into the gorge with a local guide. Bicycles can be hired at Elsa Gate. Allow around 30 to 35 minutes to drive there from the hotel and most of a day to enjoy it. It gets hot and dusty by midday, so start early and carry water. More on cycling in Hell’s Gate.
Boat Ride on Lake Naivasha
A boat ride is the easiest way to see hippos up close, along with fish eagles, pelicans and hundreds of other bird species. The lake shore is roughly 15 minutes’ drive away, and a typical ride lasts an hour or two. Early morning and late afternoon give the best light and the most active wildlife. See our boat ride guide.
Crescent Island Walking Safari
A small sanctuary on the lake, usually reached by boat, where you can walk among giraffe, zebra, wildebeest and waterbuck. There are no big predators, which is why walking is allowed. It pairs well with a boat ride in the same morning. Read about nature walks.
Hike Mount Longonot
A dormant volcano with a steep 3.1 km climb from the park gate to the crater rim, and an optional loop around the rim with views over the Rift Valley and Lake Naivasha. The trail needs no climbing skills but it is steep, loose underfoot and exposed to the sun, so you need reasonable fitness, good shoes and plenty of water. Plan for half a day or more.
Olkaria Geothermal Spa
Run by KenGen inside Hell’s Gate National Park, this spa uses naturally heated geothermal water in a series of warm lagoons. It is a relaxing way to end a day of cycling in the park. Park entry fees apply on top of the spa charge, so check current rates before you go.
Elsamere
The lakeside former home of Joy and George Adamson, the conservationists behind Born Free. There is a small museum, a short documentary on Joy’s life, and afternoon tea in the gardens, often with black-and-white colobus monkeys nearby. A good choice for a slower afternoon.
Game Drives and Cultural Visits
Private conservancies around the lake offer game drives with a wider range of wildlife, and local guides can arrange visits to Maasai communities to learn about their culture and way of life. Game drives · Cultural experiences · Educational tours for schools and groups.
Planning Tips
Our front desk can help you arrange transport, guides and boat rides. National park entry fees are set by the Kenya Wildlife Service and change from time to time, so check the latest rates before you travel. Drive times are approximate and depend on traffic on the Moi South Lake Road.