Naivasha is one of Kenya’s most captivating destinations, with natural beauty, adventurous, and wildlife experiences. Naivasha is packed with affordable options that promise unforgettable memories for both local traveler or a tourist exploring Kenya on a tight budget.
This blog post will explore some of the places to visit in Naivasha on a budget to help you in choosing the best option that will get you the most experience.
1. Hell’s Gate National Park
Hell’s Gate National Park allows walking and rock climbing among the cliffs, gorges, and hot springs. With small entry fees and no mandatory vehicle requirement, you can enjoy a full day exploring the park’s wildlife and spot various species including the zebras, giraffes, and buffaloes.
Visitors can also experience other places and geological wonders like the Fischer’s Tower and Central Tower located near the park.
What makes Hell’s Gate different is that it’s one of the few parks in Kenya where you can walk or cycle among animals. You can rent a bike at the gate and cycle around the park for less than KES 500.
Entry Fees:
- Citizens: KES 300
- Residents: KES 600
- Non-residents: KES 2,000
- Bike Rental: KES 500–700 per day
2. Lake Naivasha Public Beach
The public beach is located along Lake Naivasha where picnics, birdwatching, and sunset photography can be enjoyed. It is popular option for people looking to visit Naivasha in a budget among locals and foreign visitors.
This gem is situated along the lake’s shores providing a perfect spot that give open access to the water where visitors can enjoy the nature. You’ll often see hippos floating or resting near the shoreline, fishermen preparing their boats, and flocks of pelicans and cormorants.
For a visit to this place, it is advisable to bring a blanket and some packed food, or buy affordable fresh seafood commonly called tilapia or “omena” from local vendors. For under KES 300, you can enjoy a combination of tilapia and ugali making it easy to enjoy a full afternoon on the cheap.
Entry Fee: Free (small access/parking fee at some spots)
3. Crescent Island Game Sanctuary
The sanctuary is located proximately 80Km from Nairobi and it is easily accessible by a short boat ride or via a causeway during dry seasons. It offers a rare chance to walk freely among wild animals. It is a home of impalas, waterbucks, gazelles, giraffes, and zebras.
The place is safe for the visitors as the animals are all living in a predator-free environment. For budget travelers looking to visit Naivasha, the value is in the depth of experience.
You won’t need a vehicle or even a guide as the place is confined well allowing walking and taking pictures. The island provides perfect view of Lake Naivasha, Mt. Longonot, Aberdare ranges and the Mau Escarpment.
You can have picnic under the shade of acacia trees with giraffes grazing nearby. This makes the experience even more enjoyable while still affordable. Group boat ride to the island helps reduce costs while adding another adventure as you cross waters known for hippos and fish eagles.
Entry Fees:
- Citizens: KES 800
- Residents: KES 1,000
- Non-residents: KES 2,000
Optional Boat Ride: KES 300–500 per person
4. Crater Lake Game Sanctuary
Crater Lake is located around 20 km from Naivasha town. It is a hidden gem of volcanic lake surrounded by forested trails and wildlife. It’s an ideal place in Naivasha for travelers who love hiking and nature on a budget.
The sanctuary is well-marked with trails having difficulty levels, allowing visitors to explore the crater rim for spectacular views. It is one of the affordable places to visit in Naivasha developed as a home to over 150 bird species and mammals such as giraffes, eland, and antelopes.
The atmosphere is peaceful offering a great spot for a quiet walk or a full-day hike. You can even bring your own packed lunch and have a picnic while enjoying the waters of the crater.
Entry Fees:
- Citizens: KES 800
- Residents: KES 1,000
- Non-residents: KES 2,000
6. Mt. Longonot National Park
Mount Longonot is another destination for hiking located in the great rift Valley of Kenya. This mountain in the floor of the Great Rift Valley features a rugged 13 km trail that leads to the crater rim and circles its entirety. Hiking at this place can take approximately 4–5 hours.
The summit of the Mountain provide stunning views of Lake Naivasha, the Rift Valley, and the sprawling plains below. The trail is physically demanding, so carry at least 2 liters of water, a hat, and some snacks snacks.
Despite the intensity, the experience on this park is absolutely priceless for anyone who loves adventure. The park has other cheap things to do in Naivasha including biking, walking and Rock climbing.
Entry Fee: KES 300 (citizens), KES 600 (residents), KES 2,000 (non-residents)
Optional Guide: KES 1,000–1,500 per group
7. Wileli Wildlife Conservancy
Wileli Conservancy not only offers luxury lodges but also overnight beauty. It is located in the Great Rift vally in Naivasha near the Moi south Lake Road.
Visitors can access the conservancy’s nature trails, birdwatching platforms, and self-drive game routes. The conservancy is a home to giraffes, impalas, warthogs, and an abundance of birdlife.
It’s less crowded than public parks, ideal for travelers seeking peace and privacy. Guided nature walk are placed within the wildlife conservancy to guide the visitors explore the place. Travelers can also enjoy picnics and photography as the nature at the place is top-notch.
Entry Fee: KES 800–1,000 for day visitors
8. Mai Mahiu Viewpoint
The Mai Mahiu Viewpoint is located along the escarpment road to Naivasha. It offers one of the most breathtaking views of the Great Rift Valley at no cost at all. It’s the perfect roadside stop found between Nairobi and Nyandarua offering great view for landscape photos and enjoying the cool highland breeze.
Local vendors are located within the area and often sell affordable handicrafts and Maasai shukas at reasonable prices, making this a great spot to pick up souvenirs.
The layered valleys, forest, the bird calls, and the sheer scale of the view brigs out the beauty of Kenya.
Entry Fee: Free
9. Olkaria Geothermal Spa
The Geothermal Spa is located within Hell’s Gate National Park which seat at 4.5 Ha of land. The Olkaria Geothermal Spa is a modern natural wonder containing mineral-rich pools at an affordable price. Its waters which is naturally heated by geothermal energy, is both relaxing and therapeutic.
The place is perfect after a long hike or bike ride. It is a place where you can go in Naivasha without spending much. The spa offers clean changing rooms, showers, and even shallow areas suitable for children.
The heated water is believed to relieve joint pain and skin conditions, making it a popular choice for somes travelers. The place will be fun when you add your own snacks or lunch and enjoy a picnic at the designated areas for a complete and affordable spa day.
Entry Fee: KES 400–600 (citizens), KES 1,000+ (non-residents)
Conclusion
Naivasha offers some of the most affordable travel experiences in Kenya that an adventure can choose from. The choices range from crater lakes, hot springs and walking safaris. The above list gives the well detailed places to visit in Naivasha on a Budget, location, and detailed entry prices.
