Crescent Island Game Park Naivasha
A unique game sanctuary on Lake Naivasha offering intimate walking safaris with giraffes, zebras, and hippos.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Crescent Island Game Park Naivasha
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A unique game sanctuary on Lake Naivasha offering intimate walking safaris with giraffes, zebras, and hippos.
"It's a unique opportunity to feel immersed in the environment while still being safe and guided."
🚶 Walk with Wildlife
Embrace the walking safari! Get up close with giraffes & zebras. Guides available for insights.
🚤 Boat Ride Views
Don't miss the boat ride to the island for hippo & bird sightings. Scenic views of Mt. Longonot.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Walking Safari Encounters
Throughout the island
Stroll among giraffes, zebras, and other wildlife in their natural habitat. An intimate wildlife experience.
Lake Naivasha Boat Ride
Lake Naivasha
Enjoy scenic views of Mount Longonot and spot hippos and diverse birdlife like pelicans and fish eagles.
Island Cafe Refreshments
End of walking trail
Relax with delicious homemade gelato, coffee, or snacks after your wildlife walk.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Walking Safari
Plan Your Visit Timing
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶 Walk with Wildlife
Embrace the walking safari! Get up close with giraffes & zebras. Guides available for insights.
🚤 Boat Ride Views
Don't miss the boat ride to the island for hippo & bird sightings. Scenic views of Mt. Longonot.
🍦 Delicious Gelato Stop
Enjoy tasty homemade gelato and refreshments at the charming island cafe post-walk.
🥾 Comfortable Footwear
Wear comfortable shoes for walking on the island's trails.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶 Walk with Wildlife
Embrace the walking safari! Get up close with giraffes & zebras. Guides available for insights.
🚤 Boat Ride Views
Don't miss the boat ride to the island for hippo & bird sightings. Scenic views of Mt. Longonot.
🍦 Delicious Gelato Stop
Enjoy tasty homemade gelato and refreshments at the charming island cafe post-walk.
🥾 Comfortable Footwear
Wear comfortable shoes for walking on the island's trails.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Crescent Island's unique walking safari, offering intimate encounters with wildlife like giraffes and zebras. The peaceful atmosphere and scenic beauty of Lake Naivasha are highly praised. Some note the entrance fee is on the higher side for non-residents, but most agree the experience is well worth it for its tranquility and close-to-nature feel.
"Crescent Island on Lake Naivasha is a true gem, offering a unique and unforgettable experience. I hadn't realized it was a game sanctuary until I arrived, which made the visit an even more pleasant surprise. The park entrance fee for a non-resident adult is KSh 4,000, while children (ages 5-15) pay KSh 2,000.
The island gets its name from its crescent moon shape, and it's the perfect setting for a walking safari. The experience is incredible because you can get remarkably close to the wildlife on foot. My most memorable encounters were at the beginning of the walk with a herd of majestic giraffes and, at the end, seeing a hippo grazing by the island's shore. Along the way, we also spotted ostriches, waterbucks, zebras, monkeys, various antelope species, and a great variety of birds.
After the safari, we stopped at a charming café at the end of the walking trail. It was a great spot to relax and refuel. I highly recommend their delicious homemade gelato. They also offer a selection of drinks, coffee, beer, and snacks.
Crescent Island is a must-visit for anyone looking for a more intimate and peaceful wildlife experience away from the traditional safari crowds."
Insos Jawa Get Lost Safely
"Crescent Island is not a zoo. And if you just want to tick things off your list like walking up to majestic and beautiful animals for a photo, maybe you should give this a miss. But if you love and respect wildlife, this is a must visit. No other place offers this kind of an awe inspiring experience. A guide is not compulsory, but I highly recommend it. We went on a lovely walk across the island with Faith who was not just a treasure trove of knowledge, but peppered our conversations with nuggets of invaluable perspective on the complex and beautiful relationship between animals, nature, and us human beings. An absolute delight. And I’m trying to hide this at the end of the review so that the entitled and lazy might miss it - but yes, you do go up to and walk with giraffes, zebras, gazelles, wildebeest and more. Please be respectful to them, though. And offer kudos and thanks to the lovely people who keep this place going."
Shiladitya “Adu” Chakraborty
"Crescent Island in Lake Naivasha is a truly unique and unforgettable experience. The island has an interesting history, as it was originally created as a filming location for the movie Out of Africa. True to its name, the island is shaped like a crescent, giving it a distinctive charm and making it an ideal spot for nature walks and wildlife viewing.
The highlight of visiting Crescent Island is being able to walk freely among the animals in their natural habitat. It feels like stepping into an open-air wildlife sanctuary without fences. We were lucky to see giraffes, including a baby giraffe, as well as many zebras grazing peacefully around us. Hippos can also be spotted near the water, and we even came across an ostrich during our walk, which made the experience even more memorable.
The walk is very enjoyable and can be done at your own pace, but guides are available if you’d like more insights into the wildlife and history of the island. The entry charges are USD 33 or KSH 4000 for adult non-residents, which feels well worth it for such a unique and close-to-nature experience.
Crescent Island is definitely a must-visit if you are exploring Lake Naivasha. It’s a perfect mix of serenity, adventure, and wildlife encounters that you won’t forget."
Uva Prakash P
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Crescent Island is located in Lake Naivasha, about 80 km from Nairobi. Access is typically via a short boat ride from the mainland. Many tours include this transfer. 
Yes, Crescent Island is a popular day trip or weekend getaway from Nairobi, approximately a 2-3 hour drive.
No, Crescent Island is an island in Lake Naivasha and requires a boat transfer from the mainland to reach.
Options include private tours, taxis, and rental cars. Many visitors opt for organized tours that include transport and activities.
Yes, there is usually parking available at the mainland departure points for the boat ride to Crescent Island.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
For non-resident adults, the park entrance fee is approximately KSh 4,000 (or USD 33). Children (ages 5-15) pay around KSh 2,000. Prices can vary.
While not always mandatory, booking in advance, especially through a tour operator, is recommended to secure your spot and boat transfer.
Yes, guides are available on the island to enhance your walking safari experience and provide information about the wildlife and history.
The entrance fee typically covers access to the island for a walking safari. Boat transfers may be separate or included in tour packages.
Crescent Island is generally open daily, but it's advisable to check current operating hours with your tour provider or local authorities.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can see giraffes, zebras, hippos, ostriches, waterbucks, monkeys, various antelope species, and a wide variety of birds.
Yes, the walking safari is designed to be safe, with guides present. Animals are accustomed to people, but always maintain a respectful distance.
A walking safari can take anywhere from 1 to 3 hours, depending on your pace and how much time you spend observing the wildlife.
The terrain is generally flat and easy to walk on, making it suitable for most visitors. Comfortable footwear is recommended.
Absolutely! Crescent Island is a fantastic spot for photography, offering close-up opportunities with wildlife and scenic landscapes.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a charming cafe at the end of the walking trail offering delicious homemade gelato, drinks, coffee, beer, and snacks.
While specific policies may vary, it's generally best to check with your tour operator or the park management. Purchasing from the cafe supports the sanctuary.
The homemade gelato is highly recommended, along with their selection of drinks and snacks.
The cafe area provides a place to relax, but dedicated picnic areas might not be explicitly designated. Enjoying refreshments at the cafe is a popular choice.
The Naivasha area offers various lodges and restaurants with diverse dining experiences, from local cuisine to international dishes.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire island offers great photo opportunities. Focus on areas where wildlife congregates, like near the water or open plains.
You can capture close-up shots of giraffes, zebras, monkeys, and birds. The walking safari allows for unique perspectives.
Yes, there's a good chance of spotting baby animals, especially giraffes, which makes for heartwarming photographic moments.
Early morning and late afternoon offer softer light and potentially more active wildlife.
Some guides are knowledgeable about the best angles and moments for photography and may offer assistance.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Don't forget to stop by the island cafe for some delicious gelato, which is always a hit with kids! The boat ride to the island also adds an element of adventure. Consider combining your visit with other family-friendly activities in Naivasha, such as exploring Hell's Gate National Park.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Guides can often point out the best spots and times for photography. The scenic backdrop of Lake Naivasha and Mount Longonot also offers stunning landscape photography opportunities. Remember to bring extra memory cards and ensure your lenses are ready for close encounters!
🚶 Nature Walk Lovers
Guides can enrich the experience by sharing details about the flora and fauna. The gentle pace of the walk, combined with the close proximity to animals, makes for a deeply satisfying connection with nature.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Unique Walking Safari Experience
The island's history as a filming location for 'Out of Africa' adds a layer of charm to the visit. Its crescent shape provides a unique landscape for these walks. The experience is often described as peaceful and serene, a welcome contrast to the more crowded national parks. It’s an opportunity to connect with wildlife on foot, creating memorable encounters and stunning photographic opportunities.
After your walk, the island's cafe provides a perfect spot to relax and reflect on your encounters. Enjoying a refreshing drink or their famous homemade gelato while overlooking the serene Lake Naivasha is the ideal way to cap off this unique adventure.
Exploring Lake Naivasha and Surroundings
Beyond the lake and Crescent Island, the Naivasha area boasts other significant natural attractions. Hell's Gate National Park is renowned for its dramatic gorges, geysers, and the chance to cycle or walk among wildlife. Other nearby sanctuaries like Crater Lake Game Sanctuary and Lake Oloiden offer further wildlife viewing opportunities.
+1For those looking for a complete getaway, Naivasha offers a range of accommodations, from lodges and resorts to unique stays like treehouses and vacation homes, making it an ideal destination for weekend retreats and longer explorations of Kenya's Great Rift Valley.
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