Lake Naivasha Crescent Camp

The camp has a limited collection of furnished canvas tents. Published descriptions generally refer to approximately 20 tents, but the exact operating inventory should be confirmed before displaying a fixed number.

Each tent is raised on a wooden platform and designed to offer a safari-style stay without basic camping conditions.

Typical features include:

• Canvas walls
• Wooden floor
• Double, twin or triple-bed arrangement
• Mosquito nets
• Private veranda
• Seating area
• Dressing or storage space
• En-suite bathroom
• Hot and cold running water
• Shower
• Flushing toilet
• Electricity
• Toiletries
• Garden, lake-facing or natural outlook

Views and bed configurations vary between tents.

Double tents

Double tents suit:

• Couples
• Honeymooners
• Solo travellers
• Parents sharing with a young child, subject to occupancy

Request one large bed rather than assuming every tent has the same arrangement.

Twin tents

Twin tents are suitable for:

• Friends travelling together
• Older children sharing
• Conference delegates
• Safari companions

Twin beds should be confirmed in writing.

Triple tents

Triple tents can accommodate three guests, subject to the camp’s approved arrangement.

They may suit:

• Three adults travelling together
• Parents travelling with one older child
• Small families
• Friends seeking one tent

Ask whether the triple tent has three separate beds or a double-and-single arrangement.

Family arrangements

Larger families may require two tents. Since the camp is small, request neighbouring tents early.

Do not assume that the tents interconnect. Parents with younger children should ask about the distance between the assigned units.

What is it like sleeping in a canvas tent?

The tents provide proper beds and private bathrooms, but canvas remains part of the experience.

Guests should expect to hear:

• Birds
• Wind
• Rain
• Monkeys or other animals
• People walking outside
• Activity from neighbouring tents
• Occasional music from nearby properties, particularly on busy weekends

The nights can also feel cool because Naivasha sits at high elevation.

Pack:

• Warm sweater or fleece
• Socks for the evening
• Comfortable closed shoes
• Light rain jacket
• Insect repellent
• Earplugs if sensitive to sound
• Torch or phone light

Guests who enjoy nature often consider these sounds part of the appeal. Those who require strong sound insulation may be happier in a conventional hotel.

Full Board guests receive breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Depending on occupancy, meals may be served as:

• Buffet meals
• Set menus
• À la carte selections
• Packed meals for excursions
• Barbecue meals for groups

The kitchen generally offers a mixture of Kenyan and international dishes.

Special dietary requirements

Vegetarian meals and other dietary arrangements can be requested.

Guests with allergies, intolerances or medical dietary requirements should provide details before arrival.

Bar and lounge

Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are available from the camp’s bar or lounge. Drinks are normally charged separately.

Private meals

The camp may arrange special meals for:

• Birthdays
• Honeymoons
• Anniversaries
• Private groups
• Small conferences

Advance notice and additional charges may apply.

The camp’s facilities may include:

• Outdoor swimming pool
• Restaurant
• Bar and lounge
• Lakeside public areas
• Wi-Fi in designated areas
• Conference and meeting facilities
• Secure parking
• Laundry service
• Daily housekeeping
• Transfer arrangements
• Boat-ride arrangements
• Gardens and outdoor seating

Facilities are simpler than those at a large resort. Guests should choose Crescent Camp for its location, tented atmosphere and access to nature.

Swimming pool

The camp has an outdoor swimming pool for resident guests.

Pool operating hours can change, and temporary maintenance may affect access. Children must remain under adult supervision.

The pool is a useful addition after a boat ride, Crescent Island walk or Hell’s Gate excursion. However, guests primarily seeking a large water park or several pools should consider Lake Naivasha Resort instead.

Lake Naivasha boat rides

A guided boat ride is one of the best activities to combine with a Crescent Camp stay.

Guests may see:

• Hippos
• African fish eagles
• Kingfishers
• Cormorants
• Pelicans
• Herons
• Other waterbirds

Boat trips depend on:

• Wind
• Rain
• Water conditions
• Visibility
• Operator availability
• Wildlife movement

Boat charges are normally separate from the accommodation rate.

Boat safety

During the trip:

• Wear the supplied life jacket
• Follow the guide’s instructions
• Remain seated when advised
• Keep hands inside the boat
• Do not encourage the guide to approach hippos too closely
• Protect cameras and phones from water
• Supervise children

Crescent Island Game Sanctuary

Crescent Island is a separate wildlife sanctuary where visitors take guided walking safaris among herbivores.

Staying at Crescent Camp does not automatically include:

• Crescent Island entrance
• Boat transfer
• Guide
• Private excursion

These must be arranged separately unless listed in your package.

Crescent Island walking safari

Crescent Island offers guided walks among animals such as:

• Giraffes
• Zebras
• Wildebeest
• Waterbucks
• Gazelles
• Other herbivores

It does not offer a conventional Big Five safari. Its main appeal is walking through an open landscape while observing plains animals without remaining inside a vehicle.

Visitors should still follow their guide, keep a respectful distance and avoid surrounding animals for photographs.

Birdwatching

Lake Naivasha is one of Kenya’s major birdwatching destinations. Guests may see fish eagles, kingfishers, herons, cormorants, pelicans and many smaller woodland species.

Bring binoculars if birding is an important part of your visit.

Hell’s Gate National Park

Hell’s Gate offers:

• Cycling
• Walking
• Scenic driving
• Fischer’s Tower
• Dramatic cliffs
• Wildlife viewing
• Access towards the Olkaria geothermal area

Entrance fees, bicycles, guiding and transport cost extra.

Olkaria Geothermal Spa

The geothermal swimming pools can be combined with a Hell’s Gate visit.

Mount Longonot

Mount Longonot offers a demanding hike to the crater rim. Start early and carry sufficient water.

Fishing

Fishing arrangements and permitted methods should be confirmed before arrival. Do not assume that casual fishing is allowed from every part of the shoreline.

Sundowners and campfires

A sundowner or campfire may be arranged depending on weather, group size and camp operations.

Wildlife and nighttime safety

Hippos live in Lake Naivasha and may leave the water to graze after dark.

Guests must:

• Follow the camp’s safety instructions
• Avoid walking close to the shoreline at night
• Use an escort whenever advised
• Keep children close
• Never approach hippos
• Never stand between a hippo and the lake
• Avoid feeding monkeys or other animals

The presence of canvas walls does not mean wildlife enters the tent under normal conditions. Nevertheless, guests should keep tent entrances closed and avoid storing exposed food inside.

Crescent Camp can accommodate small meetings, retreats and private groups.

Its atmosphere works best for:

• Management retreats
• Small workshops
• Family gatherings
• Photography groups
• Birdwatching groups
• Safari groups
• Private celebrations

The current page claims conference capacity of up to 100 people and a 20-person boardroom. These numbers should be verified directly before publication.

A group quotation should identify:

• Number of tents
• Bed arrangements
• Meals
• Meeting venue
• Equipment
• Refreshments
• Activities
• Transport
• Full or partial camp exclusivity

Where is Lake Naivasha Crescent Camp?

The camp is located along Moi South Lake Road in Naivasha, Nakuru County, Kenya.

Is Crescent Camp located on Crescent Island?

No. Lake Naivasha Crescent Camp is an accommodation property. Crescent Island is a separate wildlife sanctuary visited by road or boat.

What are the Lake Naivasha Crescent Camp prices?

Published 2026 resident Full Board rates start from KES 10,800 per person sharing for travel from 1 July to 15 December 2026.

Are the rates per person or per tent?

Sharing prices are per person per night. Two adults paying KES 10,800 PPS pay KES 21,600 per tent per night.

What does Full Board include?

Full Board includes accommodation, breakfast, lunch and dinner. Drinks and activities normally cost extra.

Are the tents proper camping tents?

No. They are furnished canvas tents raised on platforms with beds, wooden floors and private en-suite bathrooms.

Do the tents have private bathrooms?

Yes. Published tent descriptions include en-suite bathrooms with hot water, showers and flushing toilets.

Is electricity available in the tents?

Yes. Electricity is listed among the tent facilities. Temporary interruptions can still occur.

Do the tents have mosquito nets?

Yes. Mosquito nets are provided over the beds.

Does Crescent Camp have a swimming pool?

Yes. The camp has an outdoor swimming pool.

Does Crescent Camp have Wi-Fi?

Wi-Fi is available, although the strongest connection may be in the public areas.

Is the camp suitable for children?

Yes, but parents should consider the canvas accommodation, wildlife, lake environment and lack of interconnecting tents.

Does Crescent Camp arrange boat rides?

Yes. Boat rides can be arranged, subject to weather and availability. They generally cost extra.

Can we visit Crescent Island?

Yes. We can arrange a boat ride and guided Crescent Island walk. Accommodation does not automatically include the excursion.

Are there hippos near the camp?

Hippos live in Lake Naivasha and may come onto land after dark. Guests must follow the camp’s safety instructions.

Is Crescent Camp noisy?

The camp is normally nature-focused, but canvas allows sound to travel. Music from nearby properties may occasionally be heard, particularly on busy weekends.

Do the tents get cold?

Naivasha nights can be cool. Pack a warm layer, especially from June to August and during rainy periods.

Is Crescent Camp suitable for a honeymoon?

Yes. A double tent with a private veranda can provide an intimate setting. Request a quieter tent and any romantic arrangements in advance.

How far is the camp from Nairobi?

Allow approximately two to two and a half hours by road under normal conditions.

How far is Crescent Camp from Hell’s Gate?

The journey normally takes approximately 25–45 minutes, depending on traffic and the entrance used.

Can non-residents book the camp?

Yes. Non-resident rates may differ from the resident prices displayed on this page.

What is the Crescent Camp contact number?

For current prices, availability and booking assistance, call or WhatsApp +254 799 863 970.

How do I book Lake Naivasha Crescent Camp?

Send us your dates, number of adults, children’s ages, residency and bed preference. We will confirm availability and issue a written quotation.