Naivasha, Kenya

Sawela Lodges Naivasha

From KSh12600

Tour Type

Chill-Out, Family

Reviews

4.25 /5

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Overview

Resident Rates / Prices

A family-friendly Naivasha resort with spacious grounds, a swimming pool and plenty of activities

Sawela Lodge Naivasha is a large resort on Moi South Lake Road, close to Lake Naivasha in Kenya’s Great Rift Valley. It is particularly well suited to families, couples, conferences, weddings and groups looking for a resort with extensive lawns and plenty of recreational facilities.

Guests can enjoy the swimming pool, Sawela Trail, cycling, ball games, indoor entertainment and organised boat rides on Lake Naivasha. Meanwhile, children have dedicated play facilities and enough outdoor space to stay active.

Our assessment of Sawela Lodge

Sawela Lodge is one of the stronger Naivasha choices for families, conferences and active groups. Its biggest advantage is the amount of space and the number of activities available within the property.

The resort has large lawns for outdoor games, a children’s play area, a swimming pool, gym, cycling, nature walks, an in-house movie theatre and several indoor games. As a result, guests can spend a full day at the lodge without needing an outside excursion.

It is also a practical choice for corporate retreats. Sawela has multiple conference halls, boardrooms and extensive team-building grounds.

However, guests looking for a small, intimate safari lodge may find Sawela too large. It also offers a resort experience rather than the type of wildlife-focused stay found at properties where giraffes and zebras roam directly around the rooms.

Sawela Lodge is best for

Families with active children
Couples taking a weekend break from Nairobi
Corporate conferences and retreats
Team-building groups
Weddings and large celebrations
Guests who prefer an active resort
Groups needing several room categories
Travellers visiting Hell’s Gate and Lake Naivasha
Guests who want Full Board accommodation

Consider another hotel if

You want a small and intimate boutique property
Resident wildlife around your room is your main priority
You prefer direct lake frontage to extensive resort grounds
You want a quiet adults-focused retreat
Staying close to Naivasha town is essential
You are looking for an all-inclusive safari lodge with activities included

Is Sawela Lodge directly on Lake Naivasha?

Sawela Lodge is located in the Lake Naivasha area along Moi South Lake Road and arranges lake activities. However, guests should choose it mainly for its landscaped grounds, resort facilities and activities rather than assuming that every room has an unobstructed lake view.

Room outlooks vary. Some rooms face the gardens, while the lake experience may require walking or using transport to the boat departure point.

If a lake view is essential, ask us to verify the available room category before booking.

Sawela Lodge location

Sawela Lodge is located along Moi South Lake Road in Naivasha, Nakuru County, Kenya.

The official hotel information places it approximately 85 kilometres from Nairobi. Although the drive can take around 90 minutes during light traffic, guests should normally allow approximately two to two and a half hours from central Nairobi.

Approximate travel times

Destination	Approximate driving time
Naivasha town	15–25 minutes
Crescent Island access	20–35 minutes
Hell’s Gate National Park	25–40 minutes
Olkaria Geothermal Spa	40–60 minutes
Mount Longonot National Park	35–50 minutes
Nairobi	2–2.5 hours
Lake Nakuru National Park	1.5–2 hours

These are planning estimates. Traffic, weather, road conditions and the chosen attraction entrance can change the journey time.

Getting to Sawela Lodge from Nairobi

Most guests travel by private car or arranged transfer.

The usual route follows the Nairobi–Naivasha highway before turning towards Moi South Lake Road. Weekend and public-holiday traffic can substantially increase the journey time, particularly through Limuru and along the escarpment.

Private transfers can be arranged from:

Nairobi hotels
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport
Wilson Airport
Naivasha town
Another Naivasha hotel
Lake Nakuru
The Masai Mara

Is Sawela Lodge good for families?

Yes. Sawela Lodge is one of the more family-oriented resorts in Naivasha.

Its main family advantages include:

Large lawns
Outdoor swimming pool
Children’s play area
Outdoor ball games
Indoor games
Movie theatre
Cycling
Nature walks
Larger suites for families
Full Board meal arrangements

However, parents should still supervise children around the swimming pool, bicycles and outdoor activity areas.

Families should confirm the room occupancy before making payment. A standard or deluxe room may not accommodate every family combination, while a Business or Executive Suite may offer a more comfortable arrangement.

Advantages and Points to consider

Advantages

Competitive Full Board resident rates
Strong range of family activities
Large swimming pool
Extensive lawns
Several room and suite categories
Children’s facilities
Movie theatre and indoor games
Suitable for weddings and conferences
Established team-building facilities
Relatively easy access from Nairobi
Convenient base for Hell’s Gate and Lake Naivasha

Points to consider

The resort can feel busy when hosting conferences or weddings
Not every room has a lake view
Room standards and layouts differ between categories
Boat rides and excursions normally cost extra
The large property may involve some walking
It offers a resort experience rather than an intimate safari-lodge atmosphere
Detailed child rates should be reconfirmed for children sharing with adults
Groups and events may affect how quiet some areas feel

Sawela Lodge compared with nearby Naivasha hotels

Hotel	Best reason to choose it	Considerations
Sawela Lodge	Family activities, lawns, conferences, team building and competitive Full Board rates	Can be busy during group events
Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort	Spacious rooms and wildlife roaming through the resort grounds	Larger property with more walking
Enashipai Resort & Spa	Contemporary facilities, established spa and easy access to town	Generally less focused on large outdoor team-building grounds

Choose Sawela Lodge when family activities, group facilities and value are the priorities.

Choose Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort when wildlife within the hotel grounds is more important. Meanwhile, Enashipai is better suited to guests prioritising contemporary accommodation, spa treatments and access to Naivasha town.

How many nights should you stay?

Two nights are ideal for a family or couples’ weekend.

Suggested two-night stay

Day one

Drive from Nairobi
Check in and have lunch
Relax at the swimming pool
Walk the Sawela Trail
Dinner and evening entertainment

Day two

Breakfast
Lake Naivasha boat ride
Optional Crescent Island walking safari
Return for lunch
Cycling, games or swimming
Dinner and overnight

Day three

Breakfast
Check out
Visit Hell’s Gate or Olkaria
Return to Nairobi

Consider three nights when travelling with children or when you want to include Hell’s Gate, Crescent Island and a full day at the resort without rushing.

Check availability at Sawela Lodge Naivasha

Send us:

Check-in and check-out dates
Number of adults
Number and ages of children
Resident or non-resident status
Preferred room category
Number of rooms required
Any transport or activity requirements

We will confirm the available rooms, Full Board price, child charges, inclusions and booking conditions.

Call or WhatsApp: +254 799 863 970

Do not make payment until you have received a written quotation and verified the payment instructions.

Highlights

Easily accessible from Nairobi.
Picturesque serene location.
The perfect experience for adventurers!
Great Dining options local cuisine and international cuisine.

Sawela Lodges Prices (2026)

Here are Sawela Lodges – Naivasha Resident Rates:

What Does PPS Mean? PPS (Per Person Sharing) means cost Per Adult when sharing the Room with another. Example KES 10,000/- PPS means, 2 Adults in 1 Room pay KES 20,000/-

Sawela Lodge – Naivasha Rates

Sawela Lodge Room Prices	Superior Room		Business Deluxe
Full Board Rates, Per Night	Sharing	Single	Sharing	Single
2nd Jan 2026 – 23rd Dec 2026	KES 12,600/- PPS	KES 19,400/- PP	KES 14,500/- PPS	KES 22,300/- PP
24th Dec 2026 – 26th Dec 2026 Min Stay: 3 Nights	KES 17,400/- PPS	KES 25,200/- PP	KES 20,300/- PPS	KES 27,100/- PP
27th Dec 2026 – 1st Jan 2027	KES 17,400/- PPS	KES 25,200/- PP	KES 20,300/- PPS	KES 27,100/- PP

Sawela Lodge Naivasha Prices/Rates are in KES, Per Person Sharing (Full Board), Per Night
Lake Naivasha Sawela Lodge Rates/Prices Exclude: Drinks and other Extras

A minimum stay of three nights applies from 24 to 26 December 2026.

Rates are subject to availability. In addition, supplements may apply for special events, festive meals, upgraded rooms or separately arranged activities.

What the Full Board rate includes

The published Full Board rate generally includes:

Accommodation in the selected room category
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Use of the swimming pool
Access to the resort grounds
Selected indoor and outdoor games
Access to the children’s play area
Wi-Fi
Applicable accommodation taxes unless stated otherwise

What is normally excluded

Unless your quotation specifically includes them, the rate excludes:

Drinks
Boat rides
Crescent Island entrance and guiding fees
Transport from Nairobi or Naivasha town
National park entrance fees
Bicycle hire where charged separately
Special dining arrangements
Laundry
Personal expenses
Room upgrades
Festive supplements
Travel insurance

We will provide a written quotation showing exactly what your package includes.

Sawela Lodge child policy

The published child rates currently confirm:

Children up to 3 years: Free when sharing with adults
Children aged 4–12 in their own room: 75% of the adult PPS rate, based on two children sharing

The rate for children aged 4–12 sharing with adults should be confirmed for the specific travel dates and room category.

Room occupancy limits still apply. Therefore, provide the age of every child when requesting a quotation so that we can recommend the correct room arrangement.

Expand All

Rooms at Sawela Lodge Naivasha

Sawela Lodge has several room and suite categories. The choice ranges from entry-level Superior Rooms to larger Business and Executive Suites.

Bed arrangements, room locations and occupancy limits vary. Consequently, guests should select a room based on their group size rather than choosing by name alone.

Superior Rooms

Superior Rooms are the entry-level category used for the published “from” rate.

They are located close to the reception area and suit:

Couples
Solo travellers
Parents sharing with a young child
Guests who want easier access to the main facilities
Short weekend stays

Typical room facilities include:

Double or twin beds, subject to availability
En-suite bathroom
Television
Wi-Fi
Tea and coffee facilities
Room service
Garden surroundings

Business Deluxe Rooms

Business Deluxe Rooms provide more space and are designed for guests who may need to work during their stay.

They are a good choice for:

Conference delegates
Business travellers
Couples wanting an upgraded room
Parents sharing with one child
Longer stays

The Business Deluxe rate is higher than the Superior Room rate, so ask us to confirm whether the additional space justifies the upgrade for your particular stay.

Business Suite Rooms

Business Suites combine sleeping accommodation with a separate living or working area. A sliding door separates the main spaces in selected suites.

They may suit:

Families needing more space
Business travellers hosting small discussions
Long-stay guests
Couples who want a separate lounge
Guests working remotely

Confirm the exact bed arrangement and approved occupancy before booking.

Executive Suite Rooms

The Executive Suites are among the lodge’s largest accommodation options. The official property description identifies them as two-bedroom suites with a separate lounge.

They are best for:

Families needing two bedrooms
Groups travelling together
Longer stays
Guests celebrating a special occasion
Travellers wanting a shared lounge

Because only a limited number are available, early booking is recommended.

Honeymoon Suite

The Honeymoon Suite is intended for couples celebrating a honeymoon, anniversary or romantic occasion.

Ask us to confirm:

The current suite price
Room inclusions
Any romantic setup
Meal arrangements
Late check-out availability
Whether special experiences are included or charged separately

Do not assume that decorations, sparkling wine or private dining are automatically part of the accommodation price.

Premier Deluxe Rooms

Sawela also lists a Premier Deluxe category. However, the exact difference between this category and the Business Deluxe Room should be confirmed before booking.

We can request current photographs, bed configuration, location and upgrade cost for comparison.

Which Sawela Lodge room should you choose?

Traveller	Recommended room
Couple seeking the lowest available rate	Superior Room
Conference delegate	Business Deluxe Room
Couple wanting extra space	Business Deluxe or Business Suite
Family needing a separate living area	Business Suite
Family needing two bedrooms	Executive Suite
Honeymoon or anniversary	Honeymoon Suite
Guest wanting the newest or most upgraded option	Compare Premier Deluxe and Executive categories

If your room location matters, request it before arrival. A room close to reception may suit older guests, while families may prefer easier access to the swimming pool and children’s facilities.

Dining at Sawela Lodge

Full Board guests receive breakfast, lunch and dinner. Depending on occupancy and the hotel programme, meals may be served as buffets, set menus or à la carte.

The kitchen serves a mixture of:

Kenyan dishes
Indian-inspired meals
Continental favourites
Grilled meats
Fish
Vegetarian options
Salads and seasonal produce
Desserts and baked items

Drinks are generally charged separately.

Dining with children

Sawela is accustomed to hosting families and groups. Nevertheless, parents who need an early children’s dinner should request it in advance.

Dietary requirements

Vegetarian meals and other dietary arrangements can be provided with notice. Guests with allergies, intolerances or strict dietary needs should send the information before arrival.

Do not wait until buffet service to mention a serious allergy.

Private and outdoor dining

Barbecue meals, outdoor setups and private dining may be available for groups or special occasions. These arrangements depend on the weather, minimum numbers and additional charges.

Facilities at Sawela Lodge

Sawela Lodge has a broad range of leisure and business facilities.

These include:

Outdoor swimming pool
Children’s play area
Large landscaped lawns
Gym
Restaurant
Bar and lounge
Wi-Fi
In-house movie theatre
Conference halls
Boardrooms
Business centre
Team-building grounds
Wedding venues
Parking
Room service
Sawela Trail
Indoor games
Outdoor sports facilities
Boat-ride arrangements

Some activities may have scheduled operating times or additional costs. Ask for the current activity programme when checking in.

Activities at Sawela Lodge Naivasha

Sawela is a strong choice for guests who want activities without leaving the resort every day.

Swimming

The outdoor swimming pool is one of the main leisure facilities. Children should remain under adult supervision, even when other guests or hotel employees are nearby.

Sawela Trail and nature walks

The Sawela Trail offers an opportunity to explore the resort’s grounds and natural surroundings. It suits guests who want a gentle walk rather than a demanding hike.

Guided nature walks may be available at scheduled times. Confirm arrangements at reception.

Cycling

Bicycles may be available for use within designated areas. Ask whether bicycle use is complimentary or charged separately.

Outdoor games

The resort’s lawns can accommodate activities such as:

Football
Volleyball
Netball
Lawn racket games
Organised team-building challenges

Availability may depend on group events taking place during your stay.

Indoor entertainment

Indoor options may include:

Movie theatre
Darts
Board games
Children’s games
Group entertainment

Lake Naivasha boat rides

Sawela can arrange boat rides on Lake Naivasha. These trips may include birdwatching and viewing hippos from a safe distance.

Boat rides depend on weather, water conditions and operator availability. They normally cost extra.

Crescent Island

A Lake Naivasha boat ride can be combined with a visit to Crescent Island for a guided walking safari among giraffes, zebras, waterbuck, gazelles and wildebeest.

Boat charges, entrance fees and guiding costs should be confirmed together.

Sawela Lodges Weddings and Conferences

Weddings at Sawela Lodge

Sawela Lodge is a popular Naivasha wedding venue because of its extensive lawns, accommodation capacity and event facilities.

Possible wedding arrangements include:

Outdoor ceremonies
Garden receptions
Traditional weddings
Destination weddings
Private dinners
Photography sessions
Honeymoon accommodation
Accommodation for family and guests

Wedding quotations should clearly show:

Venue hire
Food and drinks
Accommodation
Decorations
Sound and entertainment
Photography permissions
Wedding-night room
Backup arrangements in case of rain
Check-in and check-out times
Corkage and outside-supplier policies

Conferences and team building

Sawela is particularly strong for conferences, workshops and corporate retreats.

The lodge offers:

Multiple conference halls
Boardrooms
Breakaway spaces
Projectors and presentation equipment
Wi-Fi
Conference stationery
Outdoor team-building grounds
Accommodation
Full Board meals
Group activities

A residential conference package may provide better value than booking meeting space, meals and rooms separately.

Companies should provide the number of delegates, rooming list, meeting schedule, seating arrangement and equipment requirements when requesting a quotation.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Sawela Lodge located?

Sawela Lodge is located along Moi South Lake Road in Naivasha, Nakuru County, Kenya. It is approximately 85 kilometres from Nairobi, although actual driving time depends on traffic.

Is Sawela Lodge the same as Sawela Lodges?

Yes. Guests use both names for the Naivasha property. The company now operates Sawela Lake Naivasha and Sawela Capella at Lake Elementaita, so confirm the destination when booking.

Is Sawela Lodge in Naivasha or Elementaita?

The original Sawela Lodge is in Naivasha. Sawela Capella is a separate property overlooking Lake Elementaita.

What are the Sawela Lodge prices for 2026?

Published resident Full Board prices start from KES 12,600 per person sharing in a Superior Room. A Business Deluxe Room starts from KES 14,500 per person sharing.

Are Sawela Lodge prices per room?

The sharing prices are per person per night. Two adults paying KES 12,600 PPS would pay KES 25,200 per room per night.

What does Full Board include?

Full Board includes accommodation, breakfast, lunch and dinner. Drinks, transport and most excursions cost extra unless listed in your quotation.

Does Sawela Lodge have a swimming pool?

Yes. Sawela Lodge has an outdoor swimming pool.

Is Sawela Lodge good for children?

Yes. The resort has large lawns, a children’s play area, swimming, indoor games, outdoor sports and family-friendly room options.

Does Sawela Lodge have family rooms?

Sawela offers Business Suites and two-bedroom Executive Suites that may suit families. The correct option depends on the number and ages of the children.

Does Sawela Lodge have a gym?

Yes. A fitness and gym facility is among the amenities listed by the property.

Does Sawela Lodge have a spa?

A full destination spa is not one of the resort’s most clearly promoted facilities. If treatments are important, ask us to confirm what is currently available before booking.

Does Sawela Lodge arrange boat rides?

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

Can we visit Crescent Island from Sawela Lodge?

Yes. We can combine a Lake Naivasha boat ride with a guided Crescent Island walking safari. Boat, entrance and guiding fees should be confirmed before travelling.

Is Sawela Lodge on the lake?

Sawela Lodge is in the Lake Naivasha area along Moi South Lake Road and offers lake activities. However, not every room has a direct lake view.

Does Sawela Lodge have Wi-Fi?

Yes. Wi-Fi is available, although speed can vary by room location and the number of connected guests.

Is Sawela Lodge suitable for weddings?

Yes. Its lawns, accommodation, catering and event facilities make it a popular Naivasha wedding venue.

Is Sawela Lodge suitable for conferences?

Yes. The property has conference halls, boardrooms, breakaway spaces and team-building grounds.

Is Sawela Lodge quiet?

It can be peaceful during normal leisure periods. However, conferences, weddings and team-building groups may make some areas busier. Ask whether a major event is scheduled if tranquillity is your priority.

How far is Sawela Lodge from Hell’s Gate?

The drive normally takes approximately 25–40 minutes, depending on road conditions and the park entrance used.

Can non-residents book Sawela Lodge?

Yes. However, non-resident rates may differ from the resident prices shown on this page. Provide each guest’s nationality and residency status when requesting a quotation.

What is the Sawela Lodge Naivasha contact number?

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

How do I book Sawela Lodge?

Send us your travel dates, number of adults, children’s ages, residency and preferred room category. We will confirm availability and issue a written quotation.