World Potato Congress 2026 in Naivasha

World Potato Congress 2026 in Naivasha: Hotels, Travel and Safari Guide

The 13th World Potato Congress 2026 will take place from 26 to 30 October 2026 Venue: Sawela Lodges in Naivasha, Kenya, situated on the southern shores of Lake Naivasha.

This will be the first World Potato Congress hosted in Sub-Saharan Africa, bringing international delegates, researchers, farmers, agribusiness leaders and potato industry professionals to Kenya.

If you are attending the congress, it is advisable to arrange your Naivasha accommodation and transfers early. More than 1,000 delegates from over 60 countries are expected, and demand for hotels near Sawela Lodges is likely to be high.

We can assist delegates with:

• Accommodation in Naivasha

• Nairobi airport transfers

• Private transport between Nairobi and Naivasha

• Daily transfers to Sawela Lodges

• Lake Naivasha activities

• Lake Nakuru day safaris

• Masai Mara safari extensions

• Complete pre- and post-congress Kenya safari itineraries

World Potato Congress 2026: Quick Information

The programme includes workshops, plenary presentations, expert panels, networking events, technical tours and a Farmers Field Day. Delegates should check the official World Potato Congress 2026 website for registration, programme and technical-tour information.

Where Is the World Potato Congress 2026 Being Held?

The congress will be held at Sawela Lodges, situated along Moi South Lake Road near the southern shore of Lake Naivasha.

The venue combines a large conference facility with gardens, accommodation and access to the wider Lake Naivasha area. It is approximately 90 minutes to two hours from Nairobi by road, although travel time can vary with traffic.

Sawela is also well positioned for visiting Lake Naivasha, Crescent Island Game Sanctuary, Hell’s Gate National Park and other Rift Valley attractions.

Where to Stay for the World Potato Congress 2026

Sawela Lodges is the congress venue, but delegates can also stay at several other hotels within the Naivasha area.

Your best choice will depend on room availability, budget, preferred level of comfort and whether you have arranged daily transport to the venue.

Sawela Lodges

Best for: Staying at the congress venue

Sawela Lodges is the most convenient option because the main congress sessions are being held at the property. Delegates staying here can avoid travelling between their hotel and the venue each morning.

However, rooms at the host hotel are likely to be limited. Early booking is strongly recommended.

Lake Naivasha Simba Lodge

Best for: Resort surroundings close to the venue

Lake Naivasha Simba Lodge is one of the closest established alternatives to Sawela. Its lakeside setting, spacious grounds and resort atmosphere make it suitable for delegates who want a comfortable stay away from the main congress venue.

The official congress accommodation information places the lodge approximately seven minutes by road from Sawela, although actual travel times will depend on traffic and final transport arrangements.

Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort

Best for: Wildlife, gardens and a relaxed lakeside stay

Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort is a popular choice for visitors who want to experience Naivasha’s natural setting while attending the congress.

The resort has extensive grounds where giraffes, waterbuck and other animals are frequently seen. It is particularly suitable for delegates adding leisure time before or after the event.

The property is approximately nine minutes from the congress venue under normal conditions.

Enashipai Resort & Spa

Best for: Premium accommodation, wellness and central convenience

Enashipai Resort & Spa is one of Naivasha’s leading premium resorts. It is a good choice for senior delegates, couples and travellers who prefer a full-service property with restaurants, conference facilities, a spa and easy access to Naivasha town.

The resort is approximately 12 minutes from Sawela Lodges under normal traffic conditions.

Lake Naivasha Resort

Best for: Business and leisure travellers

Lake Naivasha Resort offers accommodation, conference facilities, landscaped grounds and access to the lake area. It works well for delegates who want a larger resort with leisure facilities.

The property is approximately 14 minutes from the congress venue.

Lake Naivasha Country Club

Best for: Heritage character and lakeside gardens

Lake Naivasha Country Club offers a more traditional atmosphere and a spacious lakeside setting. It may appeal to delegates who prefer an established property with mature gardens and easy access to Lake Naivasha activities.

It is approximately 14 minutes from Sawela Lodges.

Burch’s Resort Naivasha

Best for: Mid-range lakeside accommodation

Burch’s Resort is an alternative for delegates seeking reasonably priced accommodation near the lake. It is approximately 13 minutes from the congress venue and can work well for individuals or small groups with pre-arranged transport.

The Nest Boutique Hotel

Best for: A smaller boutique-style stay

The Nest Boutique Hotel is suitable for delegates who prefer a smaller property rather than a large resort. It is approximately 14 minutes from Sawela Lodges.

Blooming Suites and Other Naivasha Hotels

Naivasha also has smaller hotels and serviced accommodation suitable for delegates travelling on a controlled budget. Options include Blooming Suites, Avian Court Hotel and Eseriani Resort.

When selecting one of these properties, consider:

• The distance from Sawela Lodges

• Morning and evening traffic

• Availability of reliable daily transfers

• Restaurant opening hours

• Wi-Fi and workspace requirements

• Late check-in arrangements

• Security and parking

• Whether rates include breakfast and taxes

Hotel rates, room availability and transfer arrangements should always be reconfirmed before booking.

Which Naivasha Hotel Should You Choose?

The following guide can help narrow down your options:

We recommend checking live availability before choosing a hotel. A property that looks close on a map may still require dependable daily transport, especially when many delegates are travelling at the same time.

Getting from Nairobi Airport to Naivasha

Most international visitors will arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi.

Naivasha is approximately 90 kilometres northwest of Nairobi. The journey usually takes between 90 minutes and two and a half hours, depending on traffic, weather and the location of your hotel.

Private airport transfer

A private transfer is the most convenient option for international delegates. Your driver meets you at the airport and takes you directly to your hotel in Naivasha.

This is particularly useful if you:

• Arrive late at night or early in the morning

• Have heavy luggage or exhibition materials

• Are travelling as a group

• Want to avoid changing vehicles in Nairobi

• Plan to continue on safari after the congress

Official congress transfers

The organisers have announced scheduled transfers to Naivasha from selected Nairobi hotels, including the Argyle Grand Hotel near the airport and Mövenpick Hotel & Residences Nairobi.

Delegates using official congress transport should confirm current departure points, dates, times and booking requirements directly with the organisers through the official travel information page.

Spending a night in Nairobi

If your flight arrives late, spending the first night in Nairobi may be more comfortable than travelling immediately to Naivasha.

You can then leave for Naivasha after breakfast. A Nairobi stopover can also be combined with Nairobi National Park, the Giraffe Centre, the Karen Blixen Museum or a city tour.

Things to Do in Naivasha During Your Stay

If you have a free morning, afternoon or additional day, Naivasha offers several activities close to the congress venue.

Lake Naivasha boat ride

A boat ride on Lake Naivasha is one of the easiest activities to add to a congress itinerary. The lake is known for hippos, African fish eagles, cormorants, pelicans and other birdlife.

Morning trips are usually best when conditions are calm.

Crescent Island Game Sanctuary

Crescent Island offers guided walking experiences among giraffes, zebras, gazelles and waterbuck. It can be reached by boat or road, depending on conditions and the selected entrance.

A boat ride and guided Crescent Island walk can be combined into a half-day excursion.

Hell’s Gate National Park

Hell’s Gate is known for its cliffs, volcanic landscapes and opportunities to explore sections of the park by vehicle, bicycle or on foot.

The park can be visited as a half-day or full-day excursion from most Naivasha hotels. Access to the gorge may be restricted during or after heavy rain, so local conditions should be checked before travelling.

Mount Longonot

Active travellers can hike Mount Longonot before or after the congress. The climb is physically demanding and is best started early in the morning with adequate water, suitable footwear and enough time.

Add a Lake Nakuru Safari to Your Congress Visit

Lake Nakuru National Park is the easiest traditional game-drive destination to combine with a stay in Naivasha.

The park is known for rhinos, Rothschild’s giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, baboons and varied birdlife. Lions and leopards are also present, although sightings are never guaranteed.

Lake Nakuru day safari from Naivasha

A full-day Lake Nakuru safari can normally operate as follows:

• Early breakfast at your Naivasha hotel

• Private drive to Lake Nakuru National Park

• Morning game drive

• Lunch at a lodge or picnic site

• Afternoon game drive

• Return to Naivasha in the evening

This is the best choice for delegates who have only one free day and want a genuine Kenyan safari without changing hotels.

One-night Lake Nakuru extension

If you have more time, spend one night near or inside Lake Nakuru National Park. This allows for a less hurried experience and early morning or late afternoon wildlife viewing.

Add a Masai Mara Safari After the Congress

For international visitors, the Masai Mara National Reserve is the strongest safari extension after the World Potato Congress.

The Masai Mara is renowned for lions, elephants, cheetahs, leopards, giraffes and large concentrations of plains game. October is at the end of the main migration period, but the reserve offers excellent resident wildlife throughout the year.

How long should you spend in the Masai Mara?

We recommend:

• Two nights: Suitable when time is limited

• Three nights: The best balance for most congress delegates

• Four nights: Recommended for photographers and travellers wanting a slower safari

A one-night Masai Mara visit is possible, but the experience can feel rushed, particularly when travelling by road.

Naivasha to Masai Mara by road

A private road safari allows you to travel directly from your Naivasha hotel to the Masai Mara.

The drive generally takes around five to six hours, depending on the camp location, road conditions and entry gate. The route passes through Kenya’s Great Rift Valley and rural highland areas.

A private safari vehicle can collect you from your Naivasha hotel after the congress and remain with you for the duration of the safari.

Flying to the Masai Mara

Delegates who prefer to reduce driving time can return towards Nairobi and fly to the Masai Mara from Wilson Airport.

A fly-in safari is more expensive but offers:

• Shorter travel time

• A scenic flight over Kenya

• More time in the reserve

• Transfers between the airstrip and safari camp

• Game drives operated by the selected camp

The best option will depend on your international flight schedule, safari budget and preferred camp.

Suggested Post-Congress Safari Itineraries

Option 1: One-Day Lake Nakuru Safari

Best for: Delegates with one free day

• Depart Naivasha after an early breakfast

• Full-day game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park

• Return to Naivasha in the evening

Option 2: Two-Night Masai Mara Safari

Best for: A short introduction to the Masai Mara

Day 1: Naivasha to Masai Mara and afternoon game drive
Day 2: Full-day Masai Mara game drive
Day 3: Morning game drive and return to Nairobi

Option 3: Three-Night Masai Mara Safari

Best for: First-time visitors to Kenya

Day 1: Transfer from Naivasha to the Masai Mara
Day 2: Full-day game drive
Day 3: Full-day or morning and afternoon game drives
Day 4: Return to Nairobi or fly from the Masai Mara

Option 4: Lake Nakuru and Masai Mara Safari

Best for: Delegates wanting to see two different wildlife areas

Day 1: Naivasha to Lake Nakuru; game drive and overnight
Day 2: Lake Nakuru to the Masai Mara
Day 3: Full-day Masai Mara game drive
Day 4: Additional Masai Mara game drive
Day 5: Return to Nairobi or fly from the Masai Mara

Planning Your Flights After the Safari

Do not plan a long road journey from the Masai Mara and an international departure too close together.

When returning by road, we normally recommend spending the final night in Nairobi if your international flight leaves early in the day. If flying from the Masai Mara to Wilson Airport, allow adequate time for the road transfer between Wilson Airport and Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.

Traffic in Nairobi can be unpredictable, so every itinerary should include a sensible connection window.

What to Pack for Naivasha in October

Naivasha sits at a high elevation and can be cooler than many international visitors expect, particularly in the morning and evening.

Consider packing:

• Light business clothing for congress sessions

• A jacket, sweater or fleece

• Comfortable walking shoes

• A light waterproof jacket

• Sun protection

• Insect repellent

• Binoculars for wildlife excursions

• Neutral-coloured clothing for safari

• Any required medication

• Travel adapters and portable chargers

October can bring rain, but conditions vary. A light waterproof layer is useful for both congress activities and safari travel.

Book Your World Potato Congress Accommodation and Safari

If you are attending the World Potato Congress 2026 in Naivasha, we can help you combine the business event with a comfortable and well-organised stay in Kenya.

We can tailor your arrangements to include:

• Naivasha hotel accommodation

• Airport meet-and-greet services

• Nairobi hotel stays

• Private Nairobi–Naivasha transfers

• Transport between your hotel and Sawela Lodges

• Lake Naivasha boat rides

• Crescent Island and Hell’s Gate excursions

• Lake Nakuru day safaris

• Private Masai Mara road safaris

• Masai Mara fly-in packages

• Return transfers to your international departure point

Tell us your congress dates, preferred hotel category, number of travellers and how many days you have available after the event. We will recommend the best accommodation and safari combination for your schedule.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the World Potato Congress 2026?

The 13th World Potato Congress will take place from 26 to 30 October 2026.

Where will the World Potato Congress 2026 be held?

The event will be held at Sawela Lodges in Naivasha, Nakuru County, Kenya.

Which hotel is closest to the congress?

Sawela Lodges is the host venue and therefore the most convenient option. Lake Naivasha Simba Lodge and Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort are among the nearby alternatives listed by the congress organisers.

How far is Naivasha from Nairobi Airport?

Naivasha is approximately 90 kilometres from Nairobi. The road journey from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport commonly takes between 90 minutes and two and a half hours, depending on traffic.

Can I visit Lake Nakuru from Naivasha?

Yes. Lake Nakuru National Park can be visited on a full-day private safari from Naivasha. An early departure is recommended.

Can I travel from Naivasha to the Masai Mara?

Yes. You can travel from Naivasha to the Masai Mara by private safari vehicle. The journey usually takes around five to six hours, depending on your camp, entry gate and road conditions.

Is a two-night Masai Mara safari long enough?

Two nights will provide an introduction to the reserve, but three nights offer a better experience with more time for wildlife viewing.

Should I book my Naivasha hotel early?

Yes. With a large international delegation expected, rooms near Sawela Lodges may become limited. Book once your congress registration and travel dates are confirmed.

Can my congress hotel and safari be arranged together?

Yes. We can arrange your Naivasha hotel, private transfers, local activities and Lake Nakuru or Masai Mara safari as one itinerary. Congress registration and official technical tours should be booked directly with the event organisers.