10 Best Luxury Lake Naivasha Resorts & Hotels

By Anthony Ham

Lake Naivasha has been a favorite Kenyan playground since the British colonial era, and it remains one of the most popular areas for holidaying Kenyans and international visitors. Its central location in the heart of the country and proximity to national parks like Hell’s Gate National Park are two reasons for its popularity. Excellent-value luxury accommodations are another.

Here we choose our 10 best Lake Naivasha resorts and hotels along (and close to) the lake’s beautiful shore.

The accommodations below are not ranked in a specific quality order.

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1. Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort

Aerial view of Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort with the lake seen in the distance Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort has a pretty lakeside location with fine rooms and facilities

Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort is a classic Kenyan safari lodge and one of the most impressive in the wide-ranging Sopa chain. Set around delightful lakeside grounds, its large and semi-luxurious rooms in stone-walled bungalows are an ideal Lake Naivasha base. The property has one of Lake Naivasha’s loveliest swimming pools and the restaurant is terrific, with a mix of local and international dishes. You’re also well placed for exploring the lake’s southern shore. Zebra and even giraffe sometimes wander the grounds.

The only problem here is that hippos also like this property, so you’ll need an escort after dark to avoid an encounter!

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2. Enashipai Resort & Spa

Enashipai Resort & Spa suit with a terrace Enashipai Resort & Spa is one of the more luxurious choices at Lake Naivasha

Another fine choice along Lake Naivasha’s southern shore, Enashipai Resort & Spa ensures a luxury experience with its spacious and supremely comfortable rooms. The service here stands out for its attention to detail and personal warmth. The excellent amenities include a fine swimming pool, a well-regarded restaurant, and a spa and massage center. Wander down to the lakeshore for lovely views, or take a boat trip out on the water in search of hippos and birdlife. And despite the busy traffic and the region’s popularity with tourists, once you’re here you’ll feel cocooned in the calm and quiet surroundings.

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3. Sawela Lodges

Sawela Lodges terrace with a view of the lake Sawela Lodges offers superb four-star rooms right by Lake Naivasha

Sawela Lodges, nestled off the southeastern corner of Lake Naivasha, gets the important things right. The modern rooms may not be the largest in the area, but they’re worth every one of their four stars, with light color schemes, stylish safari-inspired decor, and supremely comfortable beds and pillows. Manicured grounds spread out along the lakeshore, there’s a cool little designer bar serving decent cocktails, and the restaurant keeps its standards high. The lodge can be popular with wedding parties on weekends. While this does increase the noise level, it’s also a chance to experience a Kenyan wedding up close.

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4. Muthu Lake Naivasha Country Club

Muthu Lake Naivasha Country Club has a privileged lakeside position and top all-round facilities

You’ll find yourself wandering down to the lake’s edge whenever you can at Muthu Lake Naivasha Country Club. The grounds are sometimes alive with giraffes during the day, but watch for grazing hippos after dark. This fine little Lake Naivasha lodge sits away from the main lake road, which keeps things nice and peaceful. The swimming pool here is one of the prettiest in the area. Rooms are large and quiet, and the beautiful grounds have lawns and lovely sunsets to enjoy.

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5. Lake Naivasha Resort

Guests enjoying a romantic dinner on the pier of Lake Naivasha Resort Lake Naivasha Resort is well equipped with good rooms and a great location

Convenient for Lake Naivasha, the city of Naivasha and Hell’s Gate National Park, Lake Naivasha Resort manages that rare combination of facilities worthy of a large resort and personal service. The large rooms here have plenty of local character, the grounds and swimming pool are ideal places to relax, and the views from some areas on the property are superb. It draws a mixed crowd of well-to-do locals and international travelers, which gives it a lively atmosphere that is sometimes lacking in some of the other places in the area.

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6. Naivasha Kongoni Lodge

Naivasha Kongoni Lodge suite interior Alongside Lake Oloiden, Naivasha Kongoni Lodge has great rooms and views, and is close to everything

Off the southwestern corner of Lake Naivasha and overlooking Lake Oloiden, Naivasha Kongoni Lodge is a fabulous place to relax and an excellent base for exploring the area. Large, luxurious rooms come in a mix of wood, stone and thatch, and trees provide plenty of shade throughout the grounds. There’s a well-regarded restaurant and a swimming pool with views of the lake, and Hell’s Gate and Lake Naivasha are just minutes away by car. And because it’s a little removed from Lake Naivasha’s southern lakeshore, the lodge is wonderfully quiet, even on weekends.

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7. Great Rift Valley Lodge & Golf Resort

A table served outside on a field at the Great Rift Valley Lodge & Golf Resort North of the lake, Great Rift Valley Lodge is an excellent resort with fine rooms and views

Set back from the northern shore of Lake Naivasha, away from the busier tourist areas along the southern shore, the Great Rift Valley Lodge & Golf Resort is one of the better accommodations in the area. Large rooms decorated in safari prints are lovely places to return to at the end of each day, and many rooms have expansive views out over the green countryside. Enjoy a round of golf, a swim in the pool, a drink on the terrace or a fine meal. And, of course, Lake Naivasha and all its charms are just a short drive away.

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8. Mundui House

Mundui House suite interior with a fireplace Mundui House, on Lake Oloiden, is a classy, colonial-era property with superb rooms and views

On flamingo-rich Lake Oloiden, a short distance west of Lake Naivasha, Mundui House is deliciously quiet. It occupies a series of handsome colonial-era buildings with beautifully manicured lawns that extend down to the shores of the lake. In the late afternoons, you might be lucky and see warthogs, zebras and even giraffes and buffalo grazing on the grass. The pastel-colored rooms with their classic decor are tastefully stylish, and many have doors that open out onto the lawns with views over the lake. Service is excellent, and it makes a great alternative to staying over at Lake Naivasha itself.

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9. Loldia House

Loldia House interior with a fireplace A quiet retreat on the lake’s northern shore, Loldia House has excellent facilities and views

Perfectly positioned on the tranquil northern shore of Lake Naivasha, Loldia House is a retreat from the clamor of life on the African road. This gorgeous property spreads across 26km²/10mi² of light woodlands and verdant grasslands, and its tranquil location makes it so easy to relax. Rooms are available in the historic homestead, stone cottages or lakeside suites. Service is impeccable, and the meals are outstanding. There are also lake views at every turn, including from the swimming pool.

10. Chui Lodge

Chui Lodge interior with a fireplace and a terrace Chui Lodge has a wonderfully quiet setting and excellent luxury rooms

Amid the deep greens of the landscape southwest of Lake Naivasha and conveniently close to the entrance for Hell’s Gate National Park, Chui Lodge is a luxury lodge that’s nicely removed from the clamor of the main tourist area. In addition to a glorious setting, the rooms are spacious, with high thatched ceilings and bungalow-level privacy. Eat outdoors, swim in the gorgeous pool, relax on the lawn, and keep an eye out in case any animals wander through the grounds.