Lake Naivasha Resort: A Lakeside Retreat Worth Knowing About

If you’re searching for hotels in Naivasha that blend wildlife encounters with genuine comfort, Lake Naivasha Resort stands out as one of the most complete options on the South Lake Road corridor. Best known for its direct lakefront position and the hippos that wander its shores at dusk, this resort draws a wide mix of guests — from Nairobi families on weekend escapes and corporate teams on retreats to international visitors using Naivasha as a base for the wider Rift Valley.

Location and Getting There

The resort sits on the shores of Lake Naivasha, about 20 minutes’ drive from Hell’s Gate National Park.  Naivasha District Hospital and the Kenya Wildlife Service Training Institute are within 10 km, and the journey from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport takes roughly 135 minutes by road.The property is well-signposted off the main South Lake Road, making it reasonably accessible even for first-time visitors arriving by matatu from Naivasha town.

For Business Travelers

The resort offers several meeting halls with capacities ranging from 20 to 300 guests, equipped with projectors, PA systems, Wi-Fi, and stationery. That said, be aware that some guests have flagged inconsistent Wi-Fi speeds, so carry a mobile data backup if connectivity is critical for your work.

For Leisure Travelers

The appeal here is hard to overstate. The grounds are well-maintained, with a variety of activities for both adults and children, and the lake views create a calm atmosphere that makes it easy to unwind. Boat rides let you spot hippos, kingfishers, and fish eagles, while Crescent Island’s walking sanctuary and Hell’s Gate cycling trails are both within easy reach.

Key Amenities

Guests can use the sauna, steam room, and fitness center, or book a massage and spa treatment on-site.  Three outdoor swimming pools, free parking, and 24-hour room service round out a solid amenity list that genuinely delivers on comfort.

Food and Service

At the heart of dining is the Acacia Restaurant. The menu blends local and international cuisine, with highlights including ugali with tilapia, nyama choma, and themed buffet nights such as Swahili night and BBQ weekends. The lakeside BBQ — with meat grilled African-style while hippos linger nearby — is the signature experience most guests rave about. Breakfast earns consistent praise across review platforms, with guests frequently calling it fresh and generous. Food quality at dinner, however, draws more mixed responses, and management has publicly acknowledged this as an area of ongoing improvement.

Service is a genuine strength. Staff warmth is mentioned repeatedly across TripAdvisor, Booking.com, and Google, with words like “friendly,” “attentive,” and “professional” recurring consistently. The main operational complaint involves room maintenance — some guests have reported cold water issues and minor housekeeping lapses.

Tips for Your Stay

Travel tip: Rooms closer to the lake come with better hippo-spotting odds at night — ask specifically when booking.

Local hack: Pack a torch. The resort grounds are large, and the paths between your room and the restaurant or pool can be dimly lit after dark. Electric cart transfers are available, but demand is high during peak hours.

Money-saving tip: November is the low season, which typically offers quieter surroundings and better rates.  Midweek stays also tend to be cheaper than weekend nights.

Booking tip: Based on recurring guest feedback, request a lake-view room explicitly at booking stage — not all rooms face the water, and the difference in experience is significant.

Pros and Cons

The resort’s lakefront setting, spacious grounds, and genuine wildlife access are hard to match among hotels in Naivasha at this price point, and the staff consistently make guests feel welcome. On the downside, the property’s large size means some rooms are a long walk from central facilities, Wi-Fi reliability is inconsistent, and room quality can vary enough that your experience may differ from the next guest’s.