Crater Lake - Where you hike with giraffes and sleep by the water

Tucked away just southwest of Lake Naivasha lies one of Kenya's best-kept secrets: Crater Lake.

Surrounded by a lush volcanic crater, this tranquil emerald lake is a dream for nature lovers, adventurers, and anyone seeking an intimate escape in the wild. I stumbled upon this place almost by accident - and I've returned twice since. It's become one of my absolute favourite places in Kenya.

The Magic of Crater Lake Tented Camp

You'll stay right on the lake's edge at Crater Lake Tented Camp, where the experience is nothing short of enchanting. Don't let the word "tent" fool you - this is glamping at its finest. Each spacious canvas tent comes with a proper bed, a private en-suite bathroom, and best of all: a porch overlooking the still, mystical waters of the crater lake.

Imagine waking up to the calls of fish eagles echoing across the water, velvet monkeys rustling above you in the trees, and the soft shimmer of the lake just metres from your bed. It's the kind of serenity that sinks deep into your soul.

The Crater Rim Hike - Nature, Views & Volcanic Rocks 🥾

One of the must-do activities is the Crater Rim Hike, a 5.6 km circular trail that lets you walk the entire circumference of the crater. You begin right from the camp, with a steady climb to the highest point of the rim - a workout, especially under the Kenyan sun, but absolutely worth it.

Once on the rim, you're rewarded with panoramic views: Mount Longonot on the horizon, Lake Naivasha gleaming in the distance, and the full circular sweep of the crater below. Keep your eyes peeled for obsidian stones - a volcanic glass leftover from the lake's fiery past.

The trail winds through shifting terrain - open plateaus, dense shrubbery, and viewpoints overlooking both the lake and wildlife corridors. You're almost guarenteed to see baboons, velvet and colobus monkeys, and plenty of giraffes roaming below. Expect to stop often - not from exhaustion, but from awe.

Tips:

• Start early to beat the heat.

• Wear hiking shoes and sun protection.

• Bring plenty of water and a camera - you'll need both!

Walking Safari - Wildlife on Foot 🐾

If the rim hike stirs your soul, the walking safari will leave it breathless. Led by an experienced ranger, you'll walk out from the camp along the lake shore, before climbing the crater edge and descending onto the plains between Crater Lake and Lake Naivasha.

Here's where the magic happens: zebras grazing just metres away, giraffes eyeing you curiously as you pass, and the occasional heart-pounting moment of crossing paths with a buffalo. It's one thing to see animals from a car - it's another entirely to walk among them.

The terrain is manageable, and while the pace is gentle, the walk takes 2.5 - 3 hours with plenty of wildlife stops and photo breaks. I recommend doing it in the late afternoon, when the light softens and everything turns golden.

Night Game Drive - After Dark Adventures 🌒

After dinner, bundle up, grab a flashlight, and hop into a 4WD for the Night Game Drive - an exhilarating two-hour ride into the dark wilderness. The same trails you walked earlier now take on a mysterious, electric atmosphere.

This is when you'll see the hippos emerge from Lake Naivasha, hyenas on the prowl, owls, waterbucks, spring hares (nicknamed "African kangaroos"), and even zebras and giraffes under the moonlight. The thrill of never knowing what's just around the next bend is unforgettable.

Dining on the Lake 🍽

The dining experience at Crater Lake is equally special. Lunch is served à la carte on a floating pontoon right on the lake - yes, really! As you dine, you can watch kingfishers dive and monkeys leap across the rooftops (lock your tent!).

Dinner depends on the season - buffet or à la carte - but always delicious, and always with that unbeatable lakeside atmosphere.

Why Crater Lake stole my heart 💚

Crater Lake isn't flashy. It's not famous. But it's deeply, intimately wild. It's a place where you wake up to bird calls, walk among giraffes, hike volcano rims, and dine on floating decks. It's peaceful, personal, and utterly Kenyan - and it still feels like a secret.

If you're craving silence, soul-stirring landscapes, enjoy hiking and close encounters with nature - this is the place.

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Crater Lake - Visitor Info at a Glance

🚗 Getting There:

• From Naivasha: Approx. 40 minutes' drive. After Kongoni, the road gets rough with lots of potholes, and the final stretch is an off-road track - ideally tackled with a 4WD. Occasional signposts guide your way to the Crater Lake Game Sanctuary gate.

• From Nakuru: Plan for a 1.5 - 2 hour drive. If you don't have a car, Nakuru has Uber, or you can simply ask around (e.g., at the Lanet Gate or in town) for a trusted local driver. Things are often easily arranged on the go - people are well-networked and happy to help.

  
  

Once at the camp, you won't necessarily need a car - a lot of key activities within the sanctuary are done on foot. However, if you're planning day trips to nearby sights like Mt. Longonot or Hell's Gate National Park, having your own vehicle or a dedicated driver is definitely convenient.

🛏️ Where to Stay

Crater Lake Tented Camp - nestled right on the lake's edge and the only accommodation at Crater Lake. Staying here means immersing yourself fully in the sanctuary's natural beauty.

📍 This is where you stay when you visit Crater Lake - no other lodges or camps are located at Crater Lake.

Book via:🔗 Booking.com✉️ info@craterlake.co.ke☎️ +254 722 203804

💰 Price: ~200 USD per tent/night (for 2 people),

full board✅ Included: All meals, crater rim hike, and walking safari