Camp Carnelley’s

Camp Carnelley’s is on the shore of Lake Naivasha, popular with independent travellers, families and groups.

Rooms

Options include camping, bandas, cottages and dormitories, with bedding and nets provided in the bandas.

Why we like it

• Great value on the lake.
• Relaxed atmosphere.
• Close to boat trips and Hell’s Gate.

Good to know

Hippos come out of the lake to graze at night, so guests should not walk near the shore after dark. The rooms are simple, so it suits travellers who value atmosphere and location over luxury.

Who it suits

Budget travellers, groups and families.

Getting there

Lake Naivasha is about two hours from Nairobi, descending the Rift Valley escarpment with viewpoints at the top. Lake Nakuru is about 1.5 hours further on.

Things to do nearby

• Boat trips among hippos and birds.
• Walking safari on Crescent Island.
• Cycling in Hell’s Gate National Park.
• Elsamere, former home of Joy Adamson.

About Lake Naivasha

Lake Naivasha is a freshwater lake in the Rift Valley, about two hours from Nairobi. Boat trips pass hippos and fish eagles, Crescent Island offers walking safaris among giraffes and zebras, and nearby Hell’s Gate National Park allows cycling among wildlife. Read Lake Naivasha and Crescent Island.

Naivasha is a popular overnight stop on the way between Nairobi and the Masai Mara or Lake Nakuru, and its lakeside lodges are good places to relax. See our walking safari guide for more on-foot experiences.

The lake sits at about 1,890 metres, so evenings are cool and a fleece is useful. The area is also known for its flower farms, and the papyrus fringes are excellent for birding, with more than 400 species recorded around the lake. On Crescent Island there are no big predators, which is why walking among giraffes, zebras and antelopes is possible. See the Kenya guide and our Masai Mara and Lake Nakuru safari for a route that passes Naivasha.

Planning your stay

One or two nights fit well between Nairobi and the Mara. See our 6-day Kenya safari.