Lake Naivasha, nestled in Kenya’s Great Rift Valley, is a stunning freshwater lake that offers a unique blend of serene landscapes and abundant wildlife. About 90 km northwest of Nairobi, it sits over 1,800 meters above sea level. The lake is renowned for its rich birdlife and large hippo population. Adjacent to Lake Naivasha is Crescent Island, a privately owned sanctuary where visitors can safely walk among giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, and antelopes.
A visit to Lake Naivasha and Crescent Island provides a different experience, combining the calm of a lake safari with the thrill of walking alongside wild animals. It's an essential addition to any Kenya itinerary, whether you're heading to Nakuru or the Maasai Mara.
Lake Naivasha from Crater Lake Game Sanctuary
The History of Crescent Island
Crescent Island is a geographical feature that has made quite a name for itself while remaining one of Lake Naivasha’s best-kept secrets. The island is the rim of an ancient volcano; part of it is submerged underwater hence the island’s crescent shape.
This island, remarkable for its crescent-shaped form, is both an island and a peninsula, depending on the season. It gained international fame after being featured in the 1985 film “Out of Africa.” Its sweeping landscapes made it the perfect backdrop, and animals like wildebeests were brought across the land bridge to enhance the scenery.
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In 1988, rising water levels submerged the land bridge, turning Crescent into an island for the first time and isolating the animals that had been introduced for the film. Six years later, the water levels receded, and the land bridge reappeared, once again connecting Crescent Island to the mainland. This allowed animals to move freely between the two, highlighting the island’s ever-changing nature.
According to my lovely guide, Crescent Island actually didn’t historically have that many animals on it, but it was used in the 1980’s to film the movie “Out of Africa”, and they brought lots of animals onto the island for the filming. The “island” is now owned privately by a British woman, and run as a national park.
Originally used by Masai people to graze cattle, the peninsula was under private ownership for some time when the owners developed it into a sanctuary farm, and thereafter, it was taken over by a consortium in 1969. Film companies were attracted to the natural beauty, and films like “Living Free” were shot here. However, it came into the limelight after the movie “Out Of Africa” was shot here in 1985.
Lake Naivasha: Walking Safari on Crescent Island
Wildlife on Crescent Island
Crescent Island Sanctuary is home to a diverse array of wildlife, making it a paradise for animal lovers. Visitors can encounter herbivores such as giraffes, zebras, impalas, and elands, all thriving in their natural habitat without the presence of large predators.
Exploring Crescent Island on foot was a highlight of the day. With no large predators around, it was perfectly safe to wander among the wildlife. We came across giraffes reaching for the highest branches, antelopes grazing peacefully, and zebras moving gracefully across the open plains. The island is also a haven for bird watchers, with a variety of species like fish eagles, pelicans, and cormorants adding to the vibrant atmosphere.
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For bird enthusiasts, the sanctuary is a treasure trove of avian life. The surrounding Lake Naivasha provides an ideal environment for birds such as fish eagles, ospreys, herons, black crakes, and lily-trotters.
Zebras on Crescent Island
On the drive up from Nairobi, I asked the driver to take the Great Rift Valley road, which seemed fairly boring and uneventful until suddenly, you hit the top of a hill, round a corner, and boom! First view of Crescent Island from the lake. They were so cool, and again, super relaxed about me getting so close! Naturally I’m all “Check out this giraffe!” and he’s all “Who? Bit of a hippo skull. Love this dude in the background - it’s like they’re playing peekaboo the way their heads stick up like that!
Walking with animals like the waterbucks, zebras, gnu, giraffes, impalas this close and also seeing a group of Cape buffalos a distance away, gave me goosebumps. I mean who walks this close to wildlife! In that one hour Susan helped us understand the differences in types of giraffe, the ones that are ruminants and non ruminants, sizes, shapes, characteristics, oh what a great experience!!
Birdwatching
Moses, was fantastic, he seemed to know every bird in the area by heart. He explained things in such a simple way, and it was clear he knew every bird around the lake. At each stop, he pointed out a new species and shared something interesting about it. We saw Sacred Ibis with their long curved bills searching in the shallows, Pied Wagtails constantly flicking their tails, Jacanas walking lightly on lily pads, Marabou Storks (part of Africa’s “Ugly Five”), Cattle Egrets following livestock, and Pink-Backed Pelicans with beaks so huge you wonder how they carry them.
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We spotted a Kingfisher zipping over the water looking for fish, and Starlings shining in the sun with their blue-green feathers. By the shore, a Hamerkop stood near its giant nest, and a pair of Egyptian geese waddled along the grass with their little ones close behind.
African Fish Eagle
The highlight came when Moses demonstrated how the African fish eagle hunts. With a fish placed near our boat, we watched in awe as the eagle soared toward us, swooping low before snatching its prize in one swift motion.
Cormorants standing on branches with its wings wide open were a very common sight, yet so majestic. One had just come out of the water after fishing and was letting the sun dry its feathers. It looked so calm, almost like it was enjoying the quiet morning by the lake as much as we were.
Hippos of Lake Naivasha
Lake Naivasha, covering about 139 sq. km and reaching depths of 30 meters, is immense. There are about 1,000 to 1,500 hippos in Lake Naivasha, usually seen in groups of 10 to 30. We observed that they stay in the water completely submerged just keeping only their heads above the water. They come out at night to graze. Moses skillfully balanced the thrill of taking us close enough to observe these lazy yet mightily aggressive animals, while keeping a safe distance.
Hippos lounging along the shores of Lake Naivasha
Experiencing Crescent Island
One of the key attractions of Crescent Island Sanctuary is its flat landscape, which makes hiking and exploration easy and enjoyable. Unlike other game reserves with rugged terrains, Crescent Island offers a gentle yet immersive trekking experience. Visitors can embark on guided walking tours that provide insightful information about the ecosystem, conservation efforts, and the history of the island.
The best way to experience Lake Naivasha is on a boat, gliding past hippos, fish eagles, and a dazzling variety of birdlife. If you ask for Lake Naivasha on your safari, the boat tour is usually included in the package cost. If not, you can easily arrange one on the spot. Just be sure to agree on the price in advance, which is usually around USD 25-40 per boat (shared).
After an unforgettable hour spotting birds, hippos, and soaking up all this fascinating knowledge, we drifted toward the shore where several guides awaited. That’s when Susan, a warm and friendly guide, led us on a walk across Crescent Island. It’s a serene sanctuary where giraffes, zebras, and antelopes roam freely across the open plains. These animals were originally brought here in 1989 during the filming of Out of Africa, and they’ve called the island home ever since.
Crescent Island is one of the few places in Kenya where you can walk freely among giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, and antelopes without the worry of predators. With a local guide, the walk becomes even more engaging as they point out animal behavior and birdlife along the way. The circuit is about 3-4 km and usually takes 1.5 to 2 hours at a relaxed pace, with plenty of stops to watch the wildlife. Flat and open, it’s an easy walk suitable for most visitors, and many combine it with a Lake Naivasha boat ride for the perfect half-day adventure.
Practical Information for Visitors
Here's a table summarizing key information for planning a visit to Crescent Island:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Lake Naivasha, Kenya |
| Accessibility | Boat only |
| Opening Times | Opens at 8:30 AM; last entry at 4:30 PM; sanctuary closes by 5:45 PM |
| Boat Tour Cost | USD 25-40 per boat (shared) |
| Crescent Island Entry Fee | Adult: ~ USD 33 ; Child: ~ USD 16 |
| Best Time to Visit | Dry season (June to October, January to February) |
| What to Wear | Comfortable walking shoes |
| Safety Tips | Maintain a safe distance from hippos |
Clear skies, a crisp 15-18 degrees, and no rain to worry about. August falls in the dry season, which is the best time for a Lake Naivasha boat ride and a Crescent Island walk. The dry months (June to October, and again January to February) make the experience more enjoyable since the trails are firm and animals are easier to spot around the lake. The wet months (March to May and November) can also be beautiful, with lush greenery and dramatic skies, but expect muddier paths and a bit more effort while walking.
For the Crescent Island walk, you don’t need any special gear. It’s an easy, flat walk across open plains dotted with acacia trees, so just wear comfortable walking shoes. Sun protection like a hat or sunscreen isn’t really necessary in cooler months like August, but if you’re visiting in the hotter season, it’s good to carry them. Kenya really is blessed with beautiful weather most of the year.
Crescent Island
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