Crater Lake in Naivasha: Green Volcanic Lake & Walking Safaris

Crater Lake Game Sanctuary is a private wildlife haven nestled in a volcanic crater near Lake Naivasha, often described as a "gem in the Rift Valley." The sanctuary is celebrated for its stunning, jade-green alkaline lake and offers one of Kenya's most intimate wildlife experiences: the guided walking safari.

The Green Gem of the Rift Valley

The centerpiece of the sanctuary is the small, volcanic crater lake itself. Its striking jade-green or turquoise color is the most captivating feature upon arrival. This unusual hue is not from sediment but from the presence of a specific species of algae that thrives in the lake's slightly saline and alkaline water.

The lake fills the floor of a dramatic, perfectly formed extinct volcano, and its shores are encircled by a steep crater rim covered in a dense yellow-acacia forest.

The alkaline water creates a unique habitat that often attracts large flocks of lesser and greater flamingos, which can be seen feeding along the shoreline, adding a splash of pink to the green backdrop. The view from the crater rim, looking down onto the colored water and the surrounding forest, is one of the most scenic and photographed vistas in the Naivasha area.

The Intimate Walking Safari Experience At Crater Lake

The signature activity and primary draw of Crater Lake Game Sanctuary is its guided walking safari. Because the sanctuary is a private, fenced area with no large predatory cats, visitors have the unique and thrilling opportunity to leave the vehicle behind and explore the ecosystem on foot. This offers a much more personal and immersive wildlife encounter than a traditional vehicle-based safari.

All walks are led by a knowledgeable local guide, which is a mandatory requirement for entering the sanctuary. The walk typically lasts for one to two hours and follows trails along the crater rim and down to the lake shore.

During the walk, it is common to get exceptionally close to herds of plains zebra, troops of colobus monkeys, families of giraffes, and shy eland. The animals here are highly habituated to the presence of humans on foot, allowing for calm observation and excellent photographic opportunities.

Wildlife Within the Crater Sanctuary

The sanctuary hosts a rich variety of wildlife that has become accustomed to the presence of walkers, offering excellent viewing opportunities. The ecosystem supports a mix of plains animals and forest dwellers, along with prolific birdlife attracted to the lake and surrounding woodland.

Plains Game on the Crater Floor and Rim

The open grasslands on the crater floor and along the rim are home to many of the sanctuary's most visible animals. It is very common to encounter herds of plains zebra, Masai giraffe, buffalo, warthog, eland, and various species of gazelle.

These animals can often be approached to a safe and respectful distance, making the walking safari a highly rewarding experience.

The Elusive Forest Residents

The dense acacia forest that covers the crater walls provides a habitat for more reclusive species. The sanctuary is a great place to spot the beautiful black-and-white colobus monkey.

Vervet monkeys and olive baboons are also common residents. While much harder to see, the sanctuary is also home to nocturnal animals like the aardvark and serval cat, which are sometimes spotted on night game drives.

Birdlife of the Lake and Woodland

Crater Lake is a haven for birdwatchers, with over 170 species recorded within its small area. The alkaline lake is a major draw for water birds, most notably greater and lesser flamingos.

The surrounding woodland is equally vibrant, with species like the African fish eagle, various sunbirds, weavers, and fire finches commonly sighted.

Visitor Logistics for the Sanctuary

Crater Lake Game Sanctuary is a private reserve located about 10 kilometers from Naivasha town, just off the Moi South Lake Road. The final section of the road is gravel but is accessible to standard two-wheel-drive vehicles.

As a private entity, the sanctuary has its own fee structure, which includes the cost of a mandatory guide for the walking safari. It is advisable to confirm the current rates before your visit as they are subject to change.

Accommodation and Activities at Crater Lake

In addition to the main walking safari, the sanctuary offers several other activities and on-site accommodation for a more immersive experience. Being a private reserve allows for a wider range of options than is typically available in national parks.

• Accommodation: The primary place to stay is the Crater Lake Camp, a luxury tented camp located directly within the sanctuary. It offers guests the chance to stay overnight with wildlife often passing through the camp grounds.
• Guided Walking Safaris: This is the signature activity. A mandatory guide will lead you on a one-to-two-hour walk along the crater rim and down to the lake shore to see wildlife on foot.
• Night Game Drives: The sanctuary's private status permits night drives. These offer a unique opportunity to search for nocturnal animals like aardvarks, serval cats, genets, and mongoose.
• Bird Watching: Guided bird walks can be arranged to spot many of the 170+ bird species found in the sanctuary, including flamingos on the lake.
• Sundowners: Visitors can enjoy drinks from a scenic viewpoint on the crater rim, offering spectacular views of the lake and the surrounding landscape as the sun sets.