There are countless luxury lodges and high-end resorts dotted around the perimeter of Lake Naivasha. However, if you want to strip away the extravagance, connect authentically with the Kenyan wilderness, and fall asleep to the sounds of nature, you need to pitch a tent. And when it comes to camping in the Great Rift Valley, Fishermans Camp Lake Naivasha is an absolute spot to check out.
Situated on the picturesque southern shores of the lake, Fisherman’s Camp has been welcoming backpackers, overlanders, and adventurous families for decades. It is widely considered one of the most beautiful and well-maintained campsites in East Africa. With its rolling green lawns, massive canopy of trees, and highly affordable rates, it provides the ultimate basecamp for your Naivasha explorations.
Here is your comprehensive guide to pitching a tent at this iconic lakeside haven.
The Two Faces of Fishermans Camp Lake Naivasha
Fishermans Camp lake Naivasha is actually split into two distinct sections, separated by the Moi South Lake Road. Both offer completely different vibes, allowing you to tailor your camping experience to your preferences.
- Bottom Camp (The Classic Experience): This is the heart and soul of Fisherman’s Camp. Located right on the water’s edge, this expansive, grassy area is heavily shaded by a breathtaking canopy of ancient yellow fever acacia trees. This is where the majority of travelers choose to set up their tents. You are right in the thick of the action, close to the jetty, the bar, and the wildlife.
- Top Camp (The Quiet Retreat): Located slightly up the hill across the road, Top Camp offers a much more secluded and peaceful atmosphere. While it does not have the immediate waterfront access, it compensates with spectacular, elevated, panoramic views over the lake and the distant Aberdare Mountains. It is perfect if you are looking for profound tranquility away from the lively backpacker crowd.
Wildlife Right Outside Your Tent Flap
One of the biggest draws of staying at Fisherman’s Camp is the incredible proximity to the local wildlife. You do not need to go on a safari; the safari comes to you.
- The Resident Monkeys: The acacia canopy above Bottom Camp is home to a massive, highly entertaining troop of Black and White Colobus monkeys. You will spend hours watching them leap effortlessly from branch to branch.
- A Birding Paradise: Wake up early, unzip your tent, and you will be greeted by an orchestra of bird calls. The camp is frequented by colorful lovebirds, majestic African Fish Eagles, and the towering, prehistoric-looking Marabou Storks that casually stroll across the lawns.
- The Nighttime Visitors: Lake Naivasha is famous for its dense hippo population. At dusk, the hippos emerge from the water to graze on the grass. You might be wondering if it is safe to sleep in a thin nylon tent with massive hippos nearby. Do not worry! Bottom Camp is surrounded by a low, completely unobtrusive electric fence. It safely deters the hippos from wandering into the pitching areas, while still allowing you to safely watch them graze just a few meters away under the moonlight.
Comfortable Camping Amenities at Fishermans camp Lake Naivasha
“Roughing it” is a relative term at Fisherman’s Camp. The management has spent years refining their facilities to ensure campers have everything they need for a highly comfortable stay.
- Rentals Available: If you do not want to lug your own heavy camping gear on the matatu from Nairobi, the camp has you covered. You can easily rent sturdy, waterproof dome tents and comfortable foam mattresses directly from the reception for a very reasonable nightly fee.
- Spotless Washrooms: There is nothing better than a hot shower after a dusty day of hiking Hell’s Gate. The ablution blocks at Fisherman’s are famously clean, featuring modern flushing toilets and incredibly reliable, piping-hot showers.
- The Fisherman’s Bar and Restaurant: You don’t even need to bring a portable camping stove. The camp features a fantastic onsite bar and restaurant that overlooks the lake. They serve up hearty, affordable meals ranging from traditional Kenyan Ugali and Sukuma Wiki to excellent wood-fired pizzas. It is the perfect place to grab a cold beer and swap travel stories with fellow campers.
Essential Tips for a Perfect Camping Trip
To ensure your night under the Naivasha stars is perfect, keep these practical tips in your back pocket before you arrive.
- Layer Up: Naivasha is located at a high altitude in the Rift Valley. While the days are generally hot and sunny, the temperature plummets as soon as the sun goes down over the lake. You must pack a warm fleece, a beanie, and a good quality sleeping bag to stay cozy at night.
- Secure Your Food: The monkeys at the camp are very habituated to humans and can be incredibly cheeky. Never leave food unattended on your picnic table, and ensure your tent zippers are securely closed when you walk away. If they smell a loaf of bread, they will find a way to take it!
- Strategic Pitching: When choosing a spot at Bottom Camp, try to find a patch of flat grass that isn’t directly under the thickest part of the tree canopy. While the shade is nice, the monkeys and birds are active above, and you don’t want “surprises” dropping on your tent roof during the night.
Camping at Fisherman’s Camp is a rite of passage for travelers in Kenya. It offers an unbeatable blend of affordability, natural beauty, and a welcoming community atmosphere.