Tucked into the western hills above Lake Naivasha, Crater Lake is one of the most visually striking natural features in Kenya, and one of the least visited places. An emerald-green lake at the bottom of an extinct volcanic crater, ringed by indigenous forest and home to black-and-white colobus monkeys, it sits about 20 kilometers west of Naivasha along a road that requires patience, a good suspension, and ideally a high-clearance vehicle. Those who make the effort are rewarded with a scene of exceptional beauty.
The crater itself is the remnant of an ancient volcanic explosion that occurred thousands of years ago, when the floor of the Rift Valley was geologically much more active than it is today.
The vivid green colour of the water at Crater Lake results from its high mineral content; the lake is alkaline, and the combination of minerals and the crater’s depth creates hues that shift from jade to turquoise depending on the light and season.
The surrounding forest, which clings to the steep crater walls, is indigenous and largely undisturbed, creating a microclimate noticeably cooler and more humid than the surrounding valley.
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Wildlife Tour: Colobus Monkeys and 160+ Bird Species
The Crater Lake Game Sanctuary, which surrounds the crater, protects a healthy population of black-and-white colobus monkeys, one of the most sought-after primates in East Africa. The colobus are commonly seen in the trees above the main trail and around the Crater Lake Tented Camp.
Their dramatic black-and-white colouring and habit of moving through the canopy in family troops make them among the most photogenic wildlife encounters in the Naivasha area.
Over 160 bird species have been recorded in the sanctuary, including various raptors that use the crater rim as a hunting ground, colobus-watching crowned eagles, and a rich forest bird community. Buffalo, baboons, and various antelope species are also present within the sanctuary.
The Hike: Crater Rim and Wildlife Trails
Two hiking trails offer different perspectives on the sanctuary. The crater rim trail climbs steeply from the camp to the top of the crater wall, where you are rewarded with a dual panorama: the green lake far below on one side, and Lake Naivasha shimmering in the distance on the other.
The climb is demanding but manageable for most fit adults. Allow 90 minutes to 2 hours for the round-trip.
The lower wildlife trail winds through the forest at the base of the crater, where colobus monkeys, baboons, and forest birds are more reliably encountered. This trail is accessible to families with older children and those who prefer a less strenuous walk.
Both trails are best walked with a local guide — the sanctuary provides guides at a reasonable fee, and their knowledge of the forest ecology adds considerably to the experience.
| Location | ~20 km west of Naivasha town, off the western lake circuit |
| Entry fee | KES 1,500 – 2,000 per person (confirm on arrival) |
| Key wildlife | Black-and-white colobus monkeys, buffalo, baboons, 160+ birds |
| Hike options | Crater rim trail (steep, 90–120 min) or lower wildlife trail |
| Accommodation | Crater Lake Tented Camp — restaurant, pool, tented rooms |
| Road condition | Poor — 4WD or high clearance strongly recommended |
| Best time to visit | Dry season: January–March, July–October |
| ImportantDo not attempt the road to Crater Lake in a standard saloon car, especially after rain. Call ahead to confirm road conditions. The last section is rough gravel and can become impassable after heavy rainfall. |
Crater Lake Tented Camp and Restaurant
The Crater Lake Tented Camp at the base of the crater offers comfortable tented accommodation, a restaurant, and a refreshing outdoor swimming pool — a welcome amenity after a morning hike. It is also possible to visit Crater Lake as a day trip from Naivasha town, though staying overnight allows you to experience the extraordinary dawn chorus of forest birds and the possibility of colobus monkey sightings in the golden morning light.
Enjoy your meals on the Floating Restaurant on Crater Lake Naivasha
Another hidden gem on Crater Lake is the floating restaurant. You can have your meals served while enjoying a 360-degree view of the lake. Quite a unique experience in Naivasha.
Go on a Simple Safari and wildlife tour around the edges of the Crater
Given that Crater Lake is located within a Sanctuary, it offers visitors the chance to enjoy a lovely, uninterrupted game drive while experiencing wildlife in its natural environment.