Crater Lake Game Sanctuary in Kongoni, Naivasha: Hours, Facilities and Family Guide
Parks, beaches and nature in Kongoni, Naivasha
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Small private sanctuary around Lake Sonachi, a green crater lake west of Lake Naivasha, with guided walks, a tented camp and views from the crater rim.
What is Crater Lake Game Sanctuary?
Crater Lake Game Sanctuary is a private sanctuary on the western side of Lake Naivasha, centred on Lake Sonachi, a small green soda lake in an extinct volcanic crater. It lies in the Kongoni area, about 90 km from Nairobi. Guided walks loop around the crater rim and down to the lake shore, taking 1 to 2 hours, and some trails are steep and rocky.
The camp offers tented accommodation, a restaurant and bar, an indoor play area and a games room, and visitors can also arrange game drives, hiking, cycling and bird walks. A hilltop grave of Lady Diana Delamere is a local historical stop. Entry is managed from the camp reception.
The sanctuary is privately managed. Its lake, Sonachi, is a small saline-alkaline crater lake.
Is it right for your child's age?
| Age group | Verdict | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| 6–9 years | Good | Guided walk, but some trails are steep and rocky | 10–12 years |
Key details
- Address
- Kongoni area, west of Lake Naivasha, Naivasha, Nakuru County (reception at Crater Lake Tented Camp), Naivasha
- Opening hours
- Daily until about 6pm
- How long to plan
- 1 to 2 hours on a guided walk
- Suitable ages
- All ages (some trails are steep and rocky)
- Setting
- Outdoor
- Booking
- Walk-in
What to expect when you visit
Check in at the camp reception and pay your entry. A guide leads the walk around the crater rim and down to the lake shore.
Wear comfortable walking shoes, as parts of the trail are steep and rocky. You can add game drives, bird walks or a meal at the camp.
Family essentials
- Safety notes
Some trails are steep and rocky, so wear sturdy shoes and stay with your guide.
Tickets and costs
- Ticket notes
Fees are reported differently by different sources: citizen adult KSh 300, 500 or 800 and non-resident adult USD 20 to 25 (child roughly half). Confirm at reception before you travel.
- Free entry rules
- No
- Extra costs (activities, rentals, food)
Guided walk, game drives, boat rides, horse riding, meals at the camp
Plan your visit
- How to get there
In the Kongoni area on the western side of Lake Naivasha, off Moi South Lake Road. Sources give the distance from Naivasha town as 10 to 38 km.
- By car
- About 90 km, roughly 2 hours from Nairobi, depending on traffic
- Combine with
Crescent Island Game Sanctuary | Hell's Gate National Park | Lake Naivasha boat ride
- What to bring
Comfortable walking shoes, water, hat and sunscreen
What to pack
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Family day bag checklist
What visitors say
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Frequently asked questions
- What are the Crater Lake Game Sanctuary opening hours?
- Daily until about 6pm.
- How long do you need at Crater Lake Game Sanctuary?
- Plan for 1 to 2 hours on a guided walk.
- How do you get to Crater Lake Game Sanctuary?
- About 90 km, roughly 2 hours from Nairobi, depending on traffic. In the Kongoni area on the western side of Lake Naivasha, off Moi South Lake Road. Sources give the distance from Naivasha town as 10 to 38 km.
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