Lake Naivasha Simba Lodge

Lake Naivasha Simba Lodge sits directly on the southern shoreline of Lake Naivasha, a significant freshwater lake in Kenya's Great Rift Valley.

Its expansive grounds extend to the water's edge, offering guests immediate access to the rich aquatic environment, which is renowned for its prolific birdlife and resident hippopotamus pods.

The lodge is located approximately a 90-minute to two-hour drive from Nairobi, making it a highly accessible destination.

The Main Lodge Building and Public Spaces at Lake Naivasha Simba Lodge

The main lodge building uses local stone and timber in its construction, creating a high-ceilinged reception and lounge. An open-plan design affords guests clear views across manicured lawns towards the lake. In the evenings, a large central fireplace becomes a natural gathering point.

The main bar adjoins the lounge and provides both indoor seating and outdoor tables on a covered veranda, which serves as a prime observation deck for the grounds and visiting wildlife.

Guest Accommodation at Lake Naivasha Simba Lodge

Lake Naivasha Simba Lodge provides accommodation across 70 guest rooms. These rooms are organised into clusters of 10 units within two-storey blocks, giving the property a more structured, hotel-like atmosphere than a classic safari camp.

Paved and well-lit pathways connect all room blocks to the central lodge building, ensuring safe and easy navigation at night.

Room Design and Inclusions

Each room is built with stone walls and finished with a polished wooden floor, which helps maintain a cool interior. The design prioritises practicality, offering interconnecting rooms to cater for family groups.

All rooms have a private balcony or a ground-floor patio which overlooks the central gardens or provides a partial view of the lake. In-room amenities are comprehensive and align with a good mid-range standard.

• En-suite bathroom with a shower
• King-size or twin beds with mosquito netting
• In-room digital safe
• Tea and coffee making facilities
• Private balcony or terrace

Wildlife Activities and Lodge Facilities

The lodge's prime attraction is its direct lake access. A private jetty on the property serves as the departure point for all boat-based excursions. These boat safaris, which can be booked at reception, are the main activity and focus on birdwatching and viewing the lake's hippo population.

On-site facilities include a well-maintained swimming pool and a health club with spa and gym equipment. A signature experience occurs each evening when hippos leave the lake to graze on the lodge lawns, an event closely monitored by security staff for guest safety.

Guest Security and Health Considerations

A perimeter fence secures the entire grounds of Lake Naivasha Simba Lodge. This controlled access minimises the risk of larger wildlife entering the property, making it a safe environment for guests and families to walk around during the day.

As a sensible precaution against encountering hippos grazing after sunset, staff escort guests to and from their rooms after dark.

Lake Naivasha is not classified as a high-risk malaria area, but sensible preventative measures are always advisable. All guest rooms are fitted with mosquito nets, and guests should use personal insect repellent, especially around dawn and dusk.

The lodge upholds high standards of hygiene for all food preparation and water supplied to guests.

Lodge Infrastructure and Connectivity

The lodge runs on a 24-hour mains electricity supply, supported by a backup generator to prevent any power interruptions. This system reliably supports the charging of electronic devices in the rooms.

WiFi is available in the public areas and guest rooms, though guests should anticipate variable speeds, which is common for the region.

Lake Naivasha Simba Lodge Fact File

Our Expert Opinion on Lake Naivasha Simba Lodge

We find Lake Naivasha Simba Lodge to be an excellent choice for families and travellers looking for a comfortable and gentle introduction to the Great Rift Valley's wildlife.

The fenced grounds create a secure environment for children, while the swimming pool and interconnecting rooms add significant practical benefits.

The lodge excels as a comfortable base for water-based activities on the lake, rather than as a destination for a traditional big-game safari.