Traveling is often a hectic endeavor. On one side, you have the planner and on the other, you have Darshen. If you happen to be the planner and your destination is Naivasha, here’s an itinerary that worked for me and might just save you from the chaos of indecision.The hardest part of traveling isn’t always finding activities or a place to stay. Trust me, it’s navigating the noise on social media. Pictures can be deceiving. A place might look picture-perfect online, but the reality on the ground could be wildly different. 

Tip #1 when it comes to planning activities: go on social media, identify a few options, and dive into the comment section. One thing about our fellow Kenyans is that if it’s good, they’ll sing its praises. If there’s room for improvement, they won’t shy away from letting you know.

Driving to Naivasha was a very interesting experience. We were two, and having our own car gave us the freedom to stop whenever we wanted to enjoy the scenery, take photos, snack on roadside treats, and just be in the moment. Beyond that, it helped us plan better, with a clear itinerary to save on the fuel.

When in Naivasha, there are a few must-do experiences. Top of the list is the boat ride. Though a bit rustic, Watamu is the place to go for this. If your negotiation skills are on point, you can secure a full 2-hour ride for around 6,000 KES with all the stops included. This includes a visit to Crescent Island, cruising to the water outlet, and drifting by the shores where hippos often rest, especially near the Naivasha Resort. We also enjoyed a supervised walk around Roter’s Island, where we had the chance to see waterbucks up close. It was peaceful, beautiful, and worth every shilling.  

Tip #2: Don’t hesitate to bargain! Many local experiences are negotiable. 

After the boat ride, we made a quick stop for supplies before heading to our accommodation. We picked up some breakfast essentials (eggs, oil, bread, sausages—the usual basics. The shopping cost us around 1,900 KES and came in handy the next morning. 

Tip #3: Stock up on essentials before checking in. It’s cheaper, more convenient, and ensures you’re covered if food options are limited.  

Then came our stay in a unique spot: a renovated bus at Milima House, available for 7,000 KES per night. The bathroom is outdoors, discreet and clean. The surrounding air is fresh, and often, curious horses will pay you a visit, even striking a pose for your camera. Though Naivasha can get cold, the bus interior is warm and the bed cozy. It’s totally a minimalistic lifestyle, but it’s charming in its own whimsical way.

The next day, you can explore even more.  After checking out, we headed to the geothermal spa, where you can soak in naturally heated waters, a truly rejuvenating experience. Entry is 300 KES per person for park entrance for Kenyan nationals, plus 350 KES for car access. There was an additional 400 KES per person for entrance into the spa. We enjoyed a relaxing swim in the warm pools, and on our way out, took in a scenic game drive, which is included in the fee. 

 If you don’t have a car, don’t worry. Milima House can connect you with a trusted driver who, for a reasonable fee, will take you to the geothermal spa and ensure you make the most of your day.

Tip #6: Bundle your activities where possible. Some attractions offer more than one experience under one fee. 

For your second night, try something different by heading to Paco Thrill Haven. They offer charming wooden cabins for 4,000 KES per night and a variety of fun activities: horse riding (1,500 KES for 30 minutes), quad biking(1000 KES for 15 minutes), archery (300 KES), and sip and paint (800 KES), among others. We chose to go horse riding and enjoyed every minute of it. The food was simple but tasty, costing around 1,200 KES per person.

Tip #7: Pick places that offer both accommodation and on-site activities. It simplifies logistics and gives you more to explore without traveling far.