~ Surrounding Area ~
Crescent Island:
One of Naivasha’s best kept secrets. Take a guided walk the length of the island, which is actually the rim of an ancient volcano! Enjoy 360º views across the lake to mt longonot, hell’s gate, the mau and the heights of eburu, and finally onto the aberdares. The island can be accessed directly from sanctuary farm. As there are buffalo around it is advisable to drive to the island’s gate or by boat when the lake level is high. Opening hours are 8.30am till 6.00pm. Please go to https://www.crescentisland.co for further information.
Elementaita Weavers:
Elementaita weavers is located next door to sanctuary farm, about 1.5km away. It was set up to promote local craftsmen and women producing a variety of beautiful woven artefacts, including kikoys, throws, rugs, table-mats, cushions, curtains and blinds. Please call Henri on +254(0)733603652 for further enquires.
Veronica’s Farm Shop:
The farm shop next door to elementaita weavers is your one stop shop for yummy home-made delicacies, including chilli jam, marmalades, sauces, fruits, vegetables, crisps, and a small range of beers and wines. Please call Veronica on +254(0)702469818 for further enquires.
Fired Earth:
Fired earth is a small pottery workshop, owned by the portly obadiah. He was trained at bakuli blue and now he offers his own style of clay pottery, with signature nature themes. He also offers pottery lessons. Open from 8 am until 4 pm. Please call Obadiah +254(0)710827632 for further enquires.
Mt. Longonot National Park:
a dormant volcano located 20 minutes drive to the south-east of lake naivasha, rising from the floor of the great rift valley. It is thought to have last erupted in the 1860s. Its name is derived from the maasai word o-loo-nong’at, meaning “steep ridges” (see appendix). The tour (from gate to rim - around the rim - and back down to gate) amounts to a 13.5 km hike and takes up to 5 hours. The effort is hugely rewarding as the breath-taking views show the rift valley in all its splendour. Be careful of wild animals, including buffalo, as well as parts of the trail which are heavily eroded and very steep. KWS park fees apply & guides are available for hire at the gate.
Hells Gate National Park:
Takes its name from a narrow break in the steep cliffs that once enclosed the outlet of an ancient lake spanning a huge area of the great rift valley. It was a popular site for early human settlement. The national park as we know it today was established in 1984 and is known for its scenery and wide variety of wildlife, only 15 minutes drive from sanctuary farm. Legend has it that the setting of the 1994 lion king film was modelled closely on the landscape of the park. Hiking and mountain-biking are encouraged, one of only two kenyan national parks where this is allowed. Enjoy a walk down the njorowa gorge* and take a shower under the natural hot springs. KWS park fees apply.
The Simpson Gallery:
Franny and her daughter, katie, are very exciting artists and george, the son, is a talented silversmith. Their gallery is open to the public from 10am to 4pm on weekdays and on weekends by appointment only. Please call Franny on +254(0)724636990 for further enquires.
Crater Lake:
About 40 minutes drive away, past the end of lake naivasha’s ‘little lake’ one arrives at the magical crater lake. Here, you can go for guided nature walks in and around the crater and sanctuary. The bird life boasts over 400 species locally, of which it is easy to spot more than 100 in a day. There are also 30 species of wild animal. At night, the hippopotamus come out of the main lake to graze; it is also possible to see the aardvark and spring hares on night game drives. There is a colony of over 70 colobus monkeys as well as vast numbers of flamingos, sometimes covering almost the entire lake. Please be aware that there are gate fees.
Elsamere Museum:
Located 12km past Sanctuary Farm is a historical site depicting the life of George and Joy Adamson, and their lifelong commitment to the wildlife of Kenya. Together with the museum and conservancy, it is known for its Kenyan high tea with lake views. Entrance is 1,000 Kenya Shillings per person and includes a movie viewing. Please Call +254(0)722648123 for further enquires.
Sporting Activites:
Golf at the great rift valley lodge – voted the leading golf resort in kenya. 40km away from the farm on a rough road. Tennis, gyms and spas are available at Sopa Lodge 5km away and Enashipai 5km away.
Yoga:
There are world class yoga instructors in naivasha and nairobi that can be arranged in advance to hold yoga classes at sanctuary farm, surrounded by nature.
Nakuru National Park:
Is best known for its myriads of fuchsia pink flamingos nesting along the shores of the alkaline lake and feeding on the abundant algae which thrives in the warm waters. Also of interest are the rothschild giraffe, black and white rhino, lion, cheetah and leopard are also often seen within the park. An hour’s drive on good tarmac road. Please see KWS site for latest rates.
Aberdare National Park:
Contains a wide range of landscapes – from the mountain peaks to deep v shaped valleys intersected by streams, rivers and waterfalls. Moorland, bamboo forests and rainforests at lower altitudes. Visitors can indulge in trout fishing, walking, picnics and bird watching – there are over 250 species. An hour’s drive on good tarmac to begin with and then on rather bad murram road thereafter. Please see KWS site for latest rates.