Crescent Island

What you'll do

You may have heard of Naivasha, the highest lake in the Great Rift Valley, but we'll let you in on its best kept secret. A short boat ride from the shore (passing pink-eared hippo as you go), lies Crescent Island, a well-protected gem with more wildlife per acre than any other park in Kenya. Put on your safari boots for a scenic walk across the island with flourishing birdlife from pelicans to eagles that soar overhead, and plenty of plains game. Watch families of giraffe snack on acacia leaves or stretch with impressive agility to drink from the water's edge, and wildebeest and gazelle gathered in their hundreds, only disturbed by the occasional jackal. Lay out under the shade for a picnic overlooking the steamy springs of Hell's Gate (which just might be your next stop) before returning to your lodge on the mainland.