Crescent Island Game Sanctuary
Crescent island game sanctuary offers an intimate experience with wild animals in their natural habitat. The sanctuary is located on Lake Naivasha in the Great Rift Valley, about a 2-hour drive from Nairobi city.crescent island game sanctuary was formed in 1988 after lake Naivasha water levels dropped moderately allowing crescent island to be part of the mainland. The game sanctuary is a gateway to nature for travelers.
How to get to crescent island Game Sanctuary
Cresent island game sanctuary is easily accessed by two main ways of transport from Nairobi city.
By Road Transport: from Nairobi city, it takes about 2 hours of driving with a stop at the great Rift Valley escarpment and a visit to the small Italian chapel.
By Air Transport. You book domestic flights from Wilson Airport in Nairobi to Loldia Airstrip that takes about 30 minutes.
Activities to do at crescent island game sanctuary
Game viewing
Cresent island game sanctuary has got a variety of wildlife species such as Masai giraffes, zebras, impalas, waterbucks, Thomson’s gazelles, wildebeests, foxes, vervet monkeys, buffalos, hippos, dik-diks and many more.
Birdwatching
The island hosts over 200 bird species making it a must visit for bird watchers. Some of the bird species that are spotted include African fish eagle, pelicans, yellow billed stork, black crake, ospreys, black headed herons and more other birds.
Walking safaris
Since the sanctuary has no predators like lions and leopards, visitors enjoy walking on foot alongside animals and birds.
Boat riding
Visitors also enjoy boat rides on the island where there are nice views of water animals such as hippos, otters etc.
Photography/filming
Wildlife and nature photographers visit the island because of the wildlife and scenic landscapes. Commercial photoshoots are charged between KES 5,000 – 15,000.
Hiking mount Longonot
Travelers engage in hiking mount longonot a dormant volcano on the southeast of Lake Naivasha in the great rift valley. The volcano erupted in 1860 creating a landscape that offers hiking adventure that takes 4 to 5 hours.
Elsamere conservation center.
Travelers visit this conservation and education center in Naivasha that educates people about conserving God given nature for generations. The center came to light in 1960 when joy Adamson and George Adamson story where he rescued a cub and took care of it before he introduced it back to the wild. A visit to elsamere center provides insights into how the elsamere conservation center started and the life of founders.
What time does crescent island game sanctuary open?
Cresent sanctuary opens daily allowing visitors to explore and do adventure activities on the island from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. The island is safe for visiting and for all visitors.
Crescent island sanctuary entrance fees
Entrance fees vary from categories, from Foreign Residents, East African Residents and Non foreign Residents. Note that cash in USD and Kshs are accepted as well as credit card services.
School groups with maximum of 45 students are pre-booked prior to the visiting date. Entry fees are as follows,
Non-Residents
Adult: $33
Student: $22
Child: $16
Kenya Residents
(Proof of ID required)
Adult: KES 1,100
Child: KES 550
Kenya Citizens
(Proof of ID required)
Adult: KES 800
Child: KES 400
(Children are charged from 5 to 15 years)
Accommodations near crescent island
Cresent island game sanctuary offers budget, mid range and luxury accommodation options. They include;
Fish Eagle cottage
This is a cosy cottage with 2 bedrooms for unwinding and disconnecting from everyday demands. It offers breathtaking views and abundant wildlife where you feel closer to nature.
Naivasha lake view Resort
The resort is located in Naivasha town, 6 kilometres from Kenya wildlife training institute.it offers 8 en-suite guestrooms comprising of double and twin rooms, has spacious rooms for conferences and weddings.
Osotua luxury Resort
Osotua luxury resort is a luxury accommodation nestled in Naivasha. It has over 30 elegant rooms that includes standard, deluxe with sweeping views of lake Naivasha. It features private bathrooms with hot and cold showers, air conditioners, satellite and mini bars.
Best time to visit crescent island game sanctuary
Travelers can visit the sanctuary anytime of the year, the best period starts from June to august and December to February. During this period the trails are dry.
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