Visiting the Crescent Island Game Sanctuary, Lake Naivasha | Kenya
A Kenyan safari for the budget backpacker. Welcome to the Crescent Island Game Sanctuary, some times incorrectly referred to as Crescent Island Wildlife Sanctuary.
Backpacking at The Crescent Island Game Sanctuary Lake Naivasha | Kenya
As a rule, most African safaris are not budget-friendly. I am an unsponsored, zero income blogging longterm backpacker. Going on an African safari is not something I can normally afford to do.
But, I found one on the shores of Lake Naivasha, just north of Nairobi that doesn't involve flashing your cash.
Why can I suddenly afford it? Well, it's small, it doesn't have the Big Five and you can do it as a self-guided walk. Imagine that. Getting up close, whilst on foot, to zebras, giraffes, wildebeests, impalas, Thomson's gazelles and some awesome birdlife too. Oh, and a solitary hippo. Not the Big Five but who cares.
I'm gonna leave the logistics until the end of the post and dive straight in with photos of my self-guided walking safari at the Crescent Island Game Sanctuary. Enjoy!
But, I found one on the shores of Lake Naivasha, just north of Nairobi that doesn't involve flashing your cash.
Why can I suddenly afford it? Well, it's small, it doesn't have the Big Five and you can do it as a self-guided walk. Imagine that. Getting up close, whilst on foot, to zebras, giraffes, wildebeests, impalas, Thomson's gazelles and some awesome birdlife too. Oh, and a solitary hippo. Not the Big Five but who cares.
I'm gonna leave the logistics until the end of the post and dive straight in with photos of my self-guided walking safari at the Crescent Island Game Sanctuary. Enjoy!
Zebra at the Crescent Island Game Sanctuary, Lake Naivasha | Kenya
Zebra and Impala at The Crescent Island Game Sanctuary, Lake Naivasha | Kenya
Backpacking at The Crescent Island Game Sanctuary, Lake Naivasha | Kenya
Sacred Ibis - Crescent Island Game Sanctuary, Lake Naivasha | Kenya
Wildebeest - Crescent Island Game Sanctuary, Lake Naivasha | Kenya
Zebras - Crescent Island Game Sanctuary, Lake Naivasha | Kenya
Pelicans - Crescent Island Game Sanctuary, Lake Naivasha | Kenya
Backpacking at The Crescent Island Game Sanctuary in Naivasha | Kenya
Backpacking at The Crescent Island Game Sanctuary in Naivasha | Kenya
Backpacking at The Crescent Island Game Sanctuary in Naivasha | Kenya
Blacksmith Plover - Crescent Island Game Sanctuary in Naivasha | Kenya
Impala - Crescent Island Game Sanctuary in Naivasha | Kenya
Giraffe - Crescent Island Game Sanctuary in Naivasha | Kenya
Hadada Ibis - Crescent Island Game Sanctuary in Naivasha | Kenya
Thomson's Gazelles - Crescent Island Game Sanctuary in Naivasha | Kenya
Solitary hippo at the Crescent Island Game Sanctuary in Naivasha.
Logistics:
The Crescent Island Game Sanctuary is located 6miles/10km from the town of Naivasha, (60miles/100km north west of Nairobi), in Kenya.
Where to stay in Naivasha:
I'm staying in semi self-imposed isolation/quarantine at the Naivasha Treehouse. It's part of Jane Guest House. I've got a bed in the 5-bed dorm treehouse. It's awesome. It's just 10USD a night, including a massive breakfast spread. I am of course alone. There's a small pool, a restaurant and a fridge full of cold Tuskers. It's a short walk to town. Oh yeah, and the staff are super friendly.
How to get to the Crescent Island Game Sanctuary:
I had emailed them and received a reply within 20 minutes. The best time to go was in the morning. To save time faffing around, I got a ride on a moto-taxi for 300KSH (1USD = 100KSH) to the main entrance.
From where it's a 30 minute walk passing through private property, so naturally you got to pay a fee. 100KSH if you are on foot.
Just follow the signs:
You'll be directed to the office where you pay your fee. 30USD for foreigners.
Edwin was on duty. He was the one who emailed me back. He showed me on a satellite map, 'the walk' and said that most people take 2 hours but you can take as long as you like. Take water and snacks with you. The Crescent Island Game Sanctuary is open from 08:30 to 18:00 7 days a week. Guides are available free of charge but tipping is expected.
Getting back to town, I walked back to the main road and hopped in a matatu (small minivan) for just 70KSH.
Here is their website: https://www.crescentisland.co/ and you can find them on Facebook too.
Getting back to town, I walked back to the main road and hopped in a matatu (small minivan) for just 70KSH.
Here is their website: https://www.crescentisland.co/ and you can find them on Facebook too.
Notes: Details are as of March 2020. All 'game' photos are taken with my Lumix TZ 70. Most of the shots are with telephoto lens without any tripod.
Crescent Island Game Sanctuary
