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luxury
Sawela Lodges Naivasha is one of Kenya's premier luxury lakeside retreats, perfectly positioned in the heart of the Great Rift Valley. Located near the shores of Lake Naivasha and surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens, the lodge offers an exceptional blend of comfort, nature, and adventure. Featuring elegant accommodation, modern conference facilities, family-friendly amenities, and easy access to Kenya's most iconic attractions, Sawela Lodges is an ideal destination for leisure travelers, corporate groups, honeymooners, and families. Guests can enjoy boat rides on Lake Naivasha, wildlife encounters at Crescent Island, hiking adventures at Mount Longonot, and unforgettable experiences in Hell's Gate National Park while enjoying warm Kenyan hospitality and world-class service.
Sawela Lodge is one of Naivasha's most established lakeside retreats, set in beautifully tended gardens on the southern side of Lake Naivasha. It balances four-star comfort with a relaxed country-club character, making it equally suited to leisure breaks, conferences and safari stopovers.
The lodge lies near the shores of Lake Naivasha in Kenya's Great Rift Valley, approximately 85 kilometres from Nairobi, an easy drive of under two hours. Boat safaris reveal hippo pods and fish eagles, giraffe and zebra graze on nearby Crescent Island, and Hell's Gate National Park offers cycling among the cliffs a short drive away. The grounds themselves are alive with birdlife.
Sawela offers 92 rooms and suites, from Premier Deluxe rooms to a dedicated Honeymoon Suite, all with modern amenities and garden outlooks. Facilities include an outdoor pool with poolside bar, terrace areas, bicycle rentals and full conference infrastructure, giving the lodge unusual breadth for the area. Board options range from bed and breakfast to all-inclusive, with halal and vegetarian menus routinely available, and the laundry, business centre and dry-cleaning services suit longer working stays comfortably.
The lodge is a comfortable springboard for Lake Naivasha and features naturally in itineraries such as the 7-day Lakes and Plains safari.
Larger deluxe option with modern amenities, designed for comfortable rest and great views.
$270 – $390
Romantic and elegant suite with extra touches for couples celebrating honeymoons or special occasions.
$350 – $500
Cozy and well‑furnished rooms with a private balcony overlooking the garden, en‑suite bathroom, free Wi‑Fi, TV, and air‑conditioning ideal for solo travellers or couples.
$100 – $190
Spacious accommodation with modern décor, balcony, and added comfort for work or relaxation; perfect for business travellers.
$170 – $230
12:00pm
10:00am
+254 712 215 434
reservations@sawelalodges.com
sawelalodges.com/
Sawela Lodge, Lake Naivasha
Location
Lake Naivasha
Lake naivasha region
Property Type
Lodge
4-star rated property
Destination
Lake naivasha
Kenya
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Get directions & explore the area
Located on the shores of Lake Naivasha in Kenya's Great Rift Valley, Sawela Lodge is a tranquil lakeside retreat approximately 85 km from Nairobi, making it one of the most accessible safari and leisure destinations in Kenya.
By Road: The most popular way to reach the lodge is by road from Nairobi via the Nairobi–Nakuru Highway. The journey takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, offering scenic views of the Great Rift Valley. The lodge is located along Moi South Lake Road, a short drive from Naivasha Town.
By Air: Guests can fly from Nairobi Wilson Airport to Naivasha Airstrip via charter or scheduled safari flights. The flight takes approximately 30–45 minutes, followed by a short road transfer to the lodge.
By Train (SGR): Travelers can take the Madaraka Express (SGR) from Nairobi to Naivasha Terminus, followed by a road transfer to the lodge. This is a comfortable and scenic alternative for guests wishing to enjoy the Rift Valley landscape.
Private Transfers & Safari Packages: Private road transfers, chauffeur-driven safaris, and tailor-made holiday packages can be arranged, often combined with visits to Hell's Gate National Park, Crescent Island, Lake Nakuru National Park, and Maasai Mara.
Nearest Airstrip: Naivasha Airstrip is the closest gateway for guests arriving by air and offers convenient connections from Nairobi and other safari destinations within Kenya.
Located on the southern shores of Lake Naivasha, Sawela Lodge is one of the most popular resort-style lodges in the Rift Valley. Just about 90 minutes from Nairobi, it offers a peaceful lakeside setting with beautiful gardens, birdlife, boat excursions, nature trails, and easy access to Hell's Gate National Park, Crescent Island, and Mount Longonot.
This is the main dry season and the most recommended period to visit. Weather conditions are pleasant, outdoor activities are comfortable, and wildlife viewing around Lake Naivasha is excellent. Boat rides, cycling, nature walks, and excursions to Hell's Gate National Park are particularly enjoyable during these months.
Another outstanding time to stay at Sawela Lodge. The weather is generally warm and dry, making it ideal for:
Boat rides on Lake Naivasha
Crescent Island walking safaris
Mount Longonot hikes
Birdwatching and photography
These months are often considered among the best for enjoying the Rift Valley's outdoor attractions.
The short rains bring lush landscapes and vibrant scenery around the lake. Birdlife is abundant, photography is excellent, and the area is less crowded than during peak travel periods. Outdoor activities remain enjoyable despite occasional showers.
These are generally the wettest months in Naivasha. While rainfall can occasionally affect outdoor excursions, visitors enjoy:
Lower accommodation rates
Fewer tourists
Beautiful green scenery
Excellent birdwatching opportunities
This is a great period for travelers seeking relaxation and value.
Prime lakeside location near Lake Naivasha.
Excellent base for visiting Hell's Gate National Park, Crescent Island, and Mount Longonot.
Beautiful gardens, nature trails, and abundant birdlife.
Family-friendly facilities including swimming pools, sports grounds, children's play areas, and cycling activities.
Popular for leisure travelers, families, conferences, and weekend getaways from Nairobi.
5 questions about Sawela Lodge
Everything you need to plan an unforgettable African adventure.
Property details reviewed by Imara Africa Safaris’ Nairobi-based safari specialists, who inspect and book Sawela Lodge for guests throughout the year. Rates, room configurations and seasonal access are confirmed with the property before travel. .