Location: Lake Naivasha, Kenya | Contact: +254 759 636468 | Email: crescentisland2019@gmail.com
Among the attractions that we recommend including in your 1-day Hell’s Gate + Naivasha tour is a visit to the Crescent Island. Read
🌿 Overview & Background
Crescent Island Game Sanctuary is one of the most beautiful and serene wildlife sanctuaries in Kenya, located on the eastern shore of Lake Naivasha, about 90 km northwest of Nairobi (a 2-hour drive).
The island’s distinctive crescent shape was formed after a volcanic eruption thousands of years ago, leaving behind a raised ridge surrounded by shallow lake waters. It became world-famous as one of the filming locations for the 1985 Oscar-winning film Out of Africa.
Today, Crescent Island is privately managed and offers a unique “walking safari” experience, where visitors can freely walk among herds of giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, impala, gazelle, and waterbuck — all without predators. The views across Lake Naivasha, Mount Longonot, and the Aberdare Range make it one of Kenya’s most scenic and accessible wildlife destinations.
🧭 How to Get There
Crescent Island lies within Lake Naivasha, and is currently only accessible by boat. Visitors must first drive to Naivasha and then transfer to the island using an approved boat operator.
🚗 By Road
From Nairobi, take the Nairobi–Nakuru Highway (A104) toward Naivasha. After about 1.5–2 hours, turn off toward Moi South Lake Road, which passes popular lakeside lodges such as Enashipai, Sopa Lodge, and Camp Carnelley’s.
Public transport (matatus or shuttle buses) to Naivasha is available from Nairobi’s Nyamakima or Tea Room stages, followed by a taxi or boda boda to the lakeshore.
🚤 By Boat
Crescent Island has no road bridge — access is by boat transfer only from various landing points along the southern and eastern shores of Lake Naivasha.
Boats generally seat up to 7 passengers and charge per boat (not per person). The journey takes approximately 45 minutes each way, depending on water levels and weather.
🚤 Boat Transfer Operators (2025 Reference Rates)
| Operator / Departure Point | Contact | Approx. Cost (KES) | Duration (each way) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Buffalo Boat Safaris | 0743 823428 | 3,000 | 45 min |
| Watamu Boat Rides | 0724 055601 | 2,500 | 45 min |
| Boffar Boat Safaris | 0739 741967 | 2,500 | 45 min |
| Marina Safaris | 0725 407993 | 3,000 | 45 min |
| Kimani | 0722 440157 | 3,000 | 45 min |
| Hippo Safaris | 0720 163148 | 3,000 | 45 min |
| Jackson Public Beach | 0758 579057 | 3,000 | 45 min |
| LNC Club | 0722 310885 | 5,000 | 45 min |
| Sawela Lodge | 0727 948363 | 5,000 | 45 min |
| Camp Carnelley’s | 0796 841149 | 7,000 | 45 min |
| Fisherman’s Camp | David – 0722 328218 | 6,000 | 45 min |
| Lake Naivasha Sopa Lodge | 0729 144461 | $40 per adult / $20 per child | 45 min |
🛑 Important:
- Do not pay boat operators for Crescent Island entry fees.
- Entry fees are paid directly upon arrival at the island, where you’ll receive an official receipt with the Crescent Island logo.
- On arrival, look for the Crescent Island signboard and uniformed guides with identification badges.
🎟️ Entry Fees (Valid 1 January – 31 December 2025)
| Category | Adult | Student | Child (5–15 yrs) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Non-Resident | USD 33 | USD 22 | USD 16 |
| Kenya Resident (with ID) | KES 1,100 | – | KES 550 |
| Kenya Citizen (with ID) | KES 800 | – | KES 400 |
💡 Children under 5 years enter free.
💡 Payments accepted in KES, USD, or GBP (cash only).
💡 M-Pesa Till Number: 740411
💡 Credit cards are not accepted.
🏫 School Group Rates (Monday–Friday Only)
| Category | Student Fee (KES) | Teacher Fee (KES) | Guide Fee per Group (KES) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary School | 250 | 450 | 500 |
| Secondary School | 350 | 450 | 500 |
| University/College | 400 | 450 | 500 |
Conditions:
- Visits are by pre-booking only via email: crescentisland2019@gmail.com
- Maximum 45 students per group.
- School visits Monday–Friday only.
📅 Operating Hours & Entry Rules
| Activity | Time / Notes |
|---|---|
| Opening Time | 8:30 AM |
| Last Entry | 4:30 PM |
| Closing Time | 5:45 PM |
| Important Note | Ensure you’re on your return boat by 5:45 PM – hippos emerge near shore after dusk. |
| Booking Requirement | Not required for day visitors (except schools or groups requesting a private guide). |
| Dogs | Strictly not allowed – wildlife perceives dogs as predators. |
🦓 Visitor Experience
Once you arrive at the Crescent Island jetty, you’ll be welcomed by guides who will explain the sanctuary’s layout and wildlife.
Visitors can explore independently or with a local guide (tipping appreciated but not mandatory).
🌿 Activities on Crescent Island
- Walking Safari: Enjoy a guided or self-paced walk among giraffes, zebras, gazelles, wildebeests, and impalas.
- Photography: The island’s open grasslands, lake reflections, and Mount Longonot views make for breathtaking photography.
- Birdwatching: Over 200 bird species — including fish eagles, kingfishers, herons, and cormorants — inhabit the area.
- Guided Interpretation: Learn about Lake Naivasha’s ecology, geology, and conservation efforts from local naturalists.
- Picnic & Relaxation: Visitors may bring light snacks and drinks; a small café on-site serves tea, coffee, and refreshments.
💬 “Come forth into the light of things; let nature be your teacher.” — William Wordsworth
💡 Essential Tips for Visitors
- Always pay entry fees at the island gate, not to boat operators.
- Bring cash (Kenyan shillings preferred) or use M-Pesa Till 740411.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, and a hat.
- Carry drinking water and binoculars for birdwatching.
- Photography is welcome — please respect wildlife distances.
- Entry is valid for one visit only; no re-entry after leaving the island.
- Crescent Island has no accommodation on the island itself but partners with nearby lodges (Sawela, Sopa, Carnelley’s).
🧭 Quick Facts
- Altitude: ~1,880 meters above sea level
- Lake Type: Freshwater (no crocodiles; hippos are present offshore)
- Wildlife: Giraffe, zebra, impala, eland, gazelle, wildebeest, waterbuck, dik-dik, hyrax, and diverse birdlife
- Best Time to Visit: All year round (mornings and late afternoons are coolest)
- Accessibility: By boat only — approx. 45-minute transfer from Naivasha shores
📞 Contacts
- Phone: +254 759 636468
- Email: crescentisland2019@gmail.com
- Social Media: Instagram
- Official Website: Crescent Island Game Sanctuary
🌅 In Summary
Crescent Island remains one of Kenya’s most unique wildlife experiences — a place where you walk beside wild animals, surrounded by Rift Valley beauty and the calm waters of Lake Naivasha. With simple access by boat, affordable entry, and unforgettable encounters, it’s a must-visit stop for anyone exploring Naivasha or nearby Hell’s Gate National Park.
💬 Crescent Island Game Sanctuar
(Compiled by HellsGatePark.org Naivasha travel team)
🏝️ About the Island
1. What is Crescent Island and where is it located?
Crescent Island is a private wildlife sanctuary located on Lake Naivasha in Kenya’s Great Rift Valley, approximately 90 km northwest of Nairobi. It occupies a natural peninsula that once formed part of the mainland before rising water levels turned it into an island.
2. Why is it called “Crescent Island”?
The island’s shape resembles a crescent moon when viewed from above, hence the name. It was originally formed by a volcanic eruption from Mount Longonot thousands of years ago, leaving behind rich volcanic soil and lush grasslands.
3. Who owns and manages Crescent Island?
Crescent Island is privately owned and managed as an independent sanctuary, separate from Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS). It operates under Kenya’s wildlife conservation and tourism licensing framework, and all entry fees go directly toward habitat protection, staff salaries, and community engagement.
🧭 Access & Transportation
4. How do I get to Crescent Island?
Crescent Island is accessible only by boat from the mainland. Boats depart from several locations around Lake Naivasha, including:
- Karagita Public Beach (shortest route, ~10–15 minutes)
- Camp Carnelley’s (~20 minutes)
- Naivasha Sopa Lodge (~25–30 minutes)
- Fisherman’s Camp (~45 minutes)
5. How much does the boat transfer cost?
Boat transfers are charged per boat (max 6–7 passengers), not per person.
- Average local rate: KES 2,500–3,500 per round trip (≈USD 20–25)
- Longer routes (from resorts): KES 5,000–7,000 (≈USD 35–50)
Always pay only for the boat ride and Crescent Island entry separately upon arrival.
6. Can I walk to Crescent Island from the mainland?
No — the island is now completely surrounded by water due to rising lake levels. Boat access is the only route.
7. How do I know I’ve arrived at the real Crescent Island?
You’ll see the official “Crescent Island Game Sanctuary” signboard and be welcomed by uniformed guides with ID badges at the jetty. Several unauthorized operators may offer “Crescent tours,” so verify before paying any entry fees.
🎟️ Entry & Fees
8. How much are the entry fees for Crescent Island?
As of January–December 2025, valid rates are:
| Visitor Category | Adult | Child (5–15 yrs) | Currency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Non-Resident | $33 | $16 | USD |
| Kenya Resident | 1,100 | 550 | KES |
| Kenya Citizen | 800 | 400 | KES |
9. Are bookings required in advance?
No — walk-ins are welcome between 8:30 AM and 4:30 PM daily. However, school groups and guided teams should book in advance via crescentisland2019@gmail.com to secure a guide.
10. Can I pay by card?
No. Payments are accepted via cash (USD/KES/GBP) or MPesa Till Number 740411. Credit cards are not accepted.
🕒 Opening Hours & Schedule
11. What are the island’s opening hours?
- Open: 8:30 AM
- Last Entry: 4:30 PM
- Closing: 5:45 PM (all visitors must leave by this time)
Important: All guests must be back on their boat by 5:45 PM — hippos begin surfacing near dusk, and walking near the shore becomes unsafe.
🦓 Wildlife & Nature
12. What animals can I see on Crescent Island?
Crescent Island is home to more wildlife per acre than any other Kenyan park, all non-predatory species. Common sightings include:
- Giraffes, zebras, impalas, waterbucks, gazelles, wildebeests, and buffaloes
- Hippos around the shoreline (best seen by boat)
- Over 300 bird species such as fish eagles, cormorants, pelicans, and grey herons
13. Are there any predators on Crescent Island?
No. There are no lions, leopards, or cheetahs, making it one of Kenya’s few places where visitors can walk freely among wild animals in complete safety.
14. Can I feed the animals?
No. Feeding wildlife disrupts natural behavior and can be harmful. Keep a respectful distance of 10–15 meters, especially from giraffes and buffaloes.
15. Are there hippos on the island?
Hippos live in the surrounding lake, not on the island itself. However, they often graze along the shore at night, which is why all visitors must leave by sunset.
🦜 Birdwatching & Ecology
16. Is Crescent Island good for birdwatching?
Yes — the island is a birdwatching paradise due to its mix of wetlands and open acacia woodland. Common species include African fish eagles, grey herons, spoonbills, ibises, and kingfishers. Early morning and late afternoon are prime times.
17. Are there guides for birdwatching tours?
Yes. Local guides are available upon arrival (first-come, first-served). While there’s no fixed fee, a tip of KES 500–1,000 is customary for a 1-hour guided bird walk.
🧍♀️ Walking Safari Experience
18. Is it safe to walk on the island without a guide?
Yes. Most visitors explore independently, as the terrain is open and visibility excellent. However, hiring a guide enhances the experience with insights on ecology and animal behavior.
19. How long does the walking tour take?
A typical loop takes 1.5–2 hours at a relaxed pace, covering 3–5 km of scenic terrain.
20. What should I wear and carry?
- Comfortable walking shoes or sneakers
- Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen
- Binoculars and camera
- Drinking water (1L per person) — there are no shops on the island
🧘 Facilities & Amenities
21. Are there restrooms or a café on the island?
Yes. There’s a small café near the jetty serving snacks and soft drinks, and clean washrooms are available near the entry point.
22. Is there accommodation on the island?
Yes. Crescent Island offers limited accommodation (cottages and tented rooms) mainly for researchers or group retreats. Most visitors stay at nearby lodges on the mainland such as Camp Carnelley’s, Sawela Lodge, or Sopa Lodge.
23. Can I have a picnic on the island?
Yes. You can bring your own packed lunch, but no littering or fires are allowed. Please take all trash back to the mainland.
🚤 Boat Ride & Lake Naivasha Experience
24. What can I expect during the boat ride?
The scenic boat transfer is often a highlight — you’ll pass hippos, pelicans, fish eagles, and cormorants. Some operators offer a brief “fish eagle feeding” demonstration (tipping optional).
25. Are life jackets provided?
Yes. All licensed boat operators are required by Kenya Maritime Authority to provide life jackets for every passenger — confirm before boarding.
26. Are children allowed on the boat ride?
Yes, but they must wear properly fitted life jackets at all times and be supervised closely.
📸 Photography & Filming
27. Is photography allowed?
Yes. Photography for personal use is welcome. The island’s landscapes and wildlife are highly photogenic.
28. Can I use a drone on Crescent Island?
No. Drones are not permitted without written authorization from the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) and Crescent Island management.
29. Are there fees for professional photography or filming?
Yes. Commercial shoots require advance approval and a filming permit, with rates depending on crew size and duration.
🛶 Safety & Visitor Conduct
30. Is Crescent Island safe for families and children?
Yes. It’s one of the safest wildlife experiences in Kenya — perfect for families, school trips, and nature walks.
31. Can I swim in Lake Naivasha?
No. Swimming is strictly prohibited due to hippos and possible waterborne hazards.
32. What happens if it rains or lake levels rise?
The island remains accessible year-round, but some trails may flood temporarily during heavy rains. Guides will reroute visitors as needed.
33. Is medical help available nearby?
Minor first aid is available on-site; serious emergencies are handled at Naivasha Sub-County Hospital (25 min drive).
🐾 History & Film Heritage
34. Was Crescent Island featured in any films?
Yes! Crescent Island gained fame as a filming location for the 1985 Oscar-winning movie “Out of Africa” starring Meryl Streep and Robert Redford. Many of the film’s famous wildlife scenes were shot here and on nearby ranches.
35. Does the island have any archaeological or geological interest?
Yes. Crescent Island sits on an ancient volcanic caldera and features exposed lava outcrops, fossilized tree roots, and views of Mount Longonot, an extinct volcano. It’s often visited by geology students and researchers.
🌍 Sustainability & Conservation
36. How does the entry fee support conservation?
Funds go toward:
- Wildlife management and veterinary care
- Habitat maintenance (especially after lake-level fluctuations)
- Community education and guide training programs
37. How is Crescent Island affected by Lake Naivasha’s rising water levels?
Rising lake levels have reduced the island’s size by about 20% in recent years, but also enhanced its wetlands, attracting more birdlife. Pathways are regularly adjusted to maintain visitor access.
38. Are there volunteer or research opportunities?
Yes. Crescent Island occasionally hosts conservation students, volunteers, and filmmakers focusing on wildlife monitoring, ecotourism, and lake ecosystem studies.
39. What can visitors do to support sustainable tourism?
- Respect wildlife and stay on paths
- Avoid littering or plastic use
- Pay entry fees directly at the island (to prevent scams)
- Hire local guides and boat operators
🧾 Miscellaneous
40. Is the island wheelchair accessible?
Partially. The jetty and initial paths are flat, but the trails are natural terrain, uneven in places. Contact management in advance to discuss accessibility options.
41. Can I bring pets?
No. Dogs and pets are strictly prohibited, as they disturb wildlife.
42. Is there mobile signal and internet?
Yes. Safaricom and Airtel networks are available in most areas, though signal may weaken near the shore.
43. What is the best time to visit Crescent Island?
Morning (8:30–10:30 AM) and late afternoon (3:00–5:00 PM) offer cooler weather and active wildlife. Dry seasons (June–October, January–March) are ideal.
🌟 In Summary
Crescent Island is one of Kenya’s most serene and ethical wildlife destinations — a place where visitors can walk safely among free-roaming animals, enjoy boat safaris on Lake Naivasha, and learn about sustainable conservation in action. Whether you’re a birdwatcher, photographer, or family traveler, the island offers a peaceful, close-to-nature experience that complements adventures in Hell’s Gate, Mount Longonot, and the Naivasha–Nakuru circuit.
For guided day trips, packages, or transport arrangements, email bookings@hellsgatepark.org or visit check out our 1-day Hell’s Gate + Naivasha Tour.