Lake Naivasha YMCA Camp - Hell's Gate National Park

Lake Naivasha YMCA Camp is a camp near Hell's Gate National Park.

Location
Hell's Gate National Park, Rift Valley Lakes, Kenya, East Africa
Coordinates
-0.833581, 36.364388
Elevation
1,893m
Activities
camp

PlnrScore: 35/100

Wildlife Near This Lodge

786 species observed within 20 km, 62 mammals, 316 birds.

  • African Fish-Eagle (Aves, 480 observations)
  • Great Cormorant (Aves, 351 observations)
  • Pied Kingfisher (Aves, 286 observations)
  • Superb Starling (Aves, 265 observations)
  • Plains Zebra (Mammalia, 241 observations)
  • Great White Pelican (Aves, 231 observations)
  • Vervet Monkey (Mammalia, 230 observations)
  • Hadada Ibis (Aves, 225 observations)
  • Egyptian Goose (Aves, 210 observations)
  • Maasai Giraffe (Mammalia, 209 observations)

Monthly Climate

MonthHighLowRain
Jan24.5C14.4C86.6mm
Feb25.7C14.8C49mm
Mar25.7C15C75.6mm
Apr23.7C15.1C187.5mm
May22.5C14.4C97.8mm
Jun21.8C13.2C15.5mm
Jul21.2C12.8C19.1mm
Aug22.3C12.8C19.3mm
Sep23.5C13.5C46.5mm
Oct24.8C14.5C35.3mm
Nov23.6C14.7C137.1mm
Dec24.2C14.7C56.7mm

Best Time to Visit Lake Naivasha YMCA Camp

The best months to visit Lake Naivasha YMCA Camp are January, February, March, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Great, temperature 18.34°C, rainfall 74.8mm, sunshine 11.1 hrs, humidity 67.1%
  • February: Great, temperature 19.02°C, rainfall 41.8mm, sunshine 11.3 hrs, humidity 63.9%
  • March: Great, temperature 19.09°C, rainfall 73mm, sunshine 11.3 hrs, humidity 65.5%
  • April: Good, temperature 17.69°C, rainfall 159.6mm, sunshine 10.3 hrs, humidity 78.2%
  • May: Good, temperature 16.97°C, rainfall 87.2mm, sunshine 10.6 hrs, humidity 79.4%
  • June: Good, temperature 16.24°C, rainfall 20.3mm, sunshine 10.8 hrs, humidity 73.7%
  • July: Good, temperature 15.85°C, rainfall 25.3mm, sunshine 10.2 hrs, humidity 71.3%
  • August: Great, temperature 16.48°C, rainfall 25.6mm, sunshine 10.6 hrs, humidity 68.6%
  • September: Great, temperature 17.23°C, rainfall 44.1mm, sunshine 11 hrs, humidity 68.3%
  • October: Great, temperature 18.35°C, rainfall 34.6mm, sunshine 11.3 hrs, humidity 64.7%
  • November: Good, temperature 17.74°C, rainfall 113.1mm, sunshine 10.8 hrs, humidity 72.8%
  • December: Great, temperature 18.22°C, rainfall 48.8mm, sunshine 11.4 hrs, humidity 68.4%

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of accommodation and facilities can I expect at Lake Naivasha YMCA Camp, and is it suitable for families or groups?

Lake Naivasha YMCA Camp primarily offers basic, comfortable accommodation suitable for budget travelers, groups, and families, often in dormitory-style rooms or simple bandas. You can expect communal dining areas, meeting facilities, and open grounds, providing a relaxed and functional base for exploring the Naivasha area. It's designed for a no-frills, community-oriented stay rather than luxury.

Beyond visiting Hell's Gate National Park, what unique activities can I enjoy directly from Lake Naivasha YMCA Camp, especially concerning the lake itself?

From the camp, you can easily arrange boat trips on Lake Naivasha to spot hippos and a vast array of birdlife, including African fish eagles. The camp's lakeside location also makes it convenient for guided nature walks along the shore, offering opportunities to see giraffes, zebras, and various antelopes grazing freely in the surrounding areas.

What specific wildlife might I encounter around Lake Naivasha YMCA Camp, and what safety precautions should I be aware of, especially at night?

Due to its proximity to Lake Naivasha, it's common to see hippos grazing on the camp grounds, especially at dusk and dawn, along with various bird species and monkeys. For your safety, it's crucial to maintain a respectful distance from all wildlife and avoid walking alone outside your room after dark, as hippos can be dangerous.

When is the optimal time to visit Lake Naivasha YMCA Camp to best enjoy both the lake activities and excursions to Hell's Gate National Park?

The best time to visit is during the dry seasons, from January to March and July to October, when the weather is pleasant for outdoor activities like hiking in Hell's Gate and boat trips on the lake. During these months, wildlife viewing is also generally excellent, and the camp grounds are less muddy, making for a more comfortable stay.

What kind of budget should I plan for a stay at Lake Naivasha YMCA Camp, and what value does it offer compared to other Naivasha lodges?

Lake Naivasha YMCA Camp is known for being a budget-friendly option, offering excellent value for travelers seeking an affordable base near Hell's Gate and Lake Naivasha. Expect reasonable rates for accommodation, often including basic meals, making it a cost-effective choice for groups, students, or independent travelers prioritizing location and experience over luxury amenities.

Other Safari Lodges in Hell's Gate National Park

Parks in Rift Valley Lakes

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Kenya

Travel advisory for Kenya