Crescent Island Game Sanctuary
Crescent Island Game Sanctuary is a peninsula or island on the eastern side of Lake Naivasha. Crescent Island was created in 1988, when Lake Naivasha level dropped sufficiently to allow Crescent Island to become part of the mainland. On the eastern end of the island sailing is possible at a private boating club. The Crescent island Game Sanctuary is in the Great Rift Valley, Kenya, it’s one of the most beautiful reserves in Kenya and is often called Naivasha’s best- kept secret, surrounded by water, it is actually a peninsula and is currently only accessible by boat from the East or West side.
Crescent island game sanctuary is a home to a number of bird species that roam around between the lake and the island which includes the fish eagle, herons, black crakes, cranes, pelicans, ospreys and among more, as well on the other side the island is also a home to a number of wildlife including the giraffes, zebras, waterbucks, impalas, Kongoni, elands and among many.
Attractions in Crescent Island Game Sanctuary.
Elsamere conservations center.
Within the sanctuary, during your visit to the island you can visit the information center to learn about conservation efforts of George and Joy Adamson and the ‘’ Born Free’’ movie about the Elsa the lioness.
Menegai Crater.
An extinct volcano where hiking, trekking, biking, camping are all done under and within this crater, as well as picnicking at strategic campsites, and photography is allowed.
Wildlife. (Animal species and Bird species)
Crescent Island Game Sanctuary has got various animal species that contains the Hippos, Long- tailed mongoose Goliath Heron, Bee- eater, Eagle owl, Giraffes, Zebras, Bat-eared fox, Long –tailed cormorant, Bush bay, Vervet monkeys, Crayfish, Fish eagle, pelicans, Kingfishers, Woodpecker and many others.
Activities in Crescent island game sanctuary.
Game viewing.
Crescent island game sanctuary offers the most favorable game viewing around the island in that the sanctuary has got various wildlife species like the impalas, waterbucks, zebras and among others. Game viewing is done in the morning and the evening which helps the tourists to observe various features in the island. Also the island has very strategic spots for viewing water animals like the hippos in Lake Naivasha.
Bird watching.
Bird watching is one of the interesting activity done here, different species of birds have been recorded in and around the fresh water of Lake Naivasha. Bird watching is best recommended to be done from October to March when the migrants from Europe inhabit the area.
Boat ride.
In the island there are hippos the best view point to watch those hippos is through boat riding. As well as the water birds can be seen through this activity during the boat riding.
Guided Nature Walks.
During your visit to Crescent Island Game Sanctuary, the guided nature walks are done within the area, here the guests gets the chances to literally walk close and with the animals such as the zebras, giraffes, wildebeest and many others.
Horseback riding.
You get even closer to the game as they do not seem to recognize you as a person they only see the four legs carrying you. Hells Gate Park; named for the intense geothermal activity within its boundaries, the Hell’s Gate National Park is a remarkable quarter of the great rift valley, water gouged gorges, stark rock towers, scrub clad volcanoes and bleaching plumes of geothermal steam make it one of the most atmospheric parks in Kenya. Mountain biking and hiking is allowed.
Climbing Mount Longonot.
Mount Longonot is a dormant volcano on the southeast of Lake Naivasha in the Great Rift Valley. The stratovolcano last erupted in 1860 so an opportunity to hike a dormant volcano is difficult to resist. The challenging hike which lasts about 4 to 5 hours you across a territory inhabited by leopards, antelopes, and buffaloes, the trails are heavily eroded and heavily eroded and very steep, which in its own ways adds to the fun of the adventure.
Where to stay in Crescent Island Game Sanctuary.
Accommodations in the Sanctuary is grouped into Budget, Mid- range and the Luxury accommodations that includes the Lake Naivasha Sopa, Enashipai Resort and Spa, Sawela lodge, and among many others.
Best time to visit Crescent Island Game Sanctuary.
The best time to visit Lake Naivasha is during the dry season between Julys to October, you can as well combine a trip to the visit to Crescent Island and Maasai Mara National Reserve to view the ultimate safari experience of all time including the Maasai Mara Wildebeest migration.
Entrance fees of Crescent Island Game Sanctuary.
Kenya Citizens (With Kipande)
Adult Ksh 800
Child Ksh 400
Kenya Residents (Proof of ID required)
Adult Ksh 1000
Child Ksh 500
Non Residents.
Adult USD 30
Student USD 20
Child USD 15
How to get to Crescent Island Game Sanctuary.
The Sanctuary can be accessed by two main ways from the city Nairobi up to the Island.
By Road Transport. From Nairobi it takes approximately 2 hours with a stop at the Great Rift Valley escarpment and a visit to the small Italian chapel.
By Air transport. Here by the air means you can take a flight from Wilson Airport in Nairobi to Loldia Airstrip.
The rich biodiversity of Lake Naivasha has established itself as a fantastic tourist destination. There are many activities here from boat rides, bird watching, climbing the dormant volcanoes, walking with the wild animals and taking in the mind- blowing scenery, your visit to Crescent Island Game Sanctuary will surely be fulfilled after your experience.
