Simba Lodge on Lake Naivasha sits on the southern shores of the lake, nestled within a natural acacia forest and fever trees whose lawns descend to the water's edge. Located approximately 18 km from the town of Naivasha and 90 minutes' drive from Nairobi, the property combines accommodation, event facilities, and direct access to the lake's wildlife.

Why choose this lodge

Three assets set Simba Lodge apart on Naivasha's southern shore:

• Direct lakeside positioning within an acacia forest where wildlife roams freely—hippopotamuses in the evening, plains game during the day.
• A private fleet of three motorboats enabling cruises, fishing expeditions (carp, tilapia), and bird-watching without external logistics.
• A strategic location for day trips to Hell's Gate National Park, Mount Longonot, and Crescent Island, all within easy reach.

The lodge serves equally well for nature retreats and corporate seminars or celebrations, with five conference rooms, the largest accommodating up to 200 guests.

Atmosphere and setting

The atmosphere is that of a self-assured lakeside lodge: open lawns, acacia shade, unobstructed water views. The gardens serve as a passage corridor for local wildlife, which shapes the rhythm of the day—morning observation, the return of hippopotamuses at dusk. Interior décor embraces understated Kenyan style, with wrought-iron and mahogany furnishings that sidestep the standardized aesthetic of hotel chains.

Rooms

The lodge offers 70 rooms distributed in blocks of ten units: six on the ground floor, four on the upper level. Each room features:

• Wrought-iron and mahogany furnishings, a seating area, television, and ceiling fans;
• Private bathroom and a furnished balcony with table and chairs;
• Views over the surrounding gardens or forest.

Rooms at the end of each block benefit from an additional outdoor shower. On the top floor, two interconnecting rooms are reserved for families.

Services and dining

The wellness center houses a hammam, sauna, fitness room, massage suites, and a beauty salon (manicure, facials, waxing). Leisure facilities include a heated swimming pool, snack bar, tennis courts, billiards table, gift shop, paddling pool, and baby-sitting services for families.

Dining centers around an international buffet with live cooking stations. Indian cuisine features prominently on the menu, accompanied by freshly made chapatis. Service times:

• Breakfast: 7:00 am – 9:30 am
• Lunch: 12:30 pm – 2:30 pm
• Dinner: 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm

For corporate groups, five equipped conference rooms are available (projectors, whiteboards, audio), complemented by a business center with Internet access.

Location

Address: Moi South Lake Road, approximately 18 km from the town of Naivasha, in the Great Rift Valley. Allow approximately 90 minutes' drive from Nairobi via the main road descending toward the lake. Arrival winds through the characteristic acacia and fever tree forest of the southern shore.

What to do nearby

The lake and its shores offer rich observation opportunities:

• Lake cruises: the lodge's three motorboats enable sunset outings and fishing expeditions (carp, tilapia). It's also the best way to approach hippopotamuses.
• Bird-watching: over 400 bird species frequent the area, including the yellow-rumped seedeater. Guided walks along the shoreline depart from the lodge.
• Crescent Island: nearby and accessible by boat, home to impalas, topis, and warthogs roaming freely.
• Hell's Gate National Park: gorges, cliffs, and geothermal springs, to be explored on foot or by bike.
• Mount Longonot: a Rift Valley volcano with an ascent to the crater and a circuit around the summit (allow 2 to 3 hours of hiking).

To explore other regions of the country, see our suggestions for Kenya itineraries, or compare with other lodges such as Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge on the neighboring lake, or Masai Mara camps: Mara Simba Lodge, Masai Mara Sopa Lodge, and Mara Olapa Camp.

To incorporate Simba Lodge into a custom itinerary combining Naivasha, the Rift, and the major reserves, explore our Kenya journeys.