Crescent Island Game Sanctuary

About

Wildlife reserve home to Masai giraffes, hippos, zebras & pelicans, with guided walking safaris.

Google reviews

• RMRami M.Google review · 20 Jan 2026

  Wow. What an amazing place to hike and see animals. Took a boat from Sopa Lodge and spent a few hours walking around the island. Absolutely stunning.

• KPKanya P.Google review · 2 Jan 2026

  What makes this place special is the lack of predators, which means you can literally walk among the animals. I was amazed by the sheer number of animals roaming freely. During my walk, I encountered: Giraffes grazing just a few meters away.Large herds of Zebras and Wildebeests.Various types of Antelopes and Waterbucks.A stunning array of birdlife near the water’s edge. It is a surreal feeling to be on the same ground as these majestic creatures without a car door between you. It’s peaceful, quiet, and perfect for photography. Beat the Heat The island is beautiful but very open with limited shade. I highly recommend bringing a hat and wearing sunscreen. It can get quite hot during the day, and you’ll be doing a fair amount of walking under the direct sun. A bottle of water is also a necessity!

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• SCShiladitya C.Google review · 3 Nov 2025

  Crescent Island is not a zoo. And if you just want to tick things off your list like walking up to majestic and beautiful animals for a photo, maybe you should give this a miss. But if you love and respect wildlife, this is a must visit. No other place offers this kind of an awe inspiring experience. A guide is not compulsory, but I highly recommend it. We went on a lovely walk across the island with Faith who was not just a treasure trove of knowledge, but peppered our conversations with nuggets of invaluable perspective on the complex and beautiful relationship between animals, nature, and us human beings. An absolute delight. And I’m trying to hide this at the end of the review so that the entitled and lazy might miss it - but yes, you do go up to and walk with giraffes, zebras, gazelles, wildebeest and more. Please be respectful to them, though. And offer kudos and thanks to the lovely people who keep this place going.

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• UPUva P.Google review · 11 Sep 2025

  Crescent Island in Lake Naivasha is a truly unique and unforgettable experience. The island has an interesting history, as it was originally created as a filming location for the movie Out of Africa. True to its name, the island is shaped like a crescent, giving it a distinctive charm and making it an ideal spot for nature walks and wildlife viewing. The highlight of visiting Crescent Island is being able to walk freely among the animals in their natural habitat. It feels like stepping into an open-air wildlife sanctuary without fences. We were lucky to see giraffes, including a baby giraffe, as well as many zebras grazing peacefully around us. Hippos can also be spotted near the water, and we even came across an ostrich during our walk, which made the experience even more memorable. The walk is very enjoyable and can be done at your own pace, but guides are available if you’d like more insights into the wildlife and history of the island. The entry charges are USD 33 or KSH 4000 for adult non-residents, which feels well worth it for such a unique and close-to-nature experience. Crescent Island is definitely a must-visit if you are exploring Lake Naivasha. It’s a perfect mix of serenity, adventure, and wildlife encounters that you won’t forget.

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• ISInsos S.Google review · 7 Aug 2025

  Crescent Island on Lake Naivasha is a true gem, offering a unique and unforgettable experience. I hadn't realized it was a game sanctuary until I arrived, which made the visit an even more pleasant surprise. The park entrance fee for a non-resident adult is KSh 4,000, while children (ages 5-15) pay KSh 2,000. The island gets its name from its crescent moon shape, and it's the perfect setting for a walking safari. The experience is incredible because you can get remarkably close to the wildlife on foot. My most memorable encounters were at the beginning of the walk with a herd of majestic giraffes and, at the end, seeing a hippo grazing by the island's shore. Along the way, we also spotted ostriches, waterbucks, zebras, monkeys, various antelope species, and a great variety of birds. After the safari, we stopped at a charming café at the end of the walking trail. It was a great spot to relax and refuel. I highly recommend their delicious homemade gelato. They also offer a selection of drinks, coffee, beer, and snacks. Crescent Island is a must-visit for anyone looking for a more intimate and peaceful wildlife experience away from the traditional safari crowds.

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