Lake Naivasha is one of the few fresh water lakes in the Great Rift Valley. The water level has varied some 15 meters during the 20th century and you can see half submerged buildings as a result of that.

The lake's name was derived from the local Maasai name of ɛnaɨpɔ́sha, which means 'large lake'.

Numerous bird species are found at the lake. West of the lake is a small volcanic crater with a lake at the bottom and south of Lake Naivasha is Hell's Gate National Park. Also south of the lake is a small museum in the former home of naturalist and author Joy Adamson, who was murdered by poachers in 1989.

Accommodation on the lake's shores is available at various places. You can also stay in Naivasha Town a few kilometers away.

You can get to the lake by matatu (minibus) from Naivashu. Take a matatu that goes to Kongoni and get off somewhere on the southern side of Lake Naivashu. The turn to Hell's Gate National Park is also on the road between Naivashu and Kongoni. Lake Navasha is 70 km northwest from Nairobi.