LAIDBACK LAKESIDE LIVING

RUSTIC ROOMS | LAZYBONES RESTAURANT | NESTED IN NATURE

KARIBU NAIVASHA!

A hidden gem full of character and charm

Camp Carnelley's is a beautiful family-run camp located on the shores of Lake Naivasha. The camp is set amidst lush greenery and has a signature rustic charm. The natural surroundings are breathtaking, and the view of the lake is a sight to behold. If you're looking for a place to connect with nature, relax, and indulge in great food, this is the perfect getaway.

Stay with us today

Explore NAIVASHA

Lake Naivasha, a freshwater lake in Nakuru County, Kenya, is a true gem located only 100 km away from Nairobi. It is part of the Great Rift Valley and owes its name to the Maasai word "naiposha," meaning "rough water," due to the sudden storms that can arise here. The lake is surrounded by acacia woodlands, swamps fringed by papyrus, forests, and spectacular geological features, making it a haven for nature lovers.

Lake Naivasha is also included in the "List of Wetlands of International Importance" (Ramsar sites) and boasts over 400 species of birds, including Fish Eagles, Ospreys, Lily-Trotters, Black Crakes, and Herons. The lake is a bird watcher's paradise and attracts bird enthusiasts from all over the world.

Boating is provided from Camp Carnelley’s so clients can enjoy what the Lake has to offer.

NEVER A DULL DAY…

At Camp Carnelley's, there are plenty of activities for everyone to enjoy. Adventure seekers can go boating on the lake or on cycling tours in Hells Gate National Park, which offers stunning views and exciting trails. Meanwhile, those seeking a more relaxed pace can take a boat cruise to Crescent Island or visit the Naivasha Raptor Centre to get up close with fascinating birds of prey. For those who love a good hike, there are exhilarating hiking trips up Mt. Longonot, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. And of course, no visit to Camp Carnelley's is complete without a game drive at Crater Lake Game Sanctuary, where you can witness an abundance of wildlife in their natural habitat. Whatever your preferences, Camp Carnelley's has something to offer for everyone!

Get a real Taste

  • Fantastic Food

    Take a look at our menus, loaded with culinary delights from around the world—we serve up European, Asian, American and African cuisine all at Lazybones, our camp restaurant.

  • Refreshing Drinks

    Fresh juices, cocktails, ice-cold beers—refreshment comes in plenty at Camp Carnelleys. Try out our signature cocktails, smoothies and mesmerising milkshakes. There is something for everyone.

GUEST REVIEWS

  • We have stayed there many times but not for 8 years. Everything is still great, The Crescent Island trip was great and the food was insanely good. Huge portions and great tasting, and thats by UK standards not Kenya standards. Bandas are great, birdwatching still good, and a brilliant place to stay (still).

    Paul B
    Tripadvisor Review

  • Best value for money. The food is amazing, the staff are great, the setting is gorgeous and it feels like home away from home. Comfy and cosy; what more do you want! I love this place and if you come to Naivasha you should definitely take the time to visit Carnelleys.

    Akira G
    Tripadvisor Review

  • Excellent camp site with wonderful surroundings, a good room with a view of the lake and its wildlife. Friendly and helpful staff, good food and facilities, a 40 minute boat ride takes you to Cresent Island and a knowledgeable boat driver is a great help.

    Pete S
    Tripadvisor Review

Sustainable in nature

All the buildings and infrastructure follow an eco-friendly approach. The majority of building materials were sourced on-site like wood from dead trees or fallen branches and sand from the seasonal gully that floods in the rains. Our boilers and pizza oven are all fired with sustainable wood from the property and the outside walls are painted with natural red mud from the Rift Valley escarpment. We have been voted runners-up continuously for the Lake Naivasha environmental award for our sustainability and approach to conserving Naivasha’s precious Natural resources—which means we will always try harder.

COME FIND US!

Camp Carnelley’s is 2 hours by road from Nairobi. Follow the directions via Google Maps by clicking the button below, or for the 4x4 professionals, type in
-0.8272965621591335, 36.33765777668753
on your GPS.