Crate Lake Camp in Naivasha Kenya offers luxury tented accommodation on the tree-lined shores of this unusual jade-green volcanic lake. The crater walls surround the camp and the lake, giving a sense of privacy and seclusion. To get to the camp, you must walk up rustic steps of attractive construction, and say hello to many of them.
Built under a giant fever tree and facing the lake are eight attractively furnished tents and two log cabins. The accommodations are romantic and private. Climb the stairs to your spacious tent, which stands on a raised wooden platform, has a thatched roof and a pretty stone bathroom. From your deck rocking chairs and from your bed you look out over the calm lake and the steep crater walls beyond. There are some particularly nice touches, such as the use of carved acacia and obsidian chunks in the constructions. Colorful quilts, decoratively painted clay pots and unusual roofs (thatch covered with burlap) add to the charm of the place. There are robes in the bathroom and mineral water by the bed.
The pleasant bar and dining room is fronted by a large open terrace overlooking the lake. There are solid wood chairs with large cushions and day beds for lounging on the grass. Guests can take a walk along the lake shore and there is a wooden jetty with steps into the lake for those inclined to swim. The bird life is incredible: lots of wading birds are found in the shallows and swifts skim the water. At a certain time of year, pink flamingos add a surreal touch to the vivid green of the lake. Black and white colobus monkeys frolic in the trees and wake you up in the morning with their strange calls echoing over the water.
Guided walks are possible across the plains of the historic Ndabibi estate, home to a variety of animals including giraffes, antelopes and cheetahs. Lady Dalamere and her two husbands are buried in a panoramic outcropping of the estate. An early morning hike (for the more confident) around the crater rim offers fine views of the plains and escarpments beyond and towards the tranquil crater below. Also on offer are night safaris, Crater Lake Camp is a wonderfully peaceful and romantic spot, a perfect place to slow down and recharge.Crater Lake offers classic getaways for special interest groups, including painting and astrology weekends, as well as ornithological outings with expert locals
The camp will arrange special romantic excursions: sunsets on the scenic Leopard Rock outcrop or a candlelit dinner on the lakeside jetty, while our safari vehicles can take you to the spectacular Hell’s Gate Gorge or the shimmering expanse of Lake Nakuru, home to more than half of the world’s lesser flamingos. But for all its spectacular surroundings, visitors to Crater Lake often prefer to sit on their decks overlooking what must be one of the most beautiful small lakes in creation. Our camp has been described as “the most romantic tented camp in Kenya” and we defy any couple to never fall in love again!
Accommodation
Eight tents, some with double beds and others with twin beds. The two cabins have two beds and two bunk beds, useful for families, but a bit darker than the tents. En-suite bathrooms with showers and plenty of hot water.
