1 / 4Crescent Island Game Sanctuary
Size
14 km²
Elevation
1,890 m
Entry fee
$75
Ideal stay
2 days
Established
1988
Nearest airport
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) in Nairobi, 90 km southeast (approximately 2-hour drive); Nairobi Wilson Airport (WIL), 85 km away, handles regional charter flights
About Crescent Island Game Sanctuary
Best time to visit
Wildlife highlights
Things to do
Getting there
Nearest town: Naivasha town, 15 km away — primary gateway with lodges, restaurants, and fuel stations; Nairobi, 90 km south — major city with international flights and safari booking operators
Safari packages visiting Crescent Island Game Sanctuary
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to visit Crescent Island Game Sanctuary?
Entry fees to Crescent Island Game Sanctuary typically cost $75 USD per person. Daily safari costs average $180-$250 USD per person, depending on whether you book a guided walk, boat safari, or combination package. Most operators include park fees, guide services, and boat transfers in their quoted prices. Accommodation ranges from $50-$300 USD per night depending on lodge category. Compare verified safari packages on SafariFind.com to find options matching your budget.
What is the best time to visit Crescent Island Game Sanctuary?
October to March is the best time to visit, combining excellent wildlife viewing with peak birdwatching season when European migratory species arrive. Dry conditions from June to September also provide good game viewing and comfortable temperatures. April to May (wet season) offers lush vegetation and fewer tourists but muddy roads and departing bird species. December to February sees peak tourism and highest prices. Avoid April-May if you prefer drier conditions.
What wildlife can you see at Crescent Island Game Sanctuary?
Crescent Island is home to giraffes, zebras, waterbucks, impalas, wildebeest, and elands — all herbivores that roam freely without predator threat. Over 500 bird species have been recorded, including fish eagles, pelicans, herons, cranes, and ospreys. Lake Naivasha boat safaris offer sightings of hippos and crocodiles. Smaller mammals include bat-eared foxes and vervet monkeys. The absence of large predators makes the island unique for walking safaris where you can approach wildlife closely.
How do you get to Crescent Island Game Sanctuary?
Fly into Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) in Nairobi, 90 km away (2-hour drive), or use Nairobi Wilson Airport for regional charters. From Nairobi, drive south to Naivasha town (2 hours via the A104 highway), then to the eastern shore of Lake Naivasha. A 15-minute boat transfer takes you to the island. Most safari operators arrange transport from Nairobi; you can compare options and book through verified operators on SafariFind.com.