Finding accommodation during the WRC Safari Rally Weekend is usually hard as everywhere is fully booked. I’ve made a list of “Best Places to Stay During The WRC Safari Rally in Naivasha”. It includes my favourite Airbnbs, hotels, campsites and “Bed and Breakfasts” in Naivasha. If you are a last-minute booker like me, I’ve got you sorted. And if you are an early booker with every choice available to you, this list will also be helpful. I’ve thrown into my list both affordable options and expensive ones if you have got a lot of money to spend. A few free options are also sprinkled in.
1. Enashipai Resort & Spa
Located right next to Lake Naivasha, on Moi South Lake Road, this 5-star luxury resort offers all the amenities you would need on your weekend in Naivasha. The hotel is located close to Hell’s Gate and Naivasha Town. Therefore, it will give you easy access to all the Rally Stages, and Music Festival locations. Some stages such as Kedong and Hell’s Gate are a short drive or a bike ride away. All these combined, make this the perfect place to stay. This is why some race teams, media, FIA and WRC officials will likely be staying here. So, if you are lucky you will get to rub your shoulders with some of them. If you have a lot of money to spend, this is your best option.
2. Lake Naivasha Resort
Lake Naivasha Resort is also located on Moi South Lake Road about 1 kilometre from Enashipai. So, it offers all the advantages of Enashipai Resort & Spa. This Resort often offers amazing deals during the Safari Rally weekend in their restaurants making them very popular with safari rally fans. This is why it is second on my “Best Places to Stay During The WRC Safari Rally in Naivasha” list.
3. Great Rift Valley Lodge and Golf Resort
Located on Moi North Lake Road, this resort offers all the amenities you will need after your day out watching the rally. The resort is conveniently close to the Loldia and Shakedown stages of the safari rally. The resort boasts amenities such as an 18-hole championship golf course, 2 clay tennis courts, and a pool.
4. The Signature Alcove
If you want an affordable Bed and Breakfast with a swimming pool, garden and plenty of rooms then this is the perfect place for you. Especially if you have a big crowd. The venue comes with a chef who can prepare any meal on order for the whole group. However, its location on the Nairobi-Nakuru Highway, right before the Naivasha junction, makes it a less convenient location than other places on the list. But Signature makes up for it, with the amenities. Hence, its presence in my “Best Places to Stay During The WRC Safari Rally in Naivasha” list.
5. Camp Carnelly’s
If you don’t mind sleeping under the night sky then Camp Carnelly’s should be at the top of your list. You are very likely to get space here today (3 pm 25th June) if you have carried your own tent. They also have bandas available if you want to sleep in a more comfortable environment. The camp’s location on Moi South Lake Road also makes it a very convenient location with easy access to the rally stages. The campsite has a ping pong table and volleyball court if you wish to entertain yourself with sports. A bar and restaurant are also present.
6. Hell’s Gate Camp Sites
This is the most convenient location for campers who love rallying since Hell’s Gate will be hosting a rallying stage. The only reason I’ve put it below Camp Carnelly’s is that Camp Carnelly’s has more amenities and bandas – for people who don’t enjoy camping.
Hell’s Gate National Park contains three campsites: Endachata, Ol Dubai, and Naiburta. After a day of exploring the gorge and viewing animals in the park, you should treat yourself to a camping experience at one of these camps. All of these camps are awesome with beautiful views of the landscape. At Hell’s gate, there are a lot of activities to do including rock climbing, bike riding among the wildlife, and a relaxing bath in a Geothermal spa. You can camp here for a few days without ever getting bored.
7. Sonal’s Place
This is one of my favourite Airbnbs in Naivasha and it’s always fully booked. So, if you find it available contact the owner immediately. This holiday home is really beautiful with splendid décor and a beautiful private garden. It comes with the main house and a servants’ quarter so is able to host up to 6 guests. A chef is also available on request.
8. Kiboko Luxury Camp
Kiboko is a luxury camp located on the shores of Lake Naivasha. There are eight luxury tents in Kiboko Luxury Camp, with four facing the lake, offering you an incredible view of Lake Naivasha. The best thing about this campsite is you get close to nature. Giraffes, waterbucks, and zebras are frequent visitors to the campsite. Kiboko has lots of hippos too, with most of them staying just a few yards away from the tents. You can hear them throughout the night, and you get a chance to watch them during the day from your private veranda. Boat rides are also available and I recommend you take them. The food is also extremely good. When staying here, it is easy to forget that it’s the rally that brought you here, so remember to go watch the race. Hence, its presence in my “Best Places to Stay During The WRC Safari Rally in Naivasha” list.
9. Oloiden Camp
If you want to combine your camping and partying then Oloiden Camp is your best option. This camping group located next to Lake Oloiden will be hosting Tumbler in The Wild, one of the WRC parties. So, it will be perfect accommodation if your care about partying more than you care about sleeping.
10. Free Bonus Option
And here is the FREE option that I promised earlier. Stay at a friend’s house. This is arguably the best option, and I would take it if it was available to me. Doing this would save you tens of thousands of shillings and it would arguably be more comfortable than even staying at a luxury hotel.
This closes my list of the “Best Places to Stay During The WRC Safari Rally in Naivasha”. Holler at me if you see me around.
Click the links below to get more insightful tips and tricks:
Top 10 Activities to do During the WRC Safari Rally in Naivasha
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20 Things to do with Kids in Nairobi
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I’m a 25-year-old adrenaline junkie from Nairobi. I love travelling, attending music festivals and hiking. You can always find me at K1 Klub House playing pool and enjoying a drink with my friends.
