Lake Naivasha Simba Lodge — Attraction in Olkaria ward

I'm not particularly impressed, though this was my first stay in Kenya, so I don't have anything to compare to.

Visually, it's nice. Rooms look nice, and grounds are immaculate. The front desk staff is friendly, though far from efficient - they still do things fully on paper, utilizing old-fashioned carbon copy sheets (!). The room key fobs are utterly massive. Good luck keeping it in your pocket.

The place feels secure. Gated and guarded, I had no safety concerns.

The rooms are dimly lit, making it very difficult to work (this was a business trip, and I worked from my room in the evening).

You do not have the option of not having your room serviced every day. On top of that, housekeeping would return the room almost 100% back to a room ready for a new guest every day - including putting all the property guides, phone directories, etc. all back out. I would have to put all that stuff back away every day so I could use the nightstand and desk.

As mentioned, I was here for work. I had people trying to carry my backpack for me in and out several times when I came and went. When I was going to check out, I had someone literally jog over to me, and try to take one of my suitcases from my hand - he grabbed it and kept tugging, telling me he would take my luggage. I had to tell him three times no. After checking out, I had a different guy literally chase me down and also try to take my luggage for me. I do not want people to carry my luggage for me - it makes me uncomfortable. I shouldn't have to tell someone "no, please don't carry my luggage" three times.

Food wise, I can not say. They have a dress code defined in the guest folio ("smart casual with long trousers"). I did not have appropriate clothes (I work in power plants, and my work clothes are appropriate for working in such an environment. On a non work basis, I'm a jeans and t-shirt type of person). This dress code requirement was frustrating as it meant all I ate for breakfast and dinner were snacks I took from work. Their website says nothing about a dress code. I'll know for future stays, as unfortunately, I'll likely be staying here again.

I'm sure this place would be nice for a lot of people (the type of people that consider "smart casual" to be their normal non work wear), but...

A Wonderful Stay at Lake Naivasha Simba Lodge

I recently had the pleasure of staying at Lake Naivasha Simba Lodge, and it was an absolutely fantastic experience! Nestled in a tranquil location near the shores of Lake Naivasha, the lodge offers a perfect blend of luxury, comfort, and nature. From the moment I arrived, I was warmly welcomed by the friendly and professional staff. The check-in process was smooth, and the staff ensured that I was comfortable throughout my stay. The rooms are spacious, beautifully furnished, and well-maintained, offering breathtaking views of the lush gardens and the lake. The bed was incredibly comfortable, and the room was equipped with all modern amenities, including a hot shower, and a private balcony. The food was exceptional! The lodge’s restaurant serves a variety of delicious dishes, with a great mix of local and international cuisine. Every meal was fresh and well-prepared, with plenty of options for vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike. The breakfast buffet was especially delightful, offering a wide selection of fresh fruits, pastries, eggs, and Kenyan/masala tea One of the highlights of my stay was the serene environment and the abundant wildlife. The lodge is surrounded by nature, and it’s common to see zebras, hippos and waterbucks grazing nearby. The beautifully manicured gardens and the presence of exotic birds make it a paradise for nature lovers. The lodge also offers excellent facilities, including a swimming pool, a well-equipped gym, and a relaxing spa. There are plenty of activities available, such as boat rides on Lake Naivasha, nature walks, and game drives to nearby attractions like Hell’s Gate National Park and Crescent Island. Overall, my stay at Lake Naivasha Simba Lodge exceeded my expectations. The combination of stunning scenery, great hospitality, delicious food, and top-notch facilities makes it an ideal getaway for couples, families, and solo travelers. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a peaceful and luxurious retreat in Naivasha!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5 – I will...

We were a family of 4 and a toddler travelling for a weekend. Booking was swiftly handled, instructions on the room etc well noted. Check in was done promptly and front desk staff were most helpful. The manager is a great asset there, being hands on, making guests feel at home instantly. Swift introductions yet briefing us about the property in length was appreciated.

Our room was immaculate on checking in. We asked for a ground floor room with an outdoor shower- this is their little hidden secret that you must always ask for. The outdoor shower is a great experience. We had a few hitches with hot water during the day, but nothing major and resolved quickly.

Rooms have a fridge and little sunken lounge to chill in. Small balcony to lounge and watch the green lawns and lake.

Meals were spot on. Vegetarian options in plenty too. The manager ensured if we didn't fancy something, an alternative was prepared. This was appreciated and made us comfortable.

Meal staff were courteous and served us well.

Bonefire is set up at night which is pleasant. You can walk to the fence to view hippos, zebra and waterbucks. You can't miss them.

Beautiful swimming pool with a kids pool too. Cold! But pleasant on hot days. Refreshing and a good way to spend a few hours.

All in all we enjoyed our stay, an intimate property that let's you relax in the wild, undisturbed. Would highly recommend it to anyone looking to travel with kids, (they are kid friendly!!) , and anyone looking for for a decent get away...