Olkaria Geothermal Spa.
The largest natural Spa in Africa is Olkaria Geothermal Spa Naivasha, Kenya. They are now open after closing down for more than 1.5 Years thanks to the Pandemic.
They resumed operation on 4th September 2021 and you can now visit the enchanting pale blue warm and affable waters like they never left.
The spa is tucked in the heart of the mystifying Hell`s Gate National Park. So, to get to the Spa you will have to pay the entry fee of the Park.
The Spa is usually ideal after bike game drives at Hell`s Gate Park. Before the gorges were closed, one would bike from the gate doing game drives to the gorges.
Hike along those fierce Ol Njorowa gorges, visit the devil’s bedroom. It is a long stretch so depending on your schedule you will know what time to hit the Spa.
It is popularly known as the healing pool whereby you can soak in all day. So long as you can keep up with the acrid smell of Sulphur fumes.
That will stubbornly and audaciously welcome you but as the therapy go on. You will forget if there was any tart Sulphur whiff.
Without Much ado, let`s do what we do best. Dissecting all the Olkaria geothermal Spa Naivasha information for your ultimate guide.
Olkaria Geothermal Spa Location.
It is nestled right on the floor of the Great Rift Valley inside the quirky Hell`s Gate National Park in Naivasha, Kenya.
Around 113 Kilometers from Nairobi CBD. A 2.5 Hours drive depending on traffic and kind of vehicle. A haven for revellers who come for healing.
How to get there?
So, how do you get to Olkaria Geothermal Spa Naivasha? Well, you have two options you can use according to your liking.
Take the Nairobi- Nakuru High and drive up to Naivasha Town a distance of about 91 Kilometers.
Once in Naivasha Town – take the famous Moi South Lake (This road has 99% of the hotels in Naivasha) and drive for about 22 Kilometers up to the Olkaria Geothermal Spa Naivasha.
The other option, you can hit the Mai Mahiu – Naivasha Road as you have phenomenal views of the great rift valley.
While on that road, you will see Moi South Lake on your Left just 2 Kilometers to Naivasha. Then drive up to the Centre.
Olkaria Geothermal Spa Rates 2022.
To be able to access Olkaria Geothermal Spa Naivasha, you will have to pay the Hells Gate National Park and then the Spa entry fees as shown in the table below.
| Olkaria Geothermal | Hell`s Gate Park Fees | ||
| Citizens | Adults | Kes400 | Kes250 |
| Child | Kes100 | Kes200 | |
| Residents | Adult | Kes1000 | Kes250 |
| Child | Kes500 | Kes200 | |
| Non-Resident | Adult | $18 | $20 |
| Child | $8.5 | $15 | |
The Opening Hours.
They are impressively Open Monday to Sunday from 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM. However, during the weekend is when the party kicks in.
Hundreds of Nairobi Revelers and international tourists flock to this healing blue Lagoon. Who doesn’t want natural therapy?
If you want a quiet and a bit private session it is advisable to visit during the week. Here you will have all the time by yourself.
Benefits of Geothermal Spa.
Well, am no doctor even though when I was a child, I was so sure I would become one, See life. Moving on swiftly, the research that has been conducted by scientists portrays the following.
The Geothermal Spa is believed to heal your skin especially if you suffer from acne and eczema. No wonder ladies are always more in numbers in this Spa.
It is believed to ease the symptoms of Arthritis due to sodium and natural salt in the water. Those with arthritis report improvement after the visit.
Invigorates blood circulation and oxygenation healing many things including infertility, thanks to the proper flow of blood.
How does the Geothermal Spa Work?
First off, this is the Ken Gen Power Generator Station Property. So, how does it work? There is this solution of water and Sodium Chloride found underground naturally whereby Ken Gen taps the turbines to generate electricity.
The solution which is known as brine is liquidized and ejected back to the ground. So, the steam lines are directed to the Spa.
The Spa has 3 cascading pools to ensure that, the direct steam coming from the ground at high temperatures of 350 degrees Celsius doesn’t reach the final lagoon at high temperatures.
In the First Pool/lagoon, no one is allowed to swim here since the temperatures are as high as 100 degrees Celsius. The second Pool is more of a Jacuzzi with temperatures between 50 and 70 degrees Celsius.
After the second pool, now the water is directed to the enchanting healing Spa with temperatures between 25 and 30 degrees Celsius.
The Spa can comfortably accommodate up to 400 Pax at a go but now with the pandemic around the numbers can only be lesser.
The third lagoon which is the main has a children’s extension pool that is barely 2 feet even 2 years old can steam bath comfortably under the watch of the lifesavers as you enjoy yourself in the main lagoon.
Geothermal Spa Restaurant.
When I was there, I did not have the time to take a meal but my friend did. They have delectable food but to some, it may sound expensive while to others quite affordable.
I would say they are affordable; a plate of chips goes for Kes300 or $3. A plate of food is Kes600 or $6. They can as well prepare for a buffet on request. Non-alcoholic drinks are in plenty. The place is built in a way it can hold events.
Well, if you’re on a tight budget, below is the popular option especially if you have booked your trip with a tour company.
Kamere Beach Hippo Point.
This is where I had one of the best authentic Fish and Ugali in a long time. Quite affordable, ever fresh and delectable.
The ideal schedule is after the Spa you drive to Kamere Beach Hippo Point for Lunch and a Boat Ride. This is usually around 4:00 PM.
You take your meal by the Lake (Lake Naivasha) it is not only refreshing but also reanimating.
The perfect itinerary for Olkaria.
Let nobody convince you otherwise but the best way to go on a day trip to Olkaria Geothermal Spa Naivasha is through a Tour Company joining a group of strangers.
Whereby you become friends sometime lovers before the sun sets on the shores of Lake Naivasha.
Unless you are carpooling or just with friends or Family but doing it alone is kind of boring and expensive. (Solo travellers hi? You know you can do your thing).
This is the Summary itinerary most tour Companies will use.
- Meet at Kencom at 6:00 AM
- Departure Nairobi 6:30 AM
- In hours’ time (7:30 AM) you will be expected to be at the Great Rift Valley View Point. Time to have your breakfast or have snacks ready for the long haul.
- Just after the viewpoint, a few meters stand the Smallest Italian Church in Africa, spend not more than 20 Minutes then get going.
- Some of the Tour Companies will be generous enough to first take you to crescent Island, then Hell`s gate.
- 9:20 AM is the time expected of you to arrive at Hells Gate National Park if you didn’t bypass Crescent Island.
- Have fun in the most atmospheric Park in Africa, from bike riding to Fischer’s tower climbing. These are self-Sponsored activities.
- 12:40 PM, it can be earlier but this is the time to depart the park for Olkaria Geothermal Spa Naivasha. Time to soak in this medicinal pool.
- 3:30 PM, Depart for lunch and Boat ride at Kamere Beach Hippo Point. Time to have that desired delectable Fresh Tilapia Fish and Ugali.
- After the delicious late lunch, this will be time for a boat ride at Lake Naivasha which is a few meters from where you just had lunch.
- 6:00 PM, Depending on traffic, you will be in Nairobi between 8:00 – 9:00 PM.
End of the Day Trip to Olkaria Geothermal Spa Naivasha.
Package Card Rate.
- Citizens Kes3,500 – Kes4,000
- Resident Kes4000 – Kes4800
- Non-Resident – USD6 – $9
Package Include.
- Round Transport from Nairobi and Back
- All the Park Fees (Olkaria Geothermal Spa Naivasha and Hell`s Gate National Park).
- Refill to Mineral Water
- Swimming at Olkaria Spa
- Professional Photography
- Lunch at Kamere Hippo Point.
- Guide and Facilitation.
Prices Exclude
- Rock Climbing which is optional Kes800
- Biking at Hells Gate Kes750
If you have any questions, opinion let us interact in the comment section.
Until next time, be good.
