Camp Carnelley's

Lazybones Bar and Restaurant, colourfully decorated with puffy cushions and swaying hammocks, is the hub of camp. It's informal and relaxed, and you'll be serenaded by the birds from the adjacent feeding station (the black and white colobus monkeys make regular appearances too!). At night, there's a convivial atmosphere around the campfire; by day, the same area serves as a scenic lunch spot with plenty of picnic tables. The entire grounds are dotted with magnificent fever trees, and there are several shady spots from which to soak up the views of the lake. A games room with pool table and darts provides rainy day entertainment, though with Lake Naivasha lapping at your doorstep, indoor activities feel rather beside the point.

Accommodation runs the full spectrum, which is rather the point. Bring your own tent and claim a lakeside pitch with pre-marked fire pit and nearby ablutions, or upgrade to the bandas – either standard affairs sleeping two or larger versions with multiple bedrooms and en-suites. The cottages offer couples proper comfort without breaking the bank, whilst dormitories sleep eight and work brilliantly for groups on a shoestring. For those wanting more independence, Bush Baby House is a self-catering gem sleeping ten with its own enormous veranda and all the mod cons (when the Wi-Fi behaves). Nothing here will win design awards – think practical furniture, mosquito nets, and the odd splash of local textile – but everything's clean, comfortable, and comes with that most precious of commodities: lake views and the sound of hippos grunting through the night.

There's no shortage of activities to keep you busy. Fishing and boating on Lake Naivasha are a good choice, and birdwatching is likely to yield many fish eagles and pelicans, along with an abundance of other water fowl. The adventurous might even try wake boarding or water skiing! Don't miss Hell's Gate National Park where you can hike, mountain bike or game drive among antelope, giraffe, baboons and even leopard and cheetah. Carnelley's is also well situated for a visit to the Green Crater Lake Reserve, or a trip to climb the impressive 3000m volcanic Mount Longonot.