Crescent Island is about 1 1/2 hours from Nairobi. Technically it is no longer an island but is more of a peninsula. It was once an Island but in 2000, the water levels reached a historical low point turning the Island in to a peninsula. It is currently privately owned my Linda a British Kenyan who has dedicated herself to providing home to zebras, impalas, giraffes, wildebeests, gazelles, waterbucks, antelopes, dik-diks, steenboks, buffaloes and several other types of animals.
The Island can be accessed by road or by boat. I have actually never been there by boat as I would not like to pass up the opportunity to take the boat see the hippos and and experience the feeding of the fish eagles. 
At the entrance of the island the vegetation is partly in water and partly floating, it always seems to make me think of a good horror or thriller setting.
The main thing that differentiates this conservancy to a regular safari is that the are no vehicles and all the exploring is done on foot. Before you freak out there are no cats meaning no animal wants to have you for lunch or dinner, even brunch for that matter. This is not to mean its a place to go pet all the animals there, it is all wild and the animals will allow you t get close up to a certain point where they will flee. 
There are buffaloes on the island and if agitated the will charge at you and no need to write what will happen if that happens. As much as the animals seem harmless it is best to keep a reasonable distance from them. 
It is advisable to carry a packed lunch as this will allow you to spend as much time as you may wish. You will need to let the boat guy know how long you would like to spend there so he may pick you once you are done. It rains most of the time hence a rain jacket and waterproof bag for phones and cameras is also very advisable. 
Tips and Costing
Non Residents – US$ 30 per adult, US$ 20 per student with ID & US$ 15 for child below 12
Kenyan Residents – KES 800 per adult, & KES 400 for child below 12
Kenyan Citizens – KES 600 per adult, & KES 300 for child below 12
Boat Ride – KES 3,000 for return ride – max 7 people
- Best time to visit is morning or later afternoon – avoid hot hours of the day as the animals tend to hide
- Carry a rain coat or umbrella even if it appears sunny – you never know
- A guide is free take advantage of this and get one who will explain more about the place
- This trip can be combined with Hell’s gate or climbing Mt. Longonot
Happy Travels
~L~
