3-Day Lake Nakuru and Lake Naivasha Safari

Overview

The Kenyan Rift Valley holds two of the country's most distinctive lakes within easy reach of Nairobi: Lake Naivasha, a freshwater lake known for hippo-watching boat rides and birdlife, and Lake Nakuru, an alkaline lake inside a dedicated national park that doubles as one of Kenya's most successful rhino sanctuaries. This 3-day itinerary covers both in a compact loop from Nairobi.

Want the Mara added to this route? See our 5-Day Lake Naivasha, Lake Nakuru and Maasai Mara Safari. For Amboseli and the Mara instead, see our 6-Day Amboseli, Lake Naivasha and Mara Safari.

Tour Highlights

A boat ride on Lake Naivasha among hippo pods and abundant birdlife
Lake Nakuru National Park, a dedicated rhino sanctuary holding both black and white rhino
Flamingo flocks on the shores of Lake Nakuru, in productive years numbering in the tens of thousands
Optional Hell’s Gate walking or cycling safari near Naivasha
A compact Rift Valley loop achievable within easy reach of Nairobi

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Group price (per person)

The price of this tour is on Request

For a more accurate estimate, contact us with your specific requirements and budget. We'll send a detailed quote based on your itinerary, group size, and preferred level of comfort.

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Places you'll visit

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Day-by-day itinerary

Day 1

Nairobi to Lake Naivasha

After a morning pick-up from your Nairobi hotel, the drive descends the Great Rift Valley escarpment to Lake Naivasha, a freshwater lake ringed by acacia woodland. In the afternoon, a boat ride on the lake brings close views of hippo pods and a wide range of waterbirds, including fish eagle, pelican, and cormorant.

Distance: Approximately 90 km, 2 hours driving

Activity: Drive to Naivasha, afternoon boat ride on Lake Naivasha

Accommodation: Lodge or tented camp near Lake Naivasha

Meals: Lunch and Dinner

Day 2

Lake Naivasha to Lake Nakuru National Park

After breakfast, the drive continues north to Lake Nakuru National Park, an alkaline lake enclosed within its own national park boundary. An afternoon game drive covers the lakeshore and surrounding acacia woodland, with Lake Nakuru holding one of Kenya's most successful rhino sanctuaries, home to both black and white rhino, alongside giraffe, buffalo, and, when conditions are right, dense flocks of lesser and greater flamingo along the shallows.

Distance: Approximately 90 km, 2 hours driving

Activity: Drive to Lake Nakuru, afternoon game drive

Accommodation: Lodge or tented camp near Lake Nakuru National Park

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 3

Lake Nakuru to Nairobi

A final morning game drive covers any remaining priority sightings before the drive returns to Nairobi, arriving in the early afternoon.

Distance: Morning game drive, then approximately 160 km, 3 hours driving back to Nairobi

Activity: Final game drive, then return drive to Nairobi

Accommodation: N/A, end of safari

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Extend your trip

Want the Mara added to this route? See our 5-Day Lake Naivasha, Lake Nakuru and Maasai Mara Safari. A Hell’s Gate National Park walking or cycling safari near Naivasha is available as an optional add-on at extra cost.

What's included

Private safari vehicle with pop-up roof and English-speaking driver-guide
All park entry fees (non-resident rates)
Lake Naivasha boat ride
Roundtrip transfer between Nairobi, Naivasha and Lake Nakuru
2 nights accommodation as per the itinerary
All meals as specified in the itinerary (lunch on Day 1 through lunch on Day 3)
Drinking water during the safari
All government taxes and VAT

Not included

International flights to and from Kenya
Kenya eTA visa fees
Travel and medical evacuation insurance
Tips for your driver-guide and camp staff (suggested guideline: USD 10-15 per person, per day)
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, phone calls and laundry
Optional Hell’s Gate walking or cycling safari (additional cost)
Additional accommodation before or after the safari

Frequently asked questions

What makes Lake Nakuru a rhino sanctuary specifically?

Lake Nakuru National Park is fully fenced, which allows close protection of its rhino population from poaching and makes it one of Kenya’s most reliable parks for both black and white rhino sightings.

Are flamingos guaranteed at Lake Nakuru?

No. Flamingo numbers at Lake Nakuru fluctuate significantly with water levels and algae conditions, and in some years the birds move to other Rift Valley lakes such as Lake Bogoria. When conditions are favourable, flocks can number in the tens of thousands; in other periods, numbers are far lower.

What is the Lake Naivasha boat ride like?

A guided boat trip on calm freshwater, bringing close but safe views of resident hippo pods and a wide range of waterbirds. The ride typically lasts around an hour and is suitable for most travellers.

What is Hell’s Gate National Park, and why is it optional?

Hell’s Gate, near Naivasha, is one of the few Kenyan parks where walking and cycling safaris are permitted without an armed ranger escort, given the absence of dangerous predators. It is offered as an optional add-on since it adds a half day beyond the core itinerary.

What does the price include?

A private safari vehicle with an English-speaking driver-guide, all park entry fees, the Lake Naivasha boat ride, roundtrip transfer from Nairobi, 2 nights of accommodation, and all meals as specified from lunch on Day 1 through lunch on Day 3.

Can this itinerary be extended with the Maasai Mara?

Yes, this route sits directly on the way to the Mara. See our 5-Day Lake Naivasha, Lake Nakuru and Maasai Mara Safari for the extended version.