Rhinos, Rift Valley Lakes, Birds, Views & Relaxed Lodge Time
This Lake Nakuru and Lake Elementaita safari is one of the most rewarding short getaways in Kenya’s Rift Valley—pairing high-probability rhino game drives in Lake Nakuru National Park with the quieter, scenic charm of Lake Elementaita, a UNESCO-listed Rift Valley lake known for birdlife, golden sunsets, and beautiful lodge stays.
It’s the perfect safari for travelers who want a mix of:
- “Real safari” wildlife drives (rhinos, buffalo, giraffe, predators possible)
- Lake landscapes and birdwatching (pelicans, flamingos when conditions allow, raptors)
- A more relaxed pace than long multi-park circuits
- Excellent accommodation options, including some of Kenya’s most iconic Rift Valley lodges
Safari Snapshot
- Recommended Duration: 2 Days / 1 Night or 3 Days / 2 Nights
- Start/End: Nairobi (or Naivasha)
- Destinations: Lake Nakuru National Park + Lake Elementaita
- Safari Style: Private or shared (your choice)
- Vehicle: 4×4 recommended (safari van possible for budget options)
- Best For: Short trips, families, bird lovers, photographers, couples, relaxed safaris
- Top Highlights:
- Black & white rhino viewing in Lake Nakuru NP
- Rothschild’s giraffe, buffalo, zebra, and plains game
- Rift Valley lake scenery and panoramic viewpoints
- Birding across two major lakes (wetland and soda-lake systems)
- Beautiful lodge settings and sunsets at Lake Elementaita
Why Combine Lake Nakuru and Lake Elementaita?
1) Maximum wildlife + minimal driving
Lake Nakuru delivers one of Kenya’s most efficient big-game safaris, while Elementaita is close enough to add without exhausting transfers.
2) Two different lake experiences
- Lake Nakuru: A soda lake inside a national park—wildlife + game drives + viewpoints
- Lake Elementaita: A quieter Rift Valley lake experience—excellent for birds, scenery, and lodge relaxation
3) Ideal for a “soft safari” style
You get strong wildlife viewing without the long-haul intensity of Mara/Amboseli routes.
What You’ll See
Lake Nakuru National Park (Wildlife)
Signature sightings
- Black & white rhinos (one of the best parks in Kenya for both)
- Rothschild’s giraffe
- Buffalo, zebra, waterbuck, impala and other plains game
Possible sightings
- Lions and leopards (present but not guaranteed)
- Hyenas and smaller carnivores
Lake Nakuru & Elementaita (Birdlife)
Expect rich Rift Valley birding:
- Pelicans, cormorants, herons, storks, spoonbills
- Fish eagles and other raptors
- Flamingos when conditions are right (numbers can vary significantly by season and lake chemistry)
- Migratory and resident species across wetlands and lake edges
What to Do (Activities)
Lake Nakuru National Park
- Game drives (early morning and late afternoon are best)
- Rhino tracking (by vehicle—high probability)
- Scenic viewpoints over the lake and park basin
- Birdwatching along lakeshore and wetland zones
- Photography: rhinos in woodland, birds, Rift Valley panoramas
Lake Elementaita
- Sunset viewing and lakeside relaxation (Elementaita is ideal for this)
- Birdwatching around the lake and lodge grounds
- Optional visits nearby (depending on your routing and time):
- Rift Valley viewpoints and scenic stops
- Lake Naivasha / Hell’s Gate area as an add-on (if you extend your safari)
(Note: Most Elementaita stays are lodge-based experiences rather than intensive game drives.)
Suggested Itineraries
Option A: 2 Days / 1 Night (Best Short Version)
Day 1: Nairobi → Lake Nakuru (Game Drive) → Lake Elementaita
- Morning pick-up in Nairobi
- Drive through the Great Rift Valley with scenic stop(s)
- Game drive in Lake Nakuru NP (rhinos, giraffe, buffalo, birds, viewpoints)
- Late afternoon transfer to Lake Elementaita
- Check-in, dinner, overnight
Day 2: Lake Elementaita → Optional morning relaxation/birding → Nairobi
- Breakfast with lake views
- Optional short nature time at the lodge / birding
- Drive back to Nairobi, arrive afternoon
Best for: Weekend trips, short holidays, families, relaxed safari travelers
Option B: 3 Days / 2 Nights (Best Balance)
Day 1: Nairobi → Lake Nakuru (Afternoon Game Drive)
- Scenic Rift Valley drive
- Afternoon game drive in Lake Nakuru
- Dinner and overnight near Nakuru or Elementaita (depending on preference)
Day 2: Lake Nakuru (Morning Game Drive) → Lake Elementaita (Relaxed Afternoon)
- Morning game drive (best wildlife activity)
- Transfer to Elementaita
- Relax, birdwatching, sunset views
- Dinner and overnight at Elementaita
Day 3: Lake Elementaita → Nairobi
- Easy morning (breakfast, photography, birding)
- Return to Nairobi
Best for: Travelers who want both strong wildlife time and a slower lake experience
Accommodation Options (Budget, Mid-Range, Luxury)
Below are strong accommodation choices for this safari. Your best structure is usually:
- Stay near Lake Nakuru for early park access
- Stay at Lake Elementaita for atmosphere, views, and relaxation
🟢 Budget Accommodation
Lake Nakuru Area (Budget)
- Hotel Citymax Nakuru — Clean, functional city hotel; good for early starts to the park without paying lodge rates.
- Lanet Matfam Resort — Simple lodge near Nakuru with basic comfort and practical access.
- Golden Palace Hotel — Affordable base in Nakuru town for budget-focused safari routing.
Lake Elementaita Area (Budget)
- Sentrim Elementaita Lodge (budget rooms) — Good-value lodge option with reliable basics and a lakeside setting.
- Lake Elementaita Campsite / simple camps — Great for budget travelers who want the landscape experience at the lowest cost.
Best for: Travelers prioritizing cost control and wildlife time over premium amenities.
🟡 Mid-Range Accommodation (Best Value)
Lake Nakuru Area (Mid-Range)
- Flamingo Hill Tented Camp — Classic safari tents in a scenic setting, good comfort and strong safari feel.
- Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge — Comfortable rooms, good service, and excellent viewpoints/park access logistics.
- Ziwa Bush Lodge — Quiet, well-located lodge for relaxed evenings after game drives.
Lake Elementaita Area (Mid-Range)
- Sentrim Elementaita Lodge — Solid mid-range choice with comfortable rooms and an easy lakeside atmosphere.
- Lake Elementaita Lodge / similar mid-range lakeside lodges — Great for sunset views, downtime, and birding around the property.
Best for: Couples, families, and most travelers who want comfort without luxury pricing.
🔵 Luxury Accommodation
Lake Nakuru Area (Luxury)
- The Cliff Nakuru — One of the most dramatic Rift Valley stays, built for views, design, and premium service.
- Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge (premium rooms) — Excellent service and a high-quality lodge feel close to the park.
- Lake Nakuru Lodge (premium rooms) — Comfortable upscale option with refined hospitality.
Lake Elementaita Area (Luxury)
- Lake Elementaita Serena Camp — Premium tented camp experience with strong service, style, and classic Serena standards.
- Luxury private conservancy lodges near Elementaita — For travelers who want exclusivity and high-touch service.
Best for: Honeymoons, special trips, and travelers who want beautiful settings and premium service.
Transport & Vehicle Options
- Private 4×4 Land Cruiser (recommended): best comfort, best photography, best flexibility
- Safari minivan (budget): cost-effective for short Rift Valley circuits and smoother roads
Expert tip: If you’re doing Nakuru game drives seriously, a 4×4 offers better positioning and comfort—especially in rainy seasons.
Best Time to Go
- Year-round safari—both destinations are always scenic
- Dry seasons: easier roads, clear visibility, strong wildlife viewing in Nakuru
- Wet seasons: greener landscapes, excellent birding, dramatic skies and sunsets
- Flamingo numbers at both lakes can fluctuate widely—plan for a broad birding experience rather than “guaranteed flamingo crowds.”
What’s Included (Typical)
- Transport from Nairobi and return
- Driver-guide services
- Game drives in Lake Nakuru National Park
- Accommodation (1–2 nights depending on itinerary)
- Meals as specified (often full board)
Not Included (Usually)
- Park entry fees (unless stated)
- Drinks and personal expenses
- Travel insurance
- Tips/gratuities
- Optional add-ons not specified
Who This Safari Is Perfect For
- Travelers who want a short Kenya safari with strong wildlife viewing
- Anyone prioritizing rhinos and a scenic national park
- Birdwatchers and photographers
- Couples looking for a romantic Rift Valley lodge experience
- Families wanting a manageable driving circuit from Nairobi
- Visitors who want wildlife plus relaxation—not constant long drives
The Bottom Line
A Lake Nakuru + Lake Elementaita safari gives you one of Kenya’s best combinations of:
- High-probability wildlife game drives (rhinos)
- Two classic Rift Valley lakes
- Excellent birdlife and landscapes
- Accommodation options ranging from budget to luxury
- Short driving times and a comfortable pace from Nairobi