Rhinos, Rift Valley Lakes & Classic Kenyan Landscapes
This Lake Nakuru and Lake Naivasha safari from Nairobi is one of Kenya’s best-value short safaris, combining world-class rhino viewing with scenic Rift Valley lakes, birdlife, and gentle adventure activities. It’s perfect for travelers who want big wildlife, beautiful landscapes, and relaxed pacing without committing to a long multi-park itinerary.
You’ll visit Lake Nakuru National Park—famous for black and white rhinos, Rothschild’s giraffe, and rich birdlife—and Lake Naivasha, a freshwater lake known for hippos, birds, boat rides, and walking safaris on nearby sanctuaries. The route is short, scenic, and highly rewarding.
This safari is typically run as a 3 Days / 2 Nights or 2 Days / 1 Night trip from Nairobi. Below is the most popular 3-day version, with notes on how to shorten or customize it.
Safari Snapshot
- Duration: 3 Days / 2 Nights (customizable)
- Start/End: Nairobi
- Destinations: Lake Nakuru National Park & Lake Naivasha
- Safari Style: Private or shared (your choice)
- Vehicle: 4×4 safari vehicle (recommended) or safari van
- Best For: First-time visitors, families, bird lovers, short stays, relaxed safaris
- Key Highlights:
- Black & white rhinos in Lake Nakuru
- Rothschild’s giraffe, buffalo, and plains game
- Birdlife around both lakes (pelicans, fish eagles, waterbirds)
- Boat ride on Lake Naivasha (hippos & birds)
- Optional walking safari or cycling near Naivasha
- Scenic Great Rift Valley landscapes and viewpoints
Why Combine Lake Nakuru and Lake Naivasha?
- Two different lake ecosystems:
- Lake Nakuru is a soda lake inside a national park—great for rhinos, big game, and birds.
- Lake Naivasha is a freshwater lake—perfect for boat safaris, hippos, and close-up birdlife.
- Perfect pacing:
Nakuru delivers high-density wildlife in game drives; Naivasha adds slower, more immersive lake activities like boat rides and walking. - Short, scenic travel:
Both are in the Rift Valley, making this one of the least tiring and most rewarding short safaris from Nairobi.
Detailed 3-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Nairobi → Lake Nakuru National Park (Afternoon Game Drive)
- Morning pick-up from your Nairobi hotel or airport
- Scenic drive through the Great Rift Valley, with photo stops at viewpoints
- Arrive at Lake Nakuru National Park in time for lunch
- Afternoon game drive in the park:
- Focus on black & white rhinos (Nakuru is one of Kenya’s best places to see both)
- Look for Rothschild’s giraffe, buffalo, zebra, waterbuck
- Excellent birdwatching along the lakeshore and wetlands
- Stop at scenic viewpoints overlooking the lake and park basin
- Transfer to your lodge or camp for dinner and overnight
Wildlife focus: Rhinos, giraffe, buffalo, birds, Rift Valley scenery
Overnight: Lodge or tented camp in/near Lake Nakuru (budget, mid-range, or luxury)
Day 2: Lake Nakuru (Morning Game Drive) → Lake Naivasha
- Early breakfast
- Morning game drive in Lake Nakuru:
- Catch animals at their most active
- Another chance for close-range rhino sightings and predator encounters (lions/leopards are possible)
- Enjoy calm morning light over the lake
- Exit the park and drive to Lake Naivasha (short, scenic transfer)
- Check in and have lunch
- Afternoon activities at Lake Naivasha (depending on your preference):
- Boat ride on the lake to see hippos and waterbirds up close
- Optional visit to a walking safari sanctuary or cycling area nearby (where available)
- Relax at your lodge, dinner and overnight
Activities focus: Morning game drive, lake boat safari, optional walking or cycling
Overnight: Lodge or camp in the Lake Naivasha area
Day 3: Lake Naivasha → Nairobi
- Breakfast at your lodge
- Optional short morning lake activity (time permitting):
- Another boat ride, nature walk, or simply relax and enjoy the scenery
- Drive back to Nairobi, arriving in the afternoon
- Drop-off at your hotel or airport
What You’ll See
Lake Nakuru National Park
- Black & white rhinos (signature species)
- Rothschild’s giraffe
- Buffalo, zebra, waterbuck, plains game
- Lions and leopards (present but not guaranteed)
- Rich birdlife: pelicans, cormorants, storks, fish eagles, and—when conditions are right—flamingos
Lake Naivasha
- Hippos in the lake
- Giraffes, zebras, antelope on lakeshore and nearby sanctuaries
- Excellent waterbirds and fish eagles
- Beautiful freshwater lake scenery and acacia-lined shores
Activities Included / Available
- Game drives in Lake Nakuru National Park
- Boat safari on Lake Naivasha (usually optional or add-on, depending on package)
- Birdwatching in both destinations
- Scenic viewpoints in the Rift Valley
- Optional walking safari or cycling near Naivasha (subject to location and availability)
Transport & Safari Vehicle
- Travel in a 4×4 safari vehicle (recommended) or safari van
- Pop-up roof for game viewing and photography
- Professional driver-guide with local wildlife knowledge
- Fuel and vehicle costs included as per package
Accommodation Options
🏨Accommodation Options for a Lake Nakuru & Lake Naivasha Safari
Below are recommendations organized by comfort tier — Budget, Mid-Range, and Luxury — for both Lake Nakuru National Park and Lake Naivasha. Each property includes a concise expert comment so you can choose accommodations that fit your style, comfort expectations, and safari goals.
🟢 Budget Options — Great Value for Wildlife Focused Travelers
These are clean, simple, and affordable stays that put you close to safari action without unnecessary extras.
📍 Lake Nakuru Area (Budget)
- Hotel Citymax Nakuru — Affordable city lodge with comfortable rooms and quick access to the park gates for early game drives.
- Lanet Matfam Resort — Basic but clean lodge near the park entrance, ideal for budget safari starters.
- Golden Palace Hotel — Value hotel in Nakuru town, good for budget travelers who don’t mind a short transfer to the park.
📍 Lake Naivasha Area (Budget)
- Naivasha Kongoni Lodge — Rustic and relaxed lodge near the lake with basic safari vibes and a garden setting.
- Lake Naivasha Country Resort (budget rooms) — Simple, peaceful rooms close to the lake and boat ride spots.
- Lilac Eco Lodge & Campsite — Low-cost tents/cabins near Naivasha with a social, outdoorsy feel.
Expert tip: Budget stays are ideal if your priority is wildlife viewing and mobility rather than in-room luxury — especially great for backpackers or travelers on a strict budget.
🟡 Mid-Range Options — Comfort & Location Without Excessive Cost
These properties offer comfortable rooms/tents, good meals, and thoughtful safari logistics—great for most visitors.
📍 Lake Nakuru Area (Mid-Range)
- Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge — Elevated location with panoramic panoramic views, sturdy comfort, and easy park access.
- Flamingo Hill Tented Camp — Classic tented safari ambiance with comfortable facilities and great birdwatching nearby.
- Ziwa Bush Lodge — Well-situated with good meals and relaxed ambiance for unwinding after game drives.
📍 Lake Naivasha Area (Mid-Range)
- Lake Naivasha Resort — Well-presented mid-range lodge with landscaped grounds and scenic lake access.
- Enashipai Resort & Spa (mid-range block) — Stylish retreat with good service and proximity to boat ride points.
- Fisherman’s Camp — Comfortable rooms and basic boating/wildlife access right on the lake.
Expert tip: Mid-range options strike a good balance of comfort, service, and location, making them ideal for couples, families, and multi-park circuits.
🔵 Luxury Options — Premium Service & Safari Experience
For travelers who want scenic locations, high standards of service, and premium ambiance, these choices deliver standout stays.
📍 Lake Nakuru Area (Luxury)
- The Cliff Nakuru — Boutique luxury with stunning Rift Valley and lake panoramas and excellent service.
- Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge (premium rooms) — Upscale, well-appointed rooms with top service and restaurant.
- Lake Nakuru Lodge (premium) — Elevated lodge experience with refined styling and a calm, scenic setting.
📍 Lake Naivasha Area (Luxury)
- Enashipai Resort & Spa (luxury wing) — High-end resort with spa, elegant rooms, and lake access — perfect for relaxation after safari days.
- Lake Naivasha Country Club (luxury rooms) — Heritage property with old-world charm, manicured gardens, and prime lake access.
- Elementaita Serena Camp (luxury tented) — Stylish tented camp with scenic lake views and premium safari ambiance (short transfer from Naivasha).
Expert tip: Luxury stays are best if you want memorable views, attentive service, and refined amenities — ideal for honeymoons, anniversaries, or travelers seeking a premium safari experience.
🧠 How to Choose Your Tier
| Comfort Tier | Best For | Experience Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | Value-seekers, backpackers | Clean basics, good park access, no frills |
| Mid-Range | Most families/couples | Private rooms, good meals, scenic locations |
| Luxury | Special occasions, refinements | Premium service, standout views, comfort |
🧭 Expert Accommodation Tips
- Proximity matters: Staying near the park entrance reduces early-morning transfer times for game drives.
- Views enhance safari value: Lodges with lake views (especially at Nakuru and Naivasha) add scenic moments beyond wildlife.
- Meal quality varies: Mid-range and luxury properties usually include full board dining, while budget stays may only include breakfast or require some meals on your own.
- Season & booking: High demand seasons (dry months and holidays) fill luxury rooms quickly — early booking is advisable.
Best Time to Go
- Year-round safari
- Dry seasons: Easier driving, animals concentrate near water
- Wet seasons: Lush landscapes, excellent birdlife, dramatic scenery
- Flamingo numbers at Nakuru and water levels in both lakes naturally vary, but wildlife viewing remains strong all year
What’s Included (Typical)
- Transport from Nairobi and back in a safari vehicle
- Services of a professional driver-guide
- Game drives in Lake Nakuru National Park
- 2 nights’ accommodation
- Meals as specified (often full board)
Not Included (Usually)
- Park entry fees (unless stated otherwise)
- Boat ride and optional Naivasha activities (unless included in your package)
- Drinks and personal expenses
- Travel insurance
- Tips/gratuities
Who This Safari Is Perfect For
- Travelers with limited time who still want a real safari
- First-time visitors to Kenya
- Families and couples
- Bird lovers and photographers
- Anyone who wants rhinos + lakes + scenic landscapes in one easy trip from Nairobi
Shorter & Custom Options
- 2 Days / 1 Night: Nairobi → Nakuru → Naivasha → Nairobi (more rushed, but possible)
- Add Masai Mara: Extend this trip to include 2–3 nights in the Mara for big cats and classic savannah
- Add Amboseli: Combine lakes + elephants + Kilimanjaro for a longer circuit
The Bottom Line
The Lake Nakuru & Lake Naivasha Safari from Nairobi is one of Kenya’s most balanced and rewarding short safaris:
- Big game and rhinos in a national park
- Relaxed lake activities and hippos on a freshwater lake
- Beautiful Rift Valley scenery
- Short driving distances and a comfortable pace
- Excellent value for time and money
If you want a safari that mixes classic wildlife viewing with gentle, scenic lake experiences, this is one of the best choices you can make from Nairobi.