Day Trip from Nairobi · Rift Valley
Lake Nakuru Day Trip from Nairobi: Rhinos, Flamingos & Lake Naivasha
Lake Nakuru National Park, about 160 km from Nairobi, is a fenced rhino sanctuary on a Rift Valley soda lake. It is one of the best places in Kenya to look for both black and white rhino, along with Rothschild's giraffe, lion, buffalo and large numbers of water birds. Flamingo numbers vary with the lake's water levels.
Our private Lake Nakuru day trip adds a boat ride on Lake Naivasha and a Crescent Island walking safari on the way back to Nairobi. Lunch, park fees and hotel or JKIA pickup are included.
See the full day-by-day plan, inclusions and booking form on the Nakuru & Naivasha Day Trip from Nairobi | Flamingos page, or browse all Nairobi excursions and day trips.
What You Will Experience
Stop 1
Lake Nakuru game drive
Look out for white and black rhino, Rothschild's giraffe, lion and buffalo in acacia woodland and along the shoreline.
Stop 2
Baboon Cliff viewpoint
A panoramic view over the lake and the park's woodland.
Stop 3
Lake Naivasha boat ride
Hippos, pelicans and fish eagles on Naivasha's freshwater lake.
Stop 4
Crescent Island walk
Walk among zebra, giraffe, waterbuck and wildebeest with no vehicles around you.
Tour at a Glance
- Duration: 1 day
- Starting price: From USD 300 (final quote confirmed by our team)
- Start & finish: Your Nairobi hotel or JKIA
- Vehicle: Private 4x4 Land Cruiser with pop-up roof
Good to Know
- Private 4x4 Land Cruiser with pop-up roof and English-speaking driver-guide
- Lunch, bottled water and park entrance fees included
- Early start recommended: the round trip covers a lot of road
- Flamingo numbers vary by season and water levels and are not guaranteed
What's Included
- Crescent Island walking safari
- Boat ride on Lake Naivasha
- Nairobi hotel/airport pick-up & drop-off
- Transport in a 4x4 Land Cruiser with pop-up roof
- Professional English-speaking driver/guide
- All park entrance fees
- Game viewing drives as per itinerary
- Lunch and bottled water
- Government taxes and levies
Not Included
- Alcoholic and soft drinks
- Items and services of a personal nature
- Tips and gratuities
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Lake Nakuru from Nairobi?
About 160 km, roughly 3 hours by road depending on traffic, through the Rift Valley.
Will I see flamingos at Lake Nakuru?
Possibly. Flamingo numbers at Lake Nakuru change with water levels and food availability, so they vary from month to month. Your driver-guide will know where birds have been seen recently.
Can I see rhinos at Lake Nakuru?
Lake Nakuru is a rhino sanctuary with both black and white rhino, and sightings are common, but no wildlife sighting can be guaranteed.
Is a day trip to Lake Nakuru worth it?
Yes, if you have one free day. It is a long day, but it gives you rhino, giraffe and Rift Valley scenery, plus Lake Naivasha on the return.
Are there lions at Lake Nakuru?
Yes, Lake Nakuru has resident lions, and leopards are also present, though they are harder to find.
Can I stay overnight instead?
Yes. If you would like more time, ask about our overnight Lake Nakuru and Naivasha safaris and we will quote accommodation options.
Do you pick up from Nairobi hotels and JKIA?
Yes. Pick-up and drop-off from your Nairobi hotel or Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) is included in every C.A.T.S Nairobi excursion and day trip. Share your hotel name or flight details when you book and your driver-guide will meet you there.
Is this a private tour?
Our Nairobi excursions and day trips are run as private tours, so the 4x4 Land Cruiser and driver-guide are reserved for your party only. You set the pace, and timings can be adjusted around your flights or plans.
What vehicle will we use?
A 4x4 Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof, driven by a professional English-speaking driver-guide. The pop-up roof lets everyone stand for clear wildlife viewing and photography.
Are park entrance fees included?
Yes. All park entrance fees for the parks in your itinerary are included in the quoted price, together with bottled drinking water and government taxes. The full included and excluded list is shown on each tour page.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes. Our private Nairobi tours are family-friendly. Children under 11 are booked at child rates, and the private vehicle means you can take breaks whenever the family needs one.
What should I wear and bring?
Comfortable layers in neutral colours, a warm top for early mornings, closed shoes, a hat, sunscreen, sunglasses and a camera. Binoculars are a good idea for game drives.
How do I book?
Click Book This Tour, choose your preferred date and number of travellers, and send the request. Our excursions team replies with confirmation and payment details. You can also message us on WhatsApp on +254 723 951 388.
How do I pay?
Payment details are sent with your confirmed quote. See our Payment Methods page for the options we accept.
Can I combine this with a Kenya safari?
Yes. Many guests add a Nairobi excursion or day trip before or after a Masai Mara, Amboseli or Lake Nakuru safari. Tell us your safari dates and we will fit it into your plan.
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Ready to Book?
Choose your date and send your request. Our excursions team confirms availability and replies with your quote.