1 Day Trip to Lake Nakuru and Naivasha

Yes, this trip is absolutely worth it because it combines two of Kenya’s most popular destinations in a single day. Lake Nakuru offers an unforgettable safari experience with rhinos, lions, giraffes, zebras, and flocks of flamingos, while Lake Naivasha provides a relaxing contrast with its freshwater beauty, boat rides, and sightings of hippos and diverse birdlife. It is one of the best ways to experience both wildlife and natural scenery in just one day, making it ideal for travelers who may not have the time for a longer safari.

The journey from Nairobi to Lake Nakuru takes around three hours by road, depending on traffic and the pace of travel. The route passes through the scenic Great Rift Valley, where you can make short stops at viewpoints to enjoy sweeping landscapes and take photos. This makes the drive part of the adventure, as you get to appreciate the beauty of Kenya’s countryside before even arriving at the park.

The cost varies depending on factors such as your group size, whether you choose a private or shared tour, the type of vehicle used, and whether you want to add extras like a boat ride at Lake Naivasha. Since prices are updated from time to time and tailored to each group’s needs, we recommend contacting us directly for specific and up-to-date pricing that matches your preferences.

Most packages are designed to give you a smooth and enjoyable safari experience without worrying about the details. They usually cover transport to and from Nairobi in a comfortable safari vehicle, a professional driver-guide who will lead the trip, and entry fees to Lake Nakuru National Park. A full game drive at Lake Nakuru is included, along with meals for the day, often a picnic lunch or a hot meal at a lodge. At Lake Naivasha, you can enjoy a boat ride on the lake or explore nearby attractions such as Crescent Island, depending on your preference. Bottled drinking water is provided, and in some cases, optional add-ons such as cultural visits can be arranged to make the trip even more memorable.

A typical itinerary begins with an early morning departure from Nairobi to ensure you have enough time to enjoy both destinations. You arrive at Lake Nakuru mid-morning for a game drive, where you can spot rhinos, lions, flamingos, and other wildlife. After exploring the park, you’ll stop for lunch, either as a picnic or at one of the lodges inside the park. The journey then continues to Lake Naivasha in the afternoon, where you can take a boat ride to see hippos and waterbirds or visit Crescent Island for a short nature walk. The trip usually ends with a return drive to Nairobi in the early evening, arriving back around sunset.

Yes, a day trip from Nairobi to Lake Nakuru is very popular and entirely possible. Leaving Nairobi early in the morning allows enough time for a game drive and lunch before returning by evening. Many travelers choose to do Lake Nakuru alone as a day trip, but combining it with Lake Naivasha makes the experience even richer since you get both a safari and a lakeside adventure in one day.