Lake Nakuru Safari & Optional Lake Naivasha Boat Tour from Nairobi

Summary

Wildlife Safari in Lake Nakuru & Hippo Boat Ride at Lake Naivasha

If you want to see rhinos up close, spot flamingos by the thousands, and maybe cruise past hippos on Lake Naivasha—all in one day—this trip’s for you. It’s easy, guided by locals who know every shortcut and animal call. You’ll get real wildlife moments without worrying about logistics.

What’s the experience like?

We kicked off before sunrise, the city still half asleep as our guide pulled up right on time. The drive out of Nairobi felt quiet, just a few matatus buzzing past. About an hour in, we stopped at the Great Rift Valley viewpoint—honestly, you can’t help but pause there. The air’s crisp and cool, and you get this wide-open view of the escarpment that’s hard to put into words. There’s usually a local vendor selling roasted maize or chai if you want a quick bite or something warm in your hands.

By 9am, we rolled into Lake Nakuru National Park. Our guide—Peter—knew all the backroads and pointed out the first rhino before I even spotted it. The game drive was three hours but didn’t feel long; every turn had something new. We saw flamingos clustered along the shoreline, their pink feathers almost blending into the morning haze. There were buffalo lounging under acacia trees and a couple of zebras crossing right in front of our van. The smell of wild sage drifted through the open windows.

Lunch was at Lake Nakuru Lodge—nothing fancy, but the grilled tilapia was fresh and the staff friendly. If you’re not up for a sit-down meal, you can bring a picnic and eat inside the park (just watch out for the cheeky vervet monkeys). After lunch, we squeezed in another short game drive on our way out—caught sight of a leopard napping up in a fever tree, which Peter said is rare this time of year.

Next stop: Lake Naivasha for an optional boat ride. The water was calm and glassy; hippos popped up now and then, snorting loud enough to make us laugh. Birdlife here is wild—fish eagles swooping down for their catch, cormorants drying their wings on old tree stumps. The boat captain knew every bird by name and even pointed out a tiny malachite kingfisher I’d have missed otherwise.

By late afternoon, we were back on the road to Nairobi. Traffic picked up near Limuru as usual, but we made it back by 6pm. It’s a long day, but honestly, it flies by with so much to see—and you get dropped off right at your hotel door.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Lake Nakuru Park and Boat Ride

• Drive from Nairobi to Lake Nakuru with stop at Great Rift Valley viewpoint
• Game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park
• Lunch at Lake Nakuru Lodge or picnic in park
• Optional boat ride on Lake Naivasha for bird and hippo watching
• Photo stop at waterfalls feeding Lake Naivasha
• Return drive to Nairobi

Top questions

Do I need to pay park entrance fees separately?

Yes, entrance fees aren’t included—you’ll pay directly at the gate using VISA/AMEX or Mastercard (about $60 per person).

Is the boat ride on Lake Naivasha included?

The boat ride is optional and paid separately on-site if you choose to join.

What should I bring for the tour?

A hat, sunscreen, camera, some cash for snacks or tips, and maybe a light jacket—it can get chilly early in the morning.

Are meals included?

Lunch isn’t included in the price—you can buy lunch at Lake Nakuru Lodge or bring your own picnic to enjoy inside the park.

Is this tour suitable for kids?

Absolutely! Kids love spotting animals and there are infant seats available if needed.

What’s included

This tour covers private transport with pickup and drop-off anywhere in Nairobi CBD, a knowledgeable driver-guide with live commentary throughout the day, plus all transfers between parks and activities. You’ll have flexibility with meals and activities like the boat ride.