Nairobi , Kenya

Lake Nakuru day trip from Nairobi

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About this experience

Experience the vibrant beauty of our Nairobi: Day Tour to Lake Nakuru National Park, an 8-hour safari that packs stunning wildlife and landscapes into a concise adventure. Here’s why you should book:

Flamingo Spectacle: Marvel at Lake Nakuru’s shimmering soda lake, often covered with thousands of pink flamingos, a breathtaking sight unique to this park.
Rare Wildlife Encounters: Enjoy a 3-hour game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park, spotting rhinos (black and white), leopards, lions, and 450+ bird species, guided by experts who know the park’s secrets.
Baboon Cliff Views: Capture panoramic vistas of the lake and Rift Valley from Baboon Cliff, a prime spot for photography and wildlife spotting.
Efficient Yet Immersive: This 8-hour tour maximizes your experience with a focused game drive and scenic lunch stop, returning you to Nairobi by 4:00 PM.

Available options

Lake Nakuru day trip from Nairobi

Pickup included

What's included

A tour Driver/guide

Park Entrance Fee

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Bottled water

safari Van (4X4) with open roof

Detailed itinerary

Start with an early morning pickup from your Nairobi hotel at 6:00 AM. The 160 km drive northwest via the Nairobi-Nakuru Highway (A104) takes 3 hours. Pass through the scenic Great Rift Valley, with key points of interest including views of the Rift Valley Escarpment and glimpses of Mount Longonot, a dormant volcano. This journey offers a stunning introduction to Kenya’s diverse terrain at sunrise.

Arrive at Lake Nakuru National Park, the primary attraction, around 9:00 AM and complete entry formalities at the main gate. This compact park features a soda lake, acacia forests, and grasslands. Embark on a 2.5-hour open-vehicle game drive to explore its ecosystems. Key attractions include Lake Nakuru, often lined with thousands of pink flamingos, as well as rhinos (both black and white), leopards, lions, buffalos, zebras, giraffes, and over 450 bird species like pelicans and fish eagles. The Euphorbia Forest, one of Africa’s largest candelabra tree forests, adds a dramatic backdrop to the wildlife sightings.

Head to Makale Falls, a scenic viewpoint offering panoramic views of Lake Nakuru, its flamingo-lined shores, and surrounding acacia woodlands. This landmark is perfect for photography and spotting baboons or other wildlife against the Rift Valley backdrop. Enjoy a packed lunch (provided as part of the tour) at this scenic spot, with views of the lake and distant Menengai Crater, offering a quick yet relaxing break to reflect on the morning’s encounters.

Stop 4 Pass by

Depart Lake Nakuru at 2:00 PM for the 3-hour return journey to Nairobi along the Nairobi-Nakuru Highway. Enjoy final views of the Rift Valley Escarpment and passing landscapes. Arrive back at your hotel by 5:00 PM, reflecting on the day’s highlights, from the flamingo-filled lake and rare rhinos to the stunning vistas at Baboon Cliff, for a memorable safari conclusion.

What's not included

Lunch

Gratitude's

Souvenirs

Available languages

Guide guide

DE EN IT FR ES

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Specialized infant seats are available

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

About Nairobi

Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, is a vibrant city known for its rich wildlife, cultural diversity, and modern urban landscape. It's the only city in the world with a national park within its boundaries, offering a unique blend of city life and nature.

Top Attractions

Nairobi National Park

This unique national park is located just a few kilometers from the city center and is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including lions, giraffes, and rhinos.

Nature Half day to full day KES 400-1000

Karen Blixen Museum

This museum is dedicated to the Danish author Karen Blixen, who lived in Kenya during the early 20th century. The museum is set in her former home and offers a glimpse into colonial life in Kenya.

Historical 2-3 hours KES 500-1000

Bomas of Kenya

Bomas of Kenya is a cultural center that showcases the traditional music, dance, and acrobatics of Kenya's various ethnic groups. The center also features a museum and craft shops.

Cultural 2-3 hours KES 500-1500

Must-Try Local Dishes

Nyama Choma

Grilled meat, typically goat or beef, seasoned with salt and sometimes spices. It's a popular dish often served with ugali and kachumbari.

Main Course Contains meat

Ugali

A staple food made from maize flour, cooked with water to form a thick, dough-like consistency. It's often served with stews or nyama choma.

Side Dish Vegetarian, Vegan

Sukuma Wiki

Collard greens cooked with onions, tomatoes, and sometimes other vegetables. It's a common side dish in Kenyan cuisine.

Side Dish Vegetarian, Vegan

Popular Activities

Hiking Safari Wildlife viewing Coffee tasting Spas Picnics Museum visits Cultural performances

Best Time to Visit

June to October

This is the dry season with plenty of sunshine, making it ideal for safaris and outdoor activities. The city is lively with various festivals and events.

18-28°C 64-82°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English, Swahili
Widely spoken: English, Swahili
English: Widely spoken

Currency

Kenyan Shilling (KES)

Time Zone

GMT+3

Electricity

240VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Exercise caution

Nairobi is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime and scams can occur, especially in crowded areas and at night. Be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure
• Avoid walking alone at night
• Be cautious when using ATMs

Getting there

By air

Jomo Kenyatta International Airport • 15 km from city center

By train

Nairobi Railway Station

By bus

Nairobi Bus Station, Mombasa Road Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

The NCBS is the main public transport system, with routes covering most of the city. Buses are affordable but can be crowded.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Bolt

Rentals

Car, Bike

Neighborhoods

CBD (Central Business District) Westlands Karen

Day trips

Lake Naivasha

90 km from Nairobi • Full day

Lake Naivasha is a beautiful freshwater lake surrounded by scenic landscapes and wildlife. It's a popular spot for boat rides, birdwatching, and visiting the nearby Hell's Gate National Park.

Mount Longonot

80 km from Nairobi • Full day

Mount Longonot is an extinct volcano with a challenging but rewarding hike to the summit. The hike offers stunning views of the surrounding landscapes and the crater lake.

Lake Nakuru National Park

160 km from Nairobi • Full day

Lake Nakuru National Park is known for its large population of flamingos and other wildlife, including rhinos, lions, and leopards. The park offers game drives and walking safaris.

Festivals

Nairobi International Trade Fair • July Nairobi Film Festival • October Kenyatta Day • June 1

Pro tips

Visit the Nairobi National Park early in the morning or late in the afternoon for the best wildlife viewing
Try local dishes like nyama choma, ugali, and sukuma wiki for an authentic culinary experience
Use app-based taxi services like Uber or Bolt for safer and more convenient transportation
Carry a reusable water bottle and avoid single-use plastics to minimize your environmental impact
Learn a few basic Swahili phrases to enhance your interaction with locals and show respect for their culture