3 Days Great Rift Valley Safari to Lake Nakuru and Lake Naivasha
Experience two of Kenya’s scenic Great Rift Valley destinations on this 3 day Lake Nakuru and Lake Naivasha safari from Nairobi with Timken Tours Kenya.
This short private safari combines the wildlife-rich landscapes of Lake Nakuru National Park with the tranquil beauty of Lake Naivasha. Enjoy game drives in search of rhinos, lions, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras and other wildlife, followed by a relaxing boat ride on Lake Naivasha and an optional guided walking experience on Crescent Island.
Highlights
- 3 day private Lake Nakuru & Lake Naivasha safari
- Travel in a private 4x4 Land Cruiser safari vehicle
- Opportunity to see rhinos and flamingos
- Optional Crescent Island walking safari
- Search for lions, buffaloes, giraffes and zebras
- 2 nights in a safari lodge or tented camp
- Scenic Great Rift Valley landscapes
Your safari begins with an early morning pickup from your hotel, residence or airport in Nairobi.
Depart Nairobi and drive towards the Great Rift Valley, enjoying spectacular views along the way. Depending on your departure time, you may stop at a scenic viewpoint overlooking the Rift Valley.
Continue to Lake Nakuru National Park, arriving around midday.
Check in at your lodge or tented camp and enjoy lunch.
After lunch, embark on your first afternoon game drive through the national park.
Lake Nakuru is renowned for its rhino conservation and diverse wildlife. During your game drive, you will have the opportunity to look for black and white rhinos, lions, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, waterbucks and other wildlife.
The park is also famous for its birdlife, and depending on water levels and seasonal conditions, you may see flamingos around the lake.
Continue exploring the park until late afternoon before returning to your lodge.
Dinner and overnight at your Lake Nakuru accommodation.
Meal Plan: Lunch & Dinner
Wake up early and enjoy breakfast before departing for a final morning game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park.
The early morning provides excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing as animals become active.
Continue your game drive before exiting the park and driving towards Lake Naivasha.
Arrive at Lake Naivasha around midday and check in at your lodge.
Enjoy lunch before an afternoon boat ride on Lake Naivasha.
Cruise across the freshwater lake and enjoy views of the surrounding landscapes while looking for hippos and a variety of waterbirds. Depending on lake conditions and wildlife activity, you may also see fish eagles and other bird species.
Optional Crescent Island Experience
You can enhance your afternoon with a visit to Crescent Island, a private wildlife sanctuary located on Lake Naivasha.
Enjoy a guided walking safari where you may encounter giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, gazelles and other plains wildlife. Walking among wildlife without a vehicle can be one of the most memorable experiences of your Naivasha visit.
Return to your lodge in the evening.
Dinner and overnight.
Enjoy breakfast at your lodge before spending your final morning around Lake Naivasha.
For travelers interested in additional activities, an optional visit to Hell's Gate National Park can be arranged.
Hell's Gate offers a different type of safari experience, with opportunities for cycling, walking and viewing wildlife in a dramatic landscape of cliffs, gorges and volcanic formations.
Alternatively, enjoy a relaxed morning at the lodge before checking out.
Depart Lake Naivasha and begin your journey back to Nairobi.
Enjoy lunch en route or in Nairobi before being dropped off at your hotel, residence or airport.
Meal Plan: Breakfast
- Private safari in a 4x4 Land Cruiser
- Professional English-speaking safari driver/guide
- Hotel pickup and drop-off in Nairobi hotel, residence or airport, where applicable
- 2 nights accommodation in a safari lodge/tented camp
- Full-board meals during the safari
- Game drives as indicated in the itinerary
- Bottled drinking water during game drives
- Lake Nakuru national park & Lake Naivasha entry fees
- All applicable government taxes and levies
- International flights
- Domestic flights
- Visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
- Alcoholic and other premium drinks
- Tips and gratuities
Frequently Asked Questions
Lake Nakuru National Park offers opportunities to see rhinos, lions, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, waterbucks and many other wildlife species. Wildlife sightings depend on animal movements and conditions on the day.
Yes. The safari can be operated as a private safari in a 4x4 Land Cruiser, allowing you to travel with your own group and enjoy greater flexibility during game drives.
Flamingos are associated with Lake Nakuru, but their numbers and location vary depending on water levels, food availability and other environmental conditions. Therefore, sightings cannot be guaranteed.
A boat ride provides opportunities to see hippos and a variety of waterbirds, including fish eagles and other species around the lake.
Yes. This safari can be a convenient family safari, particularly for travelers staying at Nairobi. Children's ages should be provided when booking so appropriate accommodation arrangements can be made.
The standard itinerary includes the Lake Naivasha boat ride. A Crescent Island walking safari can be added as an optional activity, subject to availability and applicable charges.