About this safari
The 3-Day Lake Naivasha and Lake Nakuru Private Safari combines two contrasting Rift Valley experiences within a practical short itinerary. Day 1 focuses on Lake Naivasha, where a boat excursion and guided walking experience can introduce hippos, fish eagles, waterbirds and plains wildlife. Day 2 continues to Lake Nakuru National Park for rhino conservation, lake scenery and game viewing.
Lake Naivasha is a freshwater lake known for papyrus-fringed shores, hippos and strong birdlife. The Crescent Island area adds an opportunity for a guided walking experience among selected plains species. Boat operations remain subject to weather and local safety conditions.
Lake Nakuru National Park offers a very different experience with black and white rhino, buffalo, giraffe, antelope, predators and abundant birdlife. Flamingo numbers vary with water chemistry, food availability and regional movement, so no specific flamingo concentration can be guaranteed.
The route works well as a short escape from Nairobi or as the beginning of a longer journey to the Masai Mara National Reserve. Browse our Kenya safari packages or use Plan My Safari for a custom extension.
For official park guidance, see the Kenya Wildlife Service Lake Nakuru National Park page.
Why travellers choose this journey
- Private three-day Rift Valley safari from Nairobi.
- Lake Naivasha boat safari.
- Crescent Island guided walking experience where confirmed.
- Lake Nakuru rhino viewing.
- Excellent birdwatching at both destinations.
- Two contrasting lake ecosystems in one short itinerary.
Follow your journey through Kenya
A clear look at where the safari begins, the destinations you visit and where the journey ends.
Your safari itinerary
Open each day to view the route, activities, meals, transport and accommodation details.
Leave Nairobi in the morning and travel into the Great Rift Valley toward Lake Naivasha.
After arrival and lunch, transfer to the confirmed boat departure point for a Lake Naivasha boat safari. Look for African fish eagles, cormorants, herons, kingfishers and other wetland birds. Hippos may also be seen, with the boat captain maintaining a safe distance.
Where included, continue to Crescent Island for a guided walking experience among selected plains wildlife and birdlife. Return to the mainland later in the afternoon and transfer to your hotel or lodge.
Dinner and overnight in the Lake Naivasha area.
After breakfast, depart Naivasha and continue through the Rift Valley to Lake Nakuru National Park.
Enter the park for a game drive focusing on rhino, buffalo, giraffe, antelope and other wildlife. Search the lake margins and woodland for waterbirds, raptors and other species while enjoying the park’s viewpoints and varied scenery.
Flamingos may be present, but numbers fluctuate naturally according to ecological conditions. Continue the afternoon safari before transferring to your confirmed lodge or hotel for dinner and overnight.
Begin the morning with breakfast and a final game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park where timing and park-entry arrangements allow.
Use the cooler morning hours to look for rhino, buffalo, giraffe, zebra, antelope and predators before leaving the park.
Travel back to Nairobi, arriving later in the day for drop-off at the agreed hotel, residence or airport connection point.
Know before you go
Boat safari: departure and duration depend on weather, water conditions and operator safety decisions.
Hippos: viewing is from a safe distance and sightings cannot be guaranteed.
Flamingos: numbers at Lake Nakuru change naturally and should not be treated as guaranteed.
Accommodation: the itinerary can use one night in Naivasha and one night in the Nakuru area, with final properties confirmed according to availability.
What is included
- Private pop-up-roof 4x4 safari vehicle.
- Professional English-speaking safari driver-guide.
- One night accommodation in Lake Naivasha and one night in the Lake Nakuru area.
- Meals as stated in the final itinerary.
- Lake Naivasha boat excursion where confirmed.
- Crescent Island entry and guided walk where included in the quotation.
- Lake Nakuru National Park entry and conservation fees for the included game drives.
- Drinking water in the safari vehicle.
- Nairobi pick-up and final drop-off.
What is excluded
- International and domestic flights.
- Kenya entry authorisation and immigration costs.
- Optional activities not specifically included.
- Travel and medical insurance.
- Alcoholic drinks and beverages outside the confirmed meal plan.
- Tips and gratuities.
- Nairobi accommodation before or after the safari unless added.
- Personal expenses and accommodation upgrades.
