Lake Nakuru Safari from Nairobi – Day Trips & Tours (2025)
Lake Nakuru National Park is one of Kenya’s most breathtaking safari destinations, famous for its vibrant flamingo-covered shores, thriving rhino population, and stunning Rift Valley landscapes. Just a three-hour drive from Nairobi, this park is perfect for a day trip or a multi-day safari adventure.
Why Visit Lake Nakuru National Park?
✔ Home to Rare Black & White Rhinos – One of Kenya’s top rhino conservation areas.
✔ Famous for Thousands of Flamingos – The lake turns pink during peak seasons.
✔ Scenic Beauty – Breathtaking Rift Valley views, waterfalls & acacia forests.
✔ Big Cats & Wildlife – Spot lions, leopards, buffalos, giraffes, and over 450 bird species.
✔ Perfect for Short & Multi-Day Safaris – Only a 3-hour drive from Nairobi!
Combine Lake Nakuru with Masai Mara safari or Amboseli safari for a multi-park safari adventure.
Best Lake Nakuru Safari Packages from Nairobi
📌 Quick Safari Comparison Table
| Safari Package | Duration | Best For | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lake Nakuru Day Trip from Nairobi | 1 Day | Short wildlife safari & birdwatching | $280 – $500 per person |
| 2-Day Lake Nakuru & Lake Naivasha Safari | 2 Days, 1 Night | Wildlife + boat safari | $450 – $920 per person |
| 4-Day Lake Nakuru Lake Naivasha & Masai Mara Safari | 3 Days, 2 Nights | Big Five & flamingos | $850 – $2150 per person |
| 5-Day Lake Nakuru, Masai Mara & Amboseli Safari | 5 Days, 4 Nights | Multiple parks, diverse landscapes | $980 – $2790 per person |
Wildlife & What to Expect on a Lake Nakuru Safari
Top Animals You Can See:
✔ Rhinos – One of the best places to see black & white rhinos.
✔ Flamingos – When conditions are right, thousands of pink flamingos cover the lake.
✔ Big Cats – Lions and leopards can be spotted in the park.
✔ Rothschild Giraffes – One of the rarest giraffe species in the world.
✔ Hippos & Buffalos – Found along the lake’s shores.
The best time for flamingo sightings is during the dry season (July – October, January – March) when water levels are ideal.
Best Time to Visit Lake Nakuru
✔ June – October (Dry Season): Best for wildlife spotting & flamingo viewing.
✔ November – May (Green Season): Lush landscapes, fewer tourists & great for birdwatching.
The best time to visit is July – September to combine Lake Nakuru with the Maasai Mara Great Migration.
How to Get to Lake Nakuru from Nairobi
By Road:
✔ 3-hour drive from Nairobi via the Nairobi-Nakuru Highway.
✔ Ideal for a self-drive adventure or guided safari.
By Air:
✔ Fly to Naishi Airstrip (inside the park) from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport.
✔ Ideal for luxury safaris & time-conscious travelers.
Driving is the best option, as it’s scenic, cost-effective, and allows for stopovers at viewpoints along the Great Rift Valley.
Lake Nakuru National Park Entrance Fees (2025)
| Category | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Foreign Adult | $60 |
| Foreign Child | $35 |
| Resident Adult | KES 1,000 |
| Resident Child | KES 500 |
Entrance fees are included in our safari prices.
FAQs – Everything You Need to Know About a Lake Nakuru Safari
A day trip costs $180 – $350 per person, while a multi-day safari ranges from $450 – $3,500 depending on the itinerary.
Approximately 3 hours by road, making it ideal for a day trip or weekend safari.
Yes, except for elephants! The park is famous for rhinos, lions, leopards, buffalos & rare birds.
July – October & January – March when water levels are low, attracting more flamingos.
Ready for an Unforgettable Lake Nakuru Safari?
Now that you know what to expect, let’s plan your perfect safari!
