Full Day Lake Nakuru Park and Optional Boat Ride on Lake Naivasha

Kenya’s natural wonders come alive on this full-day excursion to Lake Nakuru National Park and the serene Lake Naivasha. Travelers can expect to witness the iconic flamingo flocks, rare white rhinos, and elusive tree-climbing lions of Lake Nakuru, followed by a tranquil boat ride to observe hippos and diverse birdlife at Lake Naivasha. With a focus on diverse habitats and abundant wildlife, this private tour offers an unforgettable glimpse into the heart of the Kenyan landscape. But there’s more to discover about this immersive wildlife experience.

This experience made our list of the 4 Best Full-Day Tours In Nairobi.

Key Points

• Comprehensive 11.5-hour private wildlife tour from Nairobi visiting Lake Nakuru and Lake Naivasha.
• Morning and afternoon game drives at Lake Nakuru National Park to see flamingos, rhinos, and diverse wildlife.
• 1-hour boat ride on the serene Lake Naivasha to observe the resident hippopotamus population and birdlife.
• Opportunity to explore the varied habitats and over 400 bird species within Lake Nakuru National Park.
• Immersive experience in Kenya’s diverse wildlife with a professional guide.

Tour Overview

This private 11.5-hour wildlife tour from Nairobi allows travelers to visit two renowned Great Rift Valley lakes: Lake Nakuru and Lake Naivasha, where they can observe birds and wildlife in their natural habitats.

The tour includes pickup and drop-off from Nairobi hotels.

At Lake Nakuru National Park, guests will enjoy morning and afternoon game drives, seeking out flamingos, white rhinos, waterbucks, hippos, and tree-climbing lions.

The tour then continues to Lake Naivasha, where a 1-hour boat ride provides opportunities to spot birds, eagles, and hippos.

This comprehensive tour offers an immersive experience in Kenya’s diverse and captivating wildlife.

Tour Itinerary

The tour commences at 6:30am with pickup from the traveler’s Nairobi hotel, followed by a 3-hour drive to the renowned Lake Nakuru National Park.

Once there, the group embarks on morning and afternoon game drives to explore the diverse wildlife and stunning scenery. The park is known for its large population of flamingos, as well as other species like white rhinos, waterbucks, hippos, and the elusive tree-climbing lions.

After a delightful lunch at the Lake Nakuru Lodge, the tour departs for Lake Naivasha, where a 1-hour boat ride awaits to spot birds, eagles, and the iconic hippopotamuses.

At 6pm, the tour returns to the traveler’s Nairobi hotel.

Explore the vibrant birdlife and unique wildlife of Lake Nakuru National Park.

Observe the majestic white rhinos and other mammals in their natural habitat.

Enjoy a leisurely boat ride on the serene waters of Lake Naivasha.

Witness the mesmerizing sight of the tree-climbing lions, a rare sighting.

Exploring Lake Nakuru National Park

Full Day Lake Nakuru Park and Optional Boat Ride on Lake Naivasha

Nestled within the scenic confines of the Great Rift Valley, Lake Nakuru National Park stands out as a veritable haven for an array of captivating wildlife. Renowned for its vast flocks of vibrant flamingos, the park also boasts an impressive population of rare white rhinos, whose majestic presence commands attention. Visitors can expect to encounter a diverse array of other mammals, including the elusive tree-climbing lions, majestic waterbucks, and playful hippos, all thriving within the park’s diverse habitats.

Wildlife	Density	Habitat
Flamingos	Vast flocks	Lake
White Rhinos	Impressive	Varied
Tree-Climbing Lions	Elusive	Woodlands
Waterbucks	Majestic	Grasslands

Birdwatching Around Lake Nakuru

Aside from its acclaimed mammalian residents, Lake Nakuru National Park provides a premier destination for avid birdwatchers, who can revel in the park’s diverse avian population. The park’s diverse habitats, including wetlands, forests, and grasslands, attract over 400 species of birds, making it a true haven for birdwatchers.

Key highlights include:

• Observing the park’s iconic flamingo flocks, which congregate in the alkaline waters in massive numbers

• Spotting majestic birds of prey, such as the iconic African fish eagle and the elusive Verreaux’s eagle owl

• Catching a glimpse of the striking blue-breasted bee-eater and the vibrant lilac-breasted roller

• Exploring the park’s lush forests to catch a sighting of the rare Abyssinian ground hornbill.

Lake Naivasha Boat Ride

Tranquility envelops visitors as they embark on a captivating boat ride along the serene waters of Lake Naivasha, a natural wonder nestled in the heart of Kenya’s Great Rift Valley.

The gentle rocking of the boat and the soothing sounds of the lake create a peaceful atmosphere, allowing travelers to enjoy the surrounding beauty.

During the one-hour journey, guests can spot a variety of bird species, from majestic fish eagles to vibrant kingfishers, as they skim the surface of the water.

The boat ride also offers the chance to observe the resident hippopotamus population, providing a rare opportunity to witness these iconic African animals in their natural habitat.

Included in the Tour

The private tour includes a driver/guide who provides live commentary throughout the day, as well as entrance fees to the parks until 2023. Plus, a boat ride on Lake Naivasha is part of the tour itinerary.

The tour offers several key inclusions:

• Private transportation from Nairobi to the parks and back
• Knowledgeable driver/guide to enhance the experience
• Prepaid entrance fees, eliminating hassle at the gates
• Scenic boat ride on Lake Naivasha to observe wildlife

These inclusions ensure a seamless and immersive wildlife adventure, allowing visitors to fully focus on the stunning natural landscapes and diverse animal sightings without worrying about logistical details.

Excluded From the Tour

While the tour includes a wealth of activities and services, there are a few things visitors must arrange separately.

Food and drinks aren’t provided, so travelers will need to plan and budget for their own meals and refreshments during the day.

Plus, gratuities for the driver and guide aren’t included in the tour price, allowing visitors to determine their own level of appreciation for the service.

Lastly, airport pickup and drop-off aren’t part of the package, so guests will need to arrange their own transportation to and from the starting point in Nairobi.

Additional Tour Information

Along With the inclusions outlined, the tour operates with a few other important details. Confirmation is provided at the time of booking, assuring visitors that their spot is secured. The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, though infant seats are available for those traveling with young children.

While located near public transportation, the tour pickup and drop-off occur directly at the visitor’s Nairobi hotel. Entrance fees to the parks can be paid by credit or debit card until 2023.

This comprehensive tour provides an immersive wildlife experience:

• Explore two renowned Rift Valley lakes
• Observe an abundance of bird and animal life
• Enjoy a relaxing boat ride on Lake Naivasha
• Convenient pickup and drop-off at your Nairobi hotel

Frequently Asked Questions

How Experienced Are the Tour Guides?

The tour guides are highly experienced, having led numerous wildlife tours in the region. They possess extensive knowledge of the local flora and fauna, ensuring an informative and engaging experience for guests.

What Is the Best Time of Year to Visit?

The best time to visit the lakes is during the dry seasons of July to October and January to March. This allows for optimal wildlife viewing, as animals congregate around the remaining water sources.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

Guests can bring their own food and drinks on the tour, though meals are not included in the price. Packed lunches and snacks are allowed, but the tour operator does not provide or prepare any food or beverages.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Boat Ride?

The tour does not specify any age restrictions for the boat ride on Lake Naivasha. Children of all ages are welcome to participate, though it’s recommended to check with the tour operator for any safety guidelines.

Can the Tour Be Customized to My Preferences?

Yes, the tour can be customized to the traveler’s preferences. The private nature of the tour allows for flexibility in the itinerary and activities to suit individual interests and requirements.

Recap

This comprehensive tour offers an immersive wildlife experience in Kenya’s diverse ecosystems.

Visitors explore the iconic flamingos, rare rhinos, and tree-climbing lions of Lake Nakuru National Park, then embark on a peaceful boat ride on serene Lake Naivasha to observe hippos and birdlife.

With a focus on diverse habitats and abundant wildlife, this private tour provides an unforgettable glimpse into the natural wonders of the Kenyan landscape.