3 Days Lake Nakuru Safari from Nairobi

This 3-day Lake Nakuru safari from Nairobi combines city experiences with wildlife viewing in one short Kenya itinerary. Start in Nairobi with a city tour that may include the Giraffe Centre, the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust and local markets, depending on arrival time. Continue to Lake Nakuru National Park, one of Kenya’s best destinations for rhino viewing, birdlife, flamingos depending on the season, Rothschild giraffes and scenic lake landscapes. This safari is ideal for travellers who want a short Kenya wildlife experience with easy travel from Nairobi, Great Rift Valley views and a rewarding game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park.

Safari Highlights

Day 1, Arrival in Nairobi and optional city tour
Day 1, Visit the Giraffe Centre and Sheldrick Wildlife Trust
Day 2, Scenic drive through the Great Rift Valley
Day 2, Afternoon game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park
Day 2, Search for rhinos, Rothschild giraffes, lions and birdlife
Day 3, Morning Lake Nakuru game drive and return to Nairobi

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1, Nairobi Arrival and City Tour

Upon arrival in Nairobi, you will be welcomed by your guide and given a short briefing about your 3-day Lake Nakuru safari. Transfer to your hotel for check-in and time to refresh. Depending on your arrival time, continue for an optional Nairobi city tour. You may visit the Giraffe Centre, where guests learn about Rothschild giraffe conservation, and the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, known for its elephant orphan care and conservation work. You may also visit selected local markets to experience Nairobi’s city life and shop for crafts. After the city tour, return to your hotel to relax and prepare for the next day’s drive to Lake Nakuru. Accommodation: Luxury – Nairobi Serena Hotel or Radisson Blu Hotel, Mid-range – Tamarind Tree Hotel or Best Western Plus Meridian Hotel, Budget – Nairobi Boma Hotel

Day 2, Drive to Lake Nakuru National Park

After breakfast at your hotel in Nairobi, start the drive to Lake Nakuru National Park. The journey takes you through the Great Rift Valley, with beautiful views along the way and possible stops at viewpoints for photography. Arrive at your lodge for check-in and lunch, depending on arrival time. Later, head out for an afternoon game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park. Lake Nakuru is one of Kenya’s best-known rhino sanctuaries, offering chances to see both black and white rhinos. The park is also home to Rothschild giraffes, buffalo, zebras, baboons, waterbucks, lions and many bird species. The lake shore is famous for flamingos, although numbers vary depending on water levels and season. The park’s mix of lake, woodland and grassland makes it rewarding for wildlife viewing and birdwatching. Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay. Accommodation: Luxury – The Cliff Lodge or Sarova Lion Hill Lodge, Midrange – Lake Nakuru Lodge, Budget – Punda Milia Lodge or Ziwa Bush Lodge

Day 3, Lake Nakuru Game Drive and Return to Nairobi

After breakfast, check out and enjoy a morning game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park. This final drive gives you another opportunity to look for rhinos, giraffes, buffalo, zebras, antelopes, baboons, lions and birdlife around the lake shore, woodland and open grassland areas. After the game drive, begin your return journey to Nairobi, with scenic views of the Great Rift Valley along the way. Upon arrival, your guide will drop you off at your hotel, residence or Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, marking the end of your 3-day Lake Nakuru safari from Nairobi.