48 Hours on the Rift: 2-Day Wildlife Safari to Lake Nakuru and Lake Naivasha
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
2 days (48 hours)
Fitness Level
Suitably active travelers should be comfortable with short hikes or a moderate bike ride, plus several hours in a vehicle each day.
Overview
A fast-moving, wildlife-packed two-day circuit through Kenya's Rift Valley. Search for rhinos and flamingos at Lake Nakuru, hike or cycle Hell's Gate's dramatic gorges, then boat to Crescent Island for predator-free walking safaris at Lake Naivasha.
48 Hours on the Rift: 2-Day Wildlife Safari to Lake Nakuru and Lake Naivasha
Select participants and date
You step out of the safari van and the Rift Valley opens like a living map: a shallow salt lake rimmed in a pale halo of birds, cliffs that hold the wind, and a palette of ochre grass and acacia silhouettes. On day one the road from Nairobi eases you into the landscape—three to four hours of highland tea farms and rolling hills—before the scrub gives way to the broad, shimmering surface of Lake Nakuru and the low, watchful profiles of buffalo and giraffe.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Start early
Wildlife is most active at dawn; plan an early pickup from Nairobi to maximize morning sightings at Lake Nakuru.
Bring binoculars
Binoculars are essential for bird identification and distant game viewing across lakes and plains.
Footwear for Hell's Gate
Wear sturdy trail shoes or hiking sandals for uneven trails and cycling options through the park's rocky terrain.
Respect boat rules
Keep noise low and follow guide instructions on the Naivasha boat to avoid startling hippos and disturbing nesting birds.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Rhinoceros
- African fish eagle
History
The Rift Valley corridor has been a migration and human settlement route for millennia, and Nakuru's parkland was designated partly to protect dwindling rhino populations.
Conservation
Lake ecosystems here are sensitive to water use and pollution; support operators that follow park rules and avoid disturbing shorelines or wildlife.
Select participants and date
Adventure Hotspots in Nairobi
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Binoculars
A 8x or 10x pair helps pick out rhinos, flamingos, and distant birdlife.
Sturdy hiking shoes
Grip and ankle support are helpful for Hell's Gate trails and Crescent Island walking safaris.
Sun protection
Wide-brim hat, sunscreen, and UV sunglasses are crucial under the equatorial sun.
summer specific
Light rain jacket
Useful during the long rains (March–May) when sudden showers are common.
spring specific