Lake Nakuru National Park safari from Nairobi
One of Kenya's best parks for rhinos, both black and white, about 3 hours from Nairobi. Do it as a long day trip, or stay overnight and add Lake Naivasha.
| Detail | Fact |
|---|---|
| Distance from Nairobi | About 160 km, roughly 3 hours by road |
| Ideal length | Full day trip, or 2 days with Lake Naivasha |
| Managed by | Kenya Wildlife Service, rhino sanctuary |
| Entry fee, non-resident adult | $90 per 24 hours (KWS premium park) |
| Headline wildlife | Black and white rhino, Rothschild's giraffe, lion, leopard, buffalo, flamingos and pelicans |
| Best months | All year. June to October and January to February are driest |
| Big Five | Four of five. No elephants |
Why go
Lake Nakuru is a fenced rhino sanctuary on a Rift Valley soda lake. Both black and white rhinos are regularly seen on the lakeshore grassland, along with Rothschild's giraffes, buffalo and lions in the acacia woodland. Flamingo numbers on the lake rise and fall with water levels, and pelicans are common. Baboon Cliff and Makalia Falls are the classic viewpoints.
Sample day trip
| When | Plan |
|---|---|
| 05:00 | Pickup in Nairobi, Rift Valley viewpoint |
| 09:00 | Enter the park. Rhinos on the lakeshore, Baboon Cliff viewpoint |
| 13:00 | Picnic or lodge lunch, afternoon drive to Makalia Falls |
| 15:30 | Leave the park, back in Nairobi in the evening |
Getting there
The road runs north-west from Nairobi along the Rift Valley, with a viewpoint stop over the valley floor. Allow about 3 hours each way. A day trip leaves early to give you 5 to 6 hours in the park.
Lake Nakuru entry fees 2026
| Visitor | Adult, per day | Child, per day |
|---|---|---|
| East African citizen | KSh 1,500 | KSh 750 |
| Kenya resident | KSh 2,025 | KSh 1,050 |
| African citizen | $50 | $25 |
| Non-resident | $90 | $45 |
Park fees are charged per person per day, so a 3-day safari pays them three times. We list them separately in every quote, so you can see exactly where the money goes.
How the trip runs
A private safari from Nairobi in a pop-up roof vehicle with an English-speaking driver-guide, on the dates you choose. Every quote is built for your group size, dates and lodge budget, and confirmed on WhatsApp before you pay anything.
| Usually included | Paid separately |
|---|---|
| Pickup in Nairobi and return | Park or reserve entry fees, unless your quote includes them |
| Pop-up roof safari vehicle with driver-guide | Drinks, tips and optional activities |
| Game drives on the itinerary | Visa or electronic travel authorisation |
| Lodge or camp at the level you choose, if you want it arranged | Flights, if you choose to fly |
Combine it
Stay a night and visit Lake Naivasha and Hell's Gate on the way back, or continue to the Masai Mara. See all Kenya safaris from Nairobi, or the half-day Nairobi National Park safari from $300 per group (your group only, park fees paid separately).
Quick answers
Can I do Lake Nakuru as a day trip from Nairobi?
Yes. Pickup is at 05:00 and you get 5 to 6 hours in the park, back in Nairobi in the evening.
Will I see flamingos at Lake Nakuru?
Often, but numbers change with the lake's water level. Pelicans and rhinos are more reliable.
How much is the Lake Nakuru entry fee?
Non-resident adults pay 90 US dollars per 24 hours. Kenyan citizens pay KSh 1,500.
Related pages
Book this safari
Send the date, the group, and the pickup. We confirm availability on WhatsApp or email, with the tour price and the park fees to budget. See our deposit and cancellation policy.