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Kenya · Rift Valley

Lake Nakuru and Naivasha travel guide

Rhinos, flamingos and Rift Valley lakes

Flamingos at Lake Nakuru. Photo: Bjørn Christian Tørrissen, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

8h 45mflight from London
NBOnearest main airport
17° in Marwarmest month
14° in Julcoolest month

Lake Nakuru National Park, in the Great Rift Valley, is one of the best places in Kenya to see both black and white rhinos, along with lions, leopards and flamingos.

Nearby Lake Naivasha has boat trips among hippos, a walking safari on Crescent Island and cycling in Hell's Gate.

Good forWildlifeRhinosBoat tripsCycling

What Lake Nakuru is known for

  • Rhinos

    Black and white.

  • Flamingos

    Pink lake shores.

  • Hell's Gate

    Cycle among zebras.

  • Lake Naivasha

    Hippo boat trips.

Top things to do in Lake Nakuru and Naivasha

  1. 1

    A Lake Nakuru game drive

    Rhinos and lions.

    Find tours and tickets
  2. 2

    A boat on Lake Naivasha

    Hippos and fish eagles.

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  3. 3

    Cycle Hell's Gate

    Gorges and wildlife.

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  4. 4

    Crescent Island walk

    Walk among giraffes.

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See all tours and tickets in Lake Nakuru

Where to stay in Lake Nakuru and Naivasha

Find a hotel in Lake Nakuru

Best time to visit Lake Nakuru and Naivasha

Best value: Mar, Oct. June to October and January to February.

  • Best valueGood weather, smaller crowds
  • PeakBusiest, highest prices
  • QuietCheapest, cooler or wetter
16.1 C16°J16.9 C17°F17.3 C17°M16.4 C16°A15.4 C15°M14.7 C15°J14.2 C14°J14.4 C14°A15.2 C15°S15.7 C16°O15.7 C16°N15.7 C16°D
Bar height is the average temperature in Lake Nakuru and Naivasha, °C, 2001–2025 (NASA POWER).

Getting there and around

About 8h 45m from London to NBO, and flights from most UK airports. How long is the flight from your airport?

Drive from Nairobi in 2.5 to 3 hours. Often combined with the Mara.

Car hire in Lake Nakuru Airport transfer to Lake Nakuru

Find flights to Lake Nakuru (NBO)

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Good to know

  • It's a good stop between Nairobi and the Mara.
  • Flamingo numbers vary with water levels.
  • Hire bikes at Hell's Gate gate.
Kenya guidesTravel safetyVisasPlugs & adaptersWhen to goFlight times

Lake Nakuru and Naivasha FAQ

Is Lake Nakuru worth it?

Yes, for rhinos.

How far from Nairobi?

About 3 hours.

More places in Kenya

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