Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha & Crescent Island Great Lakes Full-Day Safari from Nairobi with Adeli Kenya Safaris
Depart Nairobi at 5:00 AM for a spectacular Great Lakes full-day safari combining two of Kenya’s most scenic Rift Valley destinations: Lake Nakuru National Park and Lake Naivasha with Crescent Island.
This carefully designed itinerary offers a perfect mix of wildlife viewing, birdwatching, lake scenery, and walking safari experiences. Enjoy a morning game drive in Lake Nakuru, followed by a buffet lunch inside the park, then continue to Lake Naivasha for a boat ride and walking safari on Crescent Island before returning to Nairobi in the evening.
Tour Highlights
- Early morning departure from Nairobi (5:00 AM)
- Scenic drive through the Great Rift Valley
- Full game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park
- Excellent chances to see rhinos, lions, buffaloes & giraffes
- Birdwatching including flamingos (seasonal)
- Buffet lunch at a lodge inside Lake Nakuru
- Boat ride on Lake Naivasha
- Guided walking safari on Crescent Island
- Private 4×4 safari vehicle with expert driver-guide
Full-Day Itinerary
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 5:00 AM | Pick-up from Nairobi hotel/residence/airport |
| 5:15 AM | Depart Nairobi via Great Rift Valley escarpment |
| 7:30 AM | Photo stop at Rift Valley viewpoint |
| 9:00 AM | Arrive at Lake Nakuru National Park |
| 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM | Morning game drive (rhinos, lions, birds) |
| 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM | Buffet lunch at Lake Nakuru lodge |
| 1:30 PM | Depart for Lake Naivasha |
| 3:30 PM | Boat ride on Lake Naivasha |
| 4:15 PM | Walking safari at Crescent Island |
| 5:30 PM | Depart for Nairobi |
| 7:30 – 8:00 PM | Arrival in Nairobi |
Lake Nakuru National Park Experience
Lake Nakuru is one of Kenya’s most famous bird and wildlife sanctuaries, located in the heart of the Rift Valley. The park is known for its beautiful lake, wooded grasslands, and dramatic escarpments.
Wildlife You May See
- White rhinos (very common)
- Black rhinos
- Lions
- Buffaloes
- Rothschild’s giraffes
- Zebras and waterbucks
- Flamingos (seasonal)
- Pelicans and over 450 bird species
- Baboon cliffs and monkeys
The park is one of the best places in Kenya to see rhinos in a protected environment.
Buffet Lunch at Lake Nakuru
Enjoy a relaxing buffet lunch at a scenic lodge inside or near the park, offering:
- Freshly prepared Kenyan and international dishes
- Vegetarian and non-vegetarian options
- Scenic views of the park or lake area
- Comfortable safari dining experience
This is the perfect break before continuing to the lakeside adventures of Naivasha.
Lake Naivasha Boat Safari
After Lake Nakuru, travel to the peaceful waters of Lake Naivasha for a relaxing boat ride.
Highlights include:
- Large pods of hippos
- African fish eagles hunting fish
- Pelicans, cormorants, herons, kingfishers
- Beautiful freshwater lake scenery
Crescent Island Walking Safari
Crescent Island offers a rare opportunity to walk freely among wildlife in a predator-free environment.
Wildlife includes:
- Giraffes walking close by
- Zebras grazing in open plains
- Wildebeest and antelopes
- Waterbucks and impalas
- Stunning lake views from all sides
This is one of the most intimate safari experiences in Kenya.
| Tour Price is Per Person | Tour Price |
|---|---|
| 1 person in private tour: per person | $570 |
| 2 persons in private tour: per person | $405 |
| 3 persons in private tour: per person | $350 |
| 4 persons in private tour: per person | $320 |
| 5 persons in private tour: per person | $305 |
| 6 persons in private tour: per person | $295 |
| 7 persons in private tour: per person | $285 |
| Children below 3 Years Children between 3-12 Years Children above 12 years and below 18 years | FREE 75% of adult rate $35 Discount |
Tour Includes
- Pick-up and drop-off in Nairobi
- Private 4×4 safari Land Cruiser
- Professional English-speaking driver-guide
- Game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park
- Boat ride on Lake Naivasha
- Crescent Island walking safari
- Bottled drinking water
Tour Excludes
- Lake Nakuru National Park entry fees
- Lake Naivasha boat fees
- Crescent Island entry fees
- Lunch and beverages
- Personal expenses
- Tips and gratuities
What to Bring
- Passport or ID
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Light jacket for early morning
- Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen
- Camera or binoculars
- Cash/card for park fees and extras
Why Choose This Safari?
The Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha & Crescent Island Great Lakes safari is one of the most diverse day trips from Nairobi. It combines Kenya’s best rhino sanctuary, bird paradise, and walking safari experience in a single well-paced itinerary. From flamingos and rhinos to giraffes on foot and hippos on the water, this tour delivers an unforgettable Rift Valley adventure in just one day.
Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha, Crescent Island Great Lakes Full Day Safari – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha & Crescent Island Full Day Safari?
This is a full-day adventure from Nairobi that combines two of Kenya’s most iconic Rift Valley lakes and a private wildlife sanctuary. The tour includes a game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park, a boat ride on Lake Naivasha, and a guided walking safari on Crescent Island Game Sanctuary—all in one trip.
2. How long does the tour take?
The safari takes approximately 11–13 hours, starting early morning from Nairobi and returning in the evening.
3. What time does the tour depart?
Most tours depart between 5:00 AM and 6:00 AM to allow enough time for both parks and activities.
4. Where does the tour start?
Pickup is available from:
- Nairobi hotels
- Residential apartments
- JKIA Airport
- Wilson Airport
- Other agreed locations within Nairobi
5. Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?
Yes. Adeli Kenya Safaris provides convenient pickup and drop-off within Nairobi.
6. How far is Lake Nakuru from Nairobi?
Lake Nakuru National Park is approximately 160–180 km from Nairobi, with a drive of about 2.5–3.5 hours depending on traffic and road conditions.
7. How far is Lake Naivasha from Nairobi?
Lake Naivasha is about 90–100 km from Nairobi, roughly 1.5–2 hours’ drive.
8. Is this a private or group safari?
Adeli Kenya Safaris typically offers this as a private safari, giving you flexibility and personalized guiding.
9. What animals will I see at Lake Nakuru National Park?
Lake Nakuru is famous for:
- White and black rhinos
- Lions (occasionally spotted)
- Rothschild’s giraffes
- Buffaloes
- Zebras
- Waterbucks and antelopes
- Over 400 bird species including pelicans and flamingos (seasonal)
10. Is Lake Nakuru good for bird watching?
Yes. The park is one of Kenya’s top birding destinations, home to hundreds of bird species including pelicans, herons, kingfishers, and flamingos when conditions are favorable.
11. What is special about Lake Naivasha?
Lake Naivasha is a freshwater lake in the Great Rift Valley known for:
- Hippos in the lake
- Rich birdlife (fish eagles, pelicans, kingfishers)
- Scenic acacia forests and flower farms
- Peaceful boat safari experience
12. Is the boat ride on Lake Naivasha included?
In most packages, yes. You’ll take a guided boat safari to view hippos and birds up close while enjoying the lake scenery.
13. What is Crescent Island?
Crescent Island is a private wildlife sanctuary on Lake Naivasha where you can safely enjoy a walking safari among free-roaming animals.
14. What animals can I see on Crescent Island?
You may encounter:
- Giraffes
- Zebras
- Wildebeest
- Impalas
- Gazelles
- Waterbucks
- Many bird species
15. Is Crescent Island safe for walking safaris?
Yes. The island has no dangerous predators, making it one of the safest places in Kenya for a walking safari experience.
16. What is included in the tour?
Typical inclusions are:
- Nairobi pickup and drop-off
- Transport in a safari vehicle
- Professional driver-guide
- Lake Nakuru National Park game drive
- Boat ride on Lake Naivasha
- Guided walking safari at Crescent Island
- Bottled drinking water
17. Are park entry fees included?
This depends on the booking package. Always confirm whether entrance fees are included or paid separately.
18. Is lunch included?
Some packages include lunch at a lodge or restaurant (often in Nakuru or Naivasha), while others allow guests to pay directly.
19. What should I wear?
Recommended clothing:
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Light, breathable clothing
- Hat and sunglasses
- Light jacket for early morning
- Sunscreen
20. What should I bring?
- Camera or smartphone
- Binoculars (optional but useful)
- Drinking water
- Personal ID/passport
- Cash/card for extras
21. Is the safari suitable for children?
Yes. The mix of game drives, boat rides, and walking safaris makes it very family-friendly.
22. Is it suitable for elderly travelers?
Yes, though some walking is required at Crescent Island. Activities can be adjusted based on mobility.
23. What is the best time to take this safari?
The safari operates year-round. Early mornings and dry seasons generally offer the best wildlife viewing conditions.
24. Will I see flamingos at Lake Nakuru?
Flamingo sightings depend on water and algae conditions, but Lake Nakuru remains one of Kenya’s key birding lakes where they can sometimes be seen.
25. Are restrooms available during the tour?
Yes. Restrooms are available at park entrances, lodges, and designated stop points.
26. Is photography allowed?
Yes. Photography is encouraged throughout the safari, including wildlife and landscapes.
27. Can the itinerary be customized?
Yes. Adeli Kenya Safaris can adjust timing, stops, or add experiences depending on your preferences.
28. Is the safari safe?
Yes. It is conducted by experienced guides using well-maintained safari vehicles and follows park safety regulations.
29. Is Wi-Fi available during the trip?
Wi-Fi is not guaranteed in the safari vehicle, but some stops (lodges/restaurants) may offer connectivity.
30. How do I book this safari?
You can book directly through Adeli Kenya Safaris via their website, WhatsApp, email, or phone. Early booking is recommended, especially during peak travel seasons.
