Full Day Lake Nakuru Park and optional boat ride on Lake Naivasha in Nairobi, Kenya
Nairobi, Kenya

Full Day Lake Nakuru Park and optional boat ride on Lake Naivasha

Outty Ranking 79 4.7 · 95 traveler reviews9 hoursFrom $105
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Outty Ranking

79/100

Strongly Recommended. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.7/5

Based on 95 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Full Day Lake Nakuru Park and optional boat ride on Lake Naivasha worth booking?

Full Day Lake Nakuru Park and optional boat ride on Lake Naivasha is a 9-hour experience in Nairobi, Kenya, from $105 per person. It scores 79 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.7/5 rating across 95 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
79 / 100
Rating
4.7/5 (95)
Duration
9 hours
From
$105 per person

Enjoy this 11.5-hour tour of Lake Nakuru National Park, home to one of the most remarkable wild bird populations in all of Africa. Observe the wildlife on a game viewing drive, and be on the lookout for the park's amazing flamingos. Note that this park is a Natural RHINO sanctuary which is an endangered species and also one of the BIG FIVE animals. Enjoy an optional 1-hour boat ride on Lake Naivasha as well before being transported back to your Nairobi hotel.

What you get

    About this experience

    Enjoy this 11.5-hour tour of Lake Nakuru National Park, home to one of the most remarkable wild bird populations in all of Africa. Observe the wildlife on a game viewing drive, and be on the lookout for the park's amazing flamingos. Note that this park is a Natural RHINO sanctuary which is an endangered species and also one of the BIG FIVE animals. Enjoy an optional 1-hour boat ride on Lake Naivasha as well before being transported back to your Nairobi hotel.

    What's included

    Included

    • Private tour
    • Driver/guide
    • Pickup and drop-off to your hotel or residence within Nairobi
    • Live commentary on board

    Not included

    • Entrance fees (USD $60 per person) paid using Visa Card till 31st Dec 2023. $100 from 1st Jan 2024
    • Boat ride in Lake Naivasha (USD $ 25 per person)
    • Food and drinks
    • Gratuities
    • Pickup and drop off to the airport at 20 USD.

    What you'll see and do

    1. LAKE NAKURU NATIONAL PARK

      After meeting your guide at your hotel or residence within Nairobi CBD at 6:00am, start your journey to Nakuru. While en route, stop at the Great Riff Valley view point where you will attain magnificent views of the escarpments. Arrive at Lake Nakuru by 9:00am, completing the 3-hour drive. Upon your arrival, start the 3-hour game drive with your guide and part. Break for lunch at a local restaurant, Lake Nakuru Lodge. Alternatively, you may have a pre-arranged picnic lunch in the park. Have lunch, then continue to enjoy additional game drives on the way out. Depart the park at approximately 3:00pm and head to Lake Naivasha for a 1-hour boat ride. While on the boat ride, enjoy bird watching, and hippo viewing. Once your boat ride comes to an end, return to the dock. Begin the drive to Nairobi for a 6:00pm arrival and get dropped off at your hotel or residence within Nairobi CBD

      420 minutes here · Admission not included

    2. Rift Valley Province

      The Great Rift Valley is a series of contiguous geographic trenches, approximately 6,000 kilometres (3,700 mi) in total length, that runs from the Beqaa Valley in Lebanon in Asia to Mozambique in southeastern Africa.[1] While the name continues in some usages, it is rarely used in geology as it is considered an imprecise merging of separate though related rift and fault systems.

      20 minutes here

    3. Lake Naivasha

      Here we have an optional boat ride for hippo viewing and bird watching

      60 minutes here · Admission not included

    4. These are waterfalls within the park that form part of the eco-system, The river feeds into the lake Naivasha. We will stop over here for photos.

      15 minutes here

    Where it starts and ends

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 10 minutes before departure.

    Options you can book

    • With Nakuru Park Entrance Fees

      Pickup included

    • Full Day Lake Nakuru Park and optional boat ride on Lake Naivasha

      Pickup included

    • Tour with Cruiser & Park fees

      4X4 Safari cruiser/ Jeep: This tour uses a 4x4 safari Land cruiser/ Jeep with a pop up roof for easy viewing. Lake Nakuru fees are included Pickup included

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 15 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    PERFECT WILDERNESS TOURS AND SAFARIS

    Know before you go

    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Specialized infant seats are available
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • Please note that clients pay their own entrance at the gate using a VISA/AMEX or Mastercard. The rate is 60 USD per person

    Photos

    people visiting makalia waterfall, Full Day Lake Nakuru Park and optional boat ride on Lake Naivasha in NairobiRothschild giraffe, Full Day Lake Nakuru Park and optional boat ride on Lake Naivasha in NairobiBird sighting in the park( Greater and Lesser Flamingos), Full Day Lake Nakuru Park and optional boat ride on Lake Naivasha in NairobiCape Buffalo also present, Full Day Lake Nakuru Park and optional boat ride on Lake Naivasha in NairobiWhite Rhino at Lake Nakuru, Full Day Lake Nakuru Park and optional boat ride on Lake Naivasha in NairobiLake Nakuru National Park Entrance, Full Day Lake Nakuru Park and optional boat ride on Lake Naivasha in Nairobi

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 95 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    8 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Photo opportunities

    3 mentions

    The views and photo stops come up again and again.

    Food and drink

    3 mentions

    The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    2 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Traveler reviews

    95 verified traveler reviews for Full Day Lake Nakuru Park and optional boat ride on Lake Naivasha. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    81
    4 star
    9
    3 star
    2
    2 star
    1
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    Sort
    602mitchellek · May 2025

    Awesome trip!

    Our trip to Nakuru and boat ride in Lake Naivasha was nothing short of amazing. The guide Paul made sure we were always satisfied and showed us many different animals all around the lake. Lunch by lake naivasha and the boat ride made the tour even more special. Highly recommend!

    Response from the operator: Hello, Thank you for your wonderful review. We are thrilled that you had an awesome trip to Nakuru and that Paul the guide made sure that you were satisfied and showed you many animals around the lake. We are happy that lunch by the lake in Naivasha and the boat ride made the experience even more special. Thank you for your recommendation, we look forward to welcoming you on another adventure with us! Warm regards, Clara.

    via Tripadvisor

    M8979YDjamiec · April 2025

    Amazing day tour with fantastic guide

    A really special day trip. 3 hour drive in a large jeep to the Lake Nakuru Park which was stunning. We also did the boat ride which is a must do. Our guide, Chris, was very friendly and knowledgeable.

    Response from the operator: Hello, Thank you for the wonderful review. We are thrilled that you had an amazing day trip Lake Nakuru. We are glad that you loved the boat ride and Chris was very friendy and knowledgeable. We look forward to welcoming you on another Adventure with us! Warm regards, Clara

    via Tripadvisor

    C9060DDlarsp · February 2025

    Great time!

    James was an amazing guide! He had a great eye and put in so much effort into making sure we found as many animals as possible. He even turned the car around when we were about to exit the park when there was chatter of lions spotted. We were able to reach them in time and see two female lions hunting which absolutely made my day!

    Response from the operator: Hi Thank you so much for your wonderful review. We are thrilled that you had a great time and that Jams was an amazing Guide. We are deligted that he took much effort into making sure that you saw as many animals as possible. It is amaing that he turned around just for you to spot Lions and you were able to catch the experience of watching them as they hunt which made your day. We look forward to welcoming you on another adventure with us. Warm regards, Clara

    via Tripadvisor

    Katharine_T · March 2024

    Excellent

    An excellent day trip! We had a fantastic guide, easy pick up, beautiful drive through the valley, and managed to find a pride of lions feasting away on a kill! Highly recommend :) The lake is a beautiful place

    Response from the operator: Hello, Thank you for your wonderful review. We're delighted to hear that you had an excellent day trip with us and that you enjoyed the beautiful drive through the valley. It's fantastic that you were able to witness a pride of lions during their feast and that you found the lake to be a beautiful place. Your recommendation means a lot to us, and we hope to welcome you back for more memorable experiences in the future. Regards Sylvia

    via Viator

    Daughterofmosthigh · February 2024

    Magical and boat ride was the crowning highligh

    Apart from the App the government uses to collect payment for the entrance fee to the park, which didn't work properly and took away half an hour of precious time, the rest of the experience was magical. My friend and I would really recommend this tour. Big cats are less common which means other animals roam around freely and its wonderful seeing them in thier natural habitat. The your exceeded my expectations. The optional boat ride really made it perfect, that was when we saw hippos and even wilderbeast on the island we went to. I saw more varieties and species of animal than I ever imagined seeing in just one day. The boat ride was the best experience cos of the views and how close we could get to the shore to see the creatures. Black Santa our tour guide was excellent and I hope if I come again we can have him again. At Lake Naivasha , our boat guide was Ian and he got the eagles to come close by throwing them food. Brilliant day ! Good value for money compared to what other tours offered and well worth it!

    Response from the operator: Hello, We're thrilled to hear that despite the hiccup with the payment app, you had a magical experience on the tour! It's fantastic that you were able to see so many different species of animals and that the optional boat ride added to the perfection of your day. Black Santa sounds like an excellent guide, and it's wonderful that Ian enhanced your experience at Lake Naivasha. Thank you for sharing your adventure with us, and we hope to welcome you back again soon. Regards Sylvia

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    9 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Price range
    $105 to $625
    Hotel pickup
    Included for all travelers
    Booked in 30 days
    33
    Verdict
    Strongly Recommended

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by PERFECT WILDERNESS TOURS AND SAFARIS, who run 38 experiences we rank across 5 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 57.3.

    See everything PERFECT WILDERNESS TOURS AND SAFARIS runs

    Why this scores 79

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)80
    Review evidence (18% weight)86
    Booking momentum (14% weight)83
    Value for money (12% weight)75
    Listing quality (10% weight)74
    Local standing (8% weight)37
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Full Day Lake Nakuru Park and optional boat ride on Lake Naivasha: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Nairobi.

    How much does Full Day Lake Nakuru Park and optional boat ride on Lake Naivasha cost?

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    Prices start at $105 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Nairobi usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Full Day Lake Nakuru Park and optional boat ride on Lake Naivasha take?

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    Plan for about 9 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Nairobi is not rushed.

    Is Full Day Lake Nakuru Park and optional boat ride on Lake Naivasha worth it?

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    It holds an Outty Ranking of 79 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.7/5 across 95 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Nairobi, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Full Day Lake Nakuru Park and optional boat ride on Lake Naivasha?

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    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is Full Day Lake Nakuru Park and optional boat ride on Lake Naivasha suitable for kids and families?

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    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 9-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Full Day Lake Nakuru Park and optional boat ride on Lake Naivasha?

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    Around 33 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Nairobi can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

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    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Nairobi and add a light layer if any part of the 9-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Full Day Lake Nakuru Park and optional boat ride on Lake Naivasha start and how do I get there?

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    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Nairobi within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Nairobi?

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    On Outty we rank every Nairobi experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Wild 5-Day Safari: Magical Mara, Nakuru Wonders & Hell's Gate, 2 Days Amboseli Safari using a 4x4 Landcruiser jeep(with options), Kibera Slum Tour with Lucas. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Nairobi?

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    Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Nairobi?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

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    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    What is included in Full Day Lake Nakuru Park and optional boat ride on Lake Naivasha?

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    Included: Private tour; Driver/guide; Pickup and drop-off to your hotel or residence within Nairobi; and Live commentary on board. Not included: Entrance fees (USD $60 per person) paid using Visa Card till 31st Dec 2023. $100 from 1st; Boat ride in Lake Naivasha (USD $ 25 per person); Food and drinks; and Gratuities. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Does Full Day Lake Nakuru Park and optional boat ride on Lake Naivasha include hotel pickup?

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    Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 255 listed pickup locations in and around Nairobi. Be ready about 10 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.

    What languages is Full Day Lake Nakuru Park and optional boat ride on Lake Naivasha offered in?

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    It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Full Day Lake Nakuru Park and optional boat ride on Lake Naivasha?

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    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    Is Full Day Lake Nakuru Park and optional boat ride on Lake Naivasha wheelchair or stroller accessible?

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    The operator notes: Specialized infant seats are available. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Full Day Lake Nakuru Park and optional boat ride on Lake Naivasha if the weather is bad?

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    It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Nairobi. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.

    What do travelers say about Full Day Lake Nakuru Park and optional boat ride on Lake Naivasha?

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    Across 95 reviews averaging 4.7 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, photo opportunities, food and drink. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    What booking options are available for Full Day Lake Nakuru Park and optional boat ride on Lake Naivasha?

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    There are 3 options to choose from, including With Nakuru Park Entrance Fees, Full Day Lake Nakuru Park and optional boat ride on Lake Naivasha, Tour with Cruiser & Park fees. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

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