Lake Nakuru & Naivasha Day Tour Review: Is it Worth It?

Planning a trip to Kenya? Maybe you are thinking about packing as much adventure as possible into a single day, so the “Day Tour Lake Nakuru Park Optional Boat Ride on Naivasha” might sound appealing. So, I figured I’d offer you an inside look at just what this tour involves, talking about the highlights, the challenges, and whether, at the end of the day, this is something that you are likely to actually enjoy.

What You Can Expect from the Lake Nakuru Day Trip

Okay, so Lake Nakuru National Park is very well known, in fact, pretty much famed for its huge flocks of pink flamingos. Very apparently, it used to be a sea of pink! This sight, seriously, was breathtaking. Now, too, the water levels change and sometimes there are fewer flamingos, so be prepared for that. That said, so the park is very much still worth a visit, that it teems with different kinds of wildlife. You are likely to see rhinos, both black and white, and giraffes, lions, zebras, and so several bird species, so pretty spectacular views for wildlife lovers. Keep those cameras charged, for sure.

That said, so it’s worth pointing out that the park is, well, relatively compact. This really is kind of both a good and a bad thing. It means you could very easily see a lot in a short space of time, that you won’t spend hours driving between spots. But, on the other hand, depending on the amount of animals there are at a given moment, the park could probably feel crowded with vehicles, particularly in high season. Remember that having patience is useful here, that everyone wants that photo!

Cruising on Lake Naivasha

After visiting Nakuru, several tours add a boat ride on Lake Naivasha, that the setting is completely different. Lake Naivasha, actually, is a freshwater lake and it’s known for its birdlife and its hippo population. I mean it really is quite something to see hippos chilling in the water from just a few feet away!

The boat trip, really, provides opportunities for seeing various water birds – fish eagles, pelicans, kingfishers. Also you have the chance to see some land animals coming down to the water’s edge to drink. Crescent Island is nearby, or example, it is a sanctuary where you might take a walking safari and that makes it really exciting to walk among giraffes and zebras, minus any fences. In fact, it is often an extra fee to visit Crescent Island but could be a really fantastic addition to your trip, too.

What a Typical Itinerary Might Look Like

Okay, so a typical day trip, literally, starts very early, possibly around 6 AM, particularly if you are driving from Nairobi. The drive, arguably, to Nakuru will probably take about three to four hours, depending on traffic. That said, so you want to leave early to make the most of the day and catch the animals while they’re most active. So you’ll get game drives in Lake Nakuru National Park for a couple of hours, that lunch is frequently at a local restaurant.

Next is a drive on to Lake Naivasha for that boat ride. If the weather cooperates the views could be absolutely outstanding! Maybe you would include a visit to Crescent Island. Then you will drive back to Nairobi in the late afternoon/early evening. Just, you know, a very long day!

Things to Consider Before Booking This Tour

Here are very few things that you will want to mull over, probably, before you click ‘book now’:

• The early start and long drive: Seriously, are you okay with getting up super early and spending numerous hours in a vehicle? If you often get motion sickness, for instance, that it may not be for you.
• The pace: Can you do a lot in one day? that there’s little downtime on this tour, that is moves pretty quick.
• Flamingo numbers: Before booking, anyway, find out how many flamingos there have been reported on Lake Nakuru recently. If there’s been a drop, that adjust your expectations a little.
• Optional costs: that extras such as Crescent Island are often not included. You might think about what add-ons you can afford to have the complete experience.

What To Pack for the Day Trip

Okay, packing for this trip is kind of simple:

• Comfortable clothing: Wear very light layers, especially clothes that wick away moisture. that it may get hot during the day, but cool in the early morning and late evening.
• Comfortable shoes: So you’re going to be doing a bit of walking, for instance, on Crescent Island, make sure you have very comfortable shoes.
• Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses: Pretty much protect yourself from the sun, always!
• Camera with a good zoom lens: A proper zoom lens, actually, is a must for capturing the wildlife.
• Binoculars: Spotting animals that are far away may well be aided by the use of these!
• Snacks and drinks: Pretty much always good to have something on hand, specifically during those long drives.
• A light jacket or sweater: Just in case the weather turns chilly, primarily in the early morning or evening.

Making the Most of Your Wildlife Viewing Experience

Here are very few ideas to ensure you have a really good time spotting wildlife:

• Be patient: Animals may not be just in front of your vehicle the instant that you turn up. Be ready to wait, literally, and watch.
• Listen to your guide: so their knowledge about where to find animals may well be very valuable. That, they’re going to spot things you may miss.
• Respect the wildlife: so always keep a safe distance and do not feed the animals.
• Keep noise levels down: very loud noises are prone to scare the animals away. Talk gently to people!

Is the Lake Nakuru & Naivasha Day Tour Right for You?

So, back to the big question: should you take this tour? It really depends on your travel style and your interests. Should you love wildlife and that you only have a very short amount of time, so then it’s really worth considering. But if you very much prefer a relaxed pace, and also if early starts are not very much your thing, perhaps look at options for spending longer in each location.

A day trip to Lake Nakuru and Lake Naivasha could, arguably, be an unforgettable experience. Just that you are aware of what the tour actually involves and are prepared for the early start and the hectic day, there’s absolutely no reason why you can’t have a memorable adventure.