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Things to do in Nakuru County

Our most recommended things to do in Nakuru County

From Nairobi: 3-Day/2-Night Maasai Mara Group Safari

1. From Nairobi: 3-Day/2-Night Maasai Mara Group Safari

Take a 3-day tour to discover the Masai Mara Reserve, the most popular tourist destination in Kenya. Located in the Great Rift Valley, the reserve is regarded as the jewel of Kenya’s wildlife viewing areas. The annual wildebeest migration, involving over 1.5 million animals arriving in July and departing in November, a phenomenal spectacle that can only be seen in the Maasai Mara. Most visitors will have the opportunity to spot one of the Big 5—lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, and rhinos. Day 1: Get picked up from your hotel in Nairobi city center at 8:00 a.m, then drive to Maasai Mara Nature Reserve. Pass the Great Rift Valley viewpoint for breathtaking views. Arrive in time for lunch after check-in at your hotel. In the evening depart for a game viewing drive in the Mara Reserve.  Return back to the camp for a sumptuous buffet dinner. Stay overnight in a big, private tent that has a bed, linen, shower, and toilet inside. Mosquito nets and a hot shower in the evening are provided. Day 2: Spend the full day exploring Masai Mara in search of the Big Five. Enjoy picnic lunches in the Reserve as you scale the Mara beauty and splendor. This day you will go all the way to the river where the wildebeest cross into Mara from Serengeti. All year round there are lots of resident Hippos and crocodiles sited at the banks of Mara river. After the game drive, you will return back to the camp for dinner, merriment and overnight. Day 3: Enjoy your breakfast, check out and Game drive enroute out of Mara Reserve. Journey to Nairobi where upon arrival you will be dropped back at your city center accommodation. Option: Upgrade your tour to include a hot air balloon ride. Get picked up by the balloon safari vehicle and drive to the launching area. Drift over the park as you view the animals, take in the amazing sunrise with a buffet breakfast and champagne. Alternatively, include an evening visit to the local Masai village for a cultural tour. Learn about the Masai community and interact with the local people.

Nairobi: 4-Day Maasai Mara and Lake Nakuru Camping Safari

2. Nairobi: 4-Day Maasai Mara and Lake Nakuru Camping Safari

Day one begins with pickup from Nairobi and travels along the Great Rift Valley towards the Maasai Mara National Reserve. Stop along the way to soak up the view from a magnificent lookout, then arrive at the park just in time for lunch. Later, set out on an epic evening game drive across the rich, tree-studded grasslands and rolling hills. The famous Maasai Mara is renowned for its great herds of black-maned lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, and virtually every type of Kenyan wildlife. After a restful night’s sleep at your camp, enjoy a picnic-style breakfast to set you up for day two. Head out on a full-day game drive, with a visit to the Mara River which is home to a large concentration of animals. Once you’ve worked up a bit of an appetite, have lunch at a viewpoint overlooking the crocodiles and hippos lazing in the river. Afterward, you have the option to visit a Maasai cultural village to gain insight into the homes and social structure of the Maasai people as well as how they live in harmony with the environment and the animals. Wake up early on day three with another fantastic game drive, then re-energize with a late breakfast before departing to Nakuru National Park. Stop over for a picnic lunch along the way and soak up views of the magnificent Kenyan landscape that surrounds you. Arrive in Nakuru and, if time allows, pass by Naivasha for a boat ride, at your own expense. Day four begins with a hearty, early morning breakfast followed by a tour through Nakuru Park, which is home to over 350 species of birds including colorful flamingos. The park is also home to black and white rhinos and has been established for the protection of endangered species such as this. After an unforgettable four-day experience, relax and reflect on the return journey to your hotel or airport in Nairobi.

Nairobi: 4-Day Maasai Mara and Lake Nakuru Camping Safari

3. Nairobi: 4-Day Maasai Mara and Lake Nakuru Camping Safari

Spend 4 days exploring the sweeping Maasai Mara, one of Africa’s most diverse ecosystems, and Lake Nakuru, home to pink flamingos and the rare white rhino. Spot Africa’s Big Five game animals, enjoy sunsets over the savanna, and camp out in spacious tents on the reserve. Day 1Start early with pickup from your hotel and drive to Maasai Mara. Your first stop will be at a viewpoint with breathtaking views over the Great Rift Valley, before continuing to a traveler's motel for lunch. Check-in to the campground late in the afternoon, then drive out for a sunset game viewing. Dig-in to a buffet dinner back at the campground and enjoy a relaxing evening under the stars. Get settled in your spacious self-contained tent, complete with a bed, bathroom, and hot water and electricity in the evening. Day 2Drive out into the reserve for a full day of exploring as you search for the Big Five. Optionally, start the day with an early morning balloon safari to admire the Mara form the air. Pause under the shade of the croton trees for a picnic lunch and admire the park's expansive plains. In the afternoon, reach the Mara river, the site of the annual wildebeest migration, and see the hippos and crocodiles lying along its banks. Return to camp for the evening or, optionally, visit the local Maasai village for a cultural tour and a chance to learn about the community. Day 3After an early breakfast, enjoy a final game drive out of the Maasai Mara Reserve. Head to Lake Nakuru and stop for lunch in the local town before continuing to your accommodation for the night. Day 4Start with another early breakfast and depart for Nakuru National Park for a 3-hour game drive. The park is home to a sanctuary for black and rare white rhinos, as well as flocks of pink flamingos that live at the lake’s edge. To finish the tour, make your way back to Nairobi. Stop for lunch on the way before you are dropped-off back at your hotel in the city.

From Nairobi: Lake Naivasha and Hell's Gate Park Day Tour

4. From Nairobi: Lake Naivasha and Hell's Gate Park Day Tour

Embark on an outdoor adventure on this multi-activity tour from Nairobi to Hell's Gate National Park and Lake Naivasha. Choose between a 2-hour bike safari, a 1-hour guided walk, or horse riding. Enjoy lunch and an optional cruise on Lake Naivasha. Start off your adventure with hotel pickup, then drive to the Great Rift Valley Viewpoint, one of Kenya’s most spectacular spots. Absorb the panoramic views of all the major attractions in Nairobi before moving on to Hell's Gate National Park. Get into gear and start the 2-hour biking safari around the park (if option selected). Expect to cycle past a range of wildlife from large antelopes to roaming zebras and everything in between. If you chose the 1-hour guided walk, spend time exploring the gorges inside the park. Gorges are small, thin depressions of land that you can walk underneath. If you chose the horse riding option instead, explore the area by horseback. Later, get driven to Naivasha Astoria Hotel, Fisherman's Camp, or Marina Camp for lunch (cost not included). If you chose the boat ride option, hop on board and start the trip across Lake Naivasha, the Rift Valley's highest lake. Encircled by verdant banks, olive trees, and cacti, this Lake Naivasha is home to exotic birds and giant hippos. After lunch or your cruise (depending on option selected), depart for Nairobi for drop-off back at your pickup place.

From Nairobi: 7-day Masai Mara, Nakuru, and Amboseli Safari

5. From Nairobi: 7-day Masai Mara, Nakuru, and Amboseli Safari

Day 1: Nairobi to Maasai Mara At 8a.m you will be picked up from your hotel. Commence the drive to Maasai Mara via the Great Rift Valley viewpoint where you will stop over to view of the floor of the Rift Valley. Arrive at Miti Mingi Eco Camp or similar in time for lunch, check in. Enjoy a sunset game drive from 4.30-6.30p.m. Return to camp for dinner Day 2: Full Day in Maasai Mara Spend the full day exploring Maasai Mara in search of the Big Five. You will have picnic lunches in the Reserve as you scale the Mara beauty. This day you will go all the way to the river where the wildebeest cross into Mara from Serengeti. All year round there are lots of resident Hippos and crocodiles sited at the banks of Mara river. Day 3: Maasai Mara to Nakuru Breakfast, checkout as you game drive enroute out of Maasai Mara. Option: Masai village visit $20 per person Thereafter commence the drive to Nakuru. Arrive in time for lunch followed by relaxation, dinner and overnight stay at Lanet Matfam Private safari to Naivasha and Amboseli National Park. Day 4: Nakuru to Naivasha Breakfast. Depart by 7 a.m straight to the park. It's a small park with magnificent, rare white rhinos. Possibly observe the pink flamingos. The game drive lasts 3 hrs, after which you depart on a 1-hr drive to Naivasha to arrive in time for lunch at Astorian Hotel. After lunch, head to Hell's Gate for a biking safari. Later go for a 1hr boat ride on Lake Naivasha for bird watching and hippo viewing. Day 5: Naivasha - Amboseli Breakfast then drive to Amboseli National park which is famous for its scenery, backdrop of snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro which dominates the landscape and open plains. Arrive in time for lunch. Check in at AA Lodge Amboseli have lunch and a short rest. Afternoon game drive in search of its game animals with a view of Mt Kilimanjaro. Later return to AA Lodge Amboseli for dinner and overnight. Day 6: Amboseli Full day Breakfast, and spend the day in Amboseli National Park. Known for large elephant herds, and views of Mount Kilimanjaro across the border in Tanzania, observation Hill offers panoramas of the peak and the park’s plains and swamps. Wildlife includes giraffes, zebras, cheetahs, and hundreds of bird species. Day 7: Amboseli - Nairobi After breakfast check out with a short game drive enroute to Nairobi. We will provide simple complimentary snack lunch on the way. You will be dropped off at your hotel or the Airport.

From Nairobi: Lakes Nakuru & Naivasha National Park Day Tour

6. From Nairobi: Lakes Nakuru & Naivasha National Park Day Tour

Your adventure begins at 6:00 AM with pickup in Nairobi. From there you'll head straight to Lake Nakuru National Park. The Lake is renowned as a bird sanctuary with over 400 bird species at times. There can be up to two million greater and lesser flamingoes and tens of thousands of other birds at Lake Nakuru. As a result the park is referred to as the "Birds' Paradise". The National Park is also a rhino sanctuary with excellent wildlife viewing. You'll enjoy wildlife viewing as soon as you enter the park gates, and when it's time for lunch, you'll stop at the lodge where you can purchase a meal at a local restaurant.  After lunch, continue to enjoy wildlife viewing on the drive out of the park. You'll leave the park at approximately 3:00 PM and head to Lake Naivasha for an optional 1-hour boat ride. If you'd like to include the boat ride, be sure to select the correct option when making your booking. On the boat ride, enjoy bird watching, eagle feeding, and hippo viewing. At the end of the boat ride, you'll head back to Nairobi for a 6:00 PM arrival.

Nairobi: Nakuru National Park and Lake Naivasha Day Tour

7. Nairobi: Nakuru National Park and Lake Naivasha Day Tour

After meeting your guide in the lobby of your hotel, start your journey to Nakuru National Park. While en route, stop at the Great Rift Valley view point where you will attain magnificent views of the escarpments. After a beautiful drive, you will arrive at Lake Nakuru by 9:00am. Lake Nakuru National Park is the only park where you are guaranteed to see rhinos in their natural habitat. On the way to the park, enjoy a stop at the Great Rift Valley viewpoint to see the volcano below. Upon your arrival, start the 3-hour game drive with your guide. Break for lunch at a local restaurant at Lake Nakuru Lodge (own cost). After lunch, continue to explore the park with your guide as you head toward Lake Naivasha. Leaving the park at approximately 3:00pm you will swap your car for a boat ride on Lake Naivasha. While on the boat ride, enjoy bird watching, eagle feeding, and hippo viewing. Relax on the journey back to Nairobi, with drop-off at your hotel.

Maasai Mara: Hot Air Balloon Safari & Champagne Breakfast

8. Maasai Mara: Hot Air Balloon Safari & Champagne Breakfast

The first pink tongues of sunlight flicker across the skies as the hot air balloon fills, then rises. Suspended in a basket beneath the rainbow-colored canopy, you will experience a wildlife viewing adventure from an entirely different perspective. Your hot air balloon flight lasts approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes, drifting wherever the air currents take you, with ample opportunities for photography and video filming. When your Kenyan hot air balloon safari finishes you will toast your return to earth with a champagne breakfast, cooked wherever you land. Your hour hot air balloon safari ends with a transfer back to your accommodation at in an open Jeep for easier game viewing.

Nairobi: 3-Day Maasai Mara Safari

9. Nairobi: 3-Day Maasai Mara Safari

The tour starts with departure from Nairobi in the early morning as you head to the Maasai Mara. Admire the stunning landscapes along the way, and stop at a local viewing point to capture some breathtaking photos across the region. Arrive at your camp or hotel in time for lunch and enjoy some afternoon relaxation after the drive. In the late afternoon, it’s time to head out for a game drive and catch your first glimpse of Africa’s native wildlife. On day 2, get up close and personal with nature as you travel into the heart of the Maasai Mara. Marvel at the wonders of the animal kingdom as you watch lions, cheetahs, leopards, elephants, rhinos, buffalo, gazelles, elands and many more animals in their natural habitat. Enjoy a packed lunch next to the Mara river and listen to the sounds of the singing birds all around you. On the final day of the safari, depart for another game drive to immerse yourself in a truly unique African adventure and admire the wonders of the world. As you leave the park, take some time to relax and eat lunch, sharing your tales of the trip with your tour leader before returning to Nairobi.

Nairobi: 3-Day Maasai Mara Group Camping or Lodge Safari

10. Nairobi: 3-Day Maasai Mara Group Camping or Lodge Safari

Day 1: Nairobi to Maasai Mara Your tour will begin as you depart from Nairobi towards the Maasai Mara Reserve via the Great Valley Viewpoint, where you will have a stopover for sightseeing (weather permitting). From there you will arrive in a tented camp in time for lunch and will later enjoy a game drive in this breathtaking land to truly enter the wild. You can hunt for the "big five", as well as the plain game such as the gnus (which are are abundant in this area). Day 2: Masai Mara On your second day you will enjoy a full day of game viewing through the rolling grass of the Mara, which consists of endless plains where more than 2 million wild beast gnu's migrate from the Serengeti in Tanzania with their calves. You will then visit the banks of the Mara River to try and spot hippos, before having the option to visit a Maasai village to learn of their unchanged traditional culture. Day 3: Maasai Mara to Nairobi Your day will begin with a morning drive to try and search for what you have not spotted so far, before you return to the camp for lunch and checkout. It will then be time to say "kwaheri", a Swahili word for good-bye, to the pastoral Maasai as you depart for your return trip to Nairobi.

Other Sightseeing Options in Nakuru County

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What people are saying about Nakuru County

Overall rating

4.6 / 5

based on 160 reviews

It was a unique and well organized experience. We were lucky and had the unique opportunity to see all the big animals in the Masai Mara and in Nakuru. Thanks to our guide Albert for his knowledge and all the information he gave us. He is an excellent professional, and in addition to the high level of education, he knows every corner of the giant parks. Thanks Albert! panos from greece

We really enjoyed the tour. We were happy to watch numerous wild animals and the driver kindly exchanged the information with other drivers in the park and took us to the locations for some specific animals. The accommodations were good enough for a budget tour.

It was one of the most beautiful experiences of my life! The safari was breathtaking. The accommodation and the food were also great. I highly recommend everything.

I traveled solo and I felt very safe. I met amazing people and made great memories. Our tour guide Samuel was the best!

it was a great day! absolutely worth it. highly recommend!