The Rift Valley Lakes: Flamingos, Rhinos and Walking with Giraffes

A few hours’ drive north-west of Nairobi, the floor of the Great Rift Valley is dotted with lakes, each with its own character. Lake Nakuru and Lake Naivasha are the easiest to reach, and between them they offer rhinos, extraordinary birdlife and one of the few places in Kenya where you can walk among giraffes.

Key takeaways

• Lake Nakuru National Park is one of Kenya’s most important sanctuaries for both black and white rhinos.

• Flamingo numbers at Lake Nakuru rise and fall with the lake’s water levels, but birdlife is always rich.

• Crescent Island on Lake Naivasha offers a guided walking safari among giraffes, zebras and waterbuck.

• Both lakes are within easy reach of Nairobi, ideal for a day trip or a relaxed overnight.

Lake Nakuru National Park

A sanctuary for rhinos

Lake Nakuru is fenced and carefully protected, making it one of the best places in Kenya to see both black and white rhinos. White rhinos often graze in the open near the lake shore, while black rhinos favour the denser woodland.

Flamingos and birdlife

Lake Nakuru became famous for the flamingos that once gathered here in their hundreds of thousands. Their numbers change with the lake’s water levels, so sightings vary from season to season, but the park remains superb for birdwatching, with pelicans, fish eagles and hundreds of other species.

More wildlife and viewpoints

Look out for Rothschild’s giraffes, buffalo, lions and leopards in the park’s acacia woodland. For the classic view across the lake, drive up to Baboon Cliff, and if time allows, visit the waterfall at Makalia.

Head to Baboon Cliff for the view that brings the whole lake into perspective.

Lake Naivasha

Walking on Crescent Island

Crescent Island, a peninsula on Lake Naivasha, has no large predators, which makes it one of the rare places where you can explore on foot with a guide among giraffes, zebras, wildebeest and waterbuck. Our Crescent Island Walking Safari brings you close to the animals and the lake’s birdlife at a gentle pace.

Boats and hippos

Lake Naivasha is a freshwater lake, and a boat ride is the best way to see its hippos and fish eagles. Nearby, Hell’s Gate National Park adds dramatic cliffs and gorges for travellers with an extra day.

	Lake Nakuru	Lake Naivasha
Experience	Classic game drives in a national park	Walking safaris and boat rides
Best for	Rhinos and birdwatching	Getting close to giraffes on foot, and hippos
Pace	A full day of game viewing	Relaxed and easy-going

Where to stay

• Lakeview Boutique Hotel, a charming boutique hotel by Lake Naivasha, perfect for couples and small groups.

• Rift Valley Retreat, a peaceful retreat nestled in the Great Rift Valley with panoramic views.

Before you go

• Pack a warm layer: the Rift Valley can be cool in the mornings and evenings

• Wear sturdy, comfortable shoes for the Crescent Island walk

• Bring binoculars for the birdlife

• Carry a hat and sunscreen for time out on the water

• Charge your camera batteries before the drive from Nairobi

Plan your Rift Valley trip with Azana

Our 1 Day Lake Nakuru National Park Safari is an action-packed day trip from Nairobi, and our Flamingo & Rhino Tour at Lake Nakuru focuses on the park’s rhinos and birdlife with an experienced guide. Add a night at Lake Naivasha and a walk on Crescent Island for a perfect Rift Valley escape.