A Rift Valley Lakes Circuit From Nakuru

October 31, 2026

Dated 31 October 2026: Kenya has a Level 3 “Reconsider Travel” rating from the US State Department, and an Ebola outbreak is being reported in Nairobi. Nakuru and the neighbouring lakes are not on the US or UK lists of areas to avoid, and the CDC rates Kenya at Level 1. Read the UK FCDO guidance and the US travel advisory before you commit to dates.

A circuit through the Rift Valley lakes works because the stops are close together. Choose a two-night or three-night version depending on how much you want to see.

Getting to Nakuru

Nairobi to Nakuru is about 150 to 160 km by the A104. Drive in daylight with a licensed shuttle or driver. The SGR carries passengers from Nairobi only as far as Suswa, and an extension towards Kisumu began construction in March 2026, so no SGR train serves Nakuru.

Option A: two nights

Night 1 in or near Nakuru. Game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park late in the day. Night 2 near Naivasha. Morning at Hyrax Hill or the park, then Crescent Island by boat the next morning before heading back.

Option B: three nights

Night 1, Nakuru. Park drive. Night 2, Nakuru or Elementaita. Dawn drive, Hyrax Hill, then Lake Elementaita and Soysambu or Lord Egerton Castle. Night 3, Naivasha. Crescent Island and Hell’s Gate.

Choosing where to sleep

Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge and Lake Nakuru Lodge both sit inside the park and are shown with 2026 rates on booking listings. Staying inside gets you onto the road at gate opening, which at Nderit has been 06:00. Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge turns up in promotional listings. Whichever you choose, confirm the rate and what is included with the lodge. Compare options on Booking.com .

Extras

Lake Bogoria: an overnight of its own, because the drive is 2 to 3 hours each way and the hot springs and geysers (do not touch the water) deserve time.
Maasai Mara: a long road transfer from Nakuru. Plan it as a separate trip.
Balloon flights: advertised near Lake Elementaita. Check the operator and price.

Budget notes

The park fee is for 24 hours and one entry, so a second day inside needs a second fee. Non-resident adults pay USD 90. Elementaita’s KWS sanctuary charges USD 50, Hell’s Gate USD 50 plus USD 10 for a bike, and Crescent Island about USD 33 with the boat extra. Those park figures come from the October 2025 KWS fee schedule , and the new fees were taken to the High Court, so confirm them when you pay on KWSPay .