3 Days Lake Nakuru, Hell’s Gate and Longonot Safari

Day 1: Lake Nakuru National Park: pink lakes & rare giraffes

Morning / Departure: Your guide collects you in Nairobi. Drive west into the Rift Valley toward Nakuru (early start recommended to maximize wildlife time).

Afternoon game drive (what to look for):

• Flamingo spectacle: The shallow alkaline waters of Lake Nakuru sometimes host huge flocks of lesser and greater flamingos feeding on blue-green algae – a mirage-like pink shore that photographers love. (Note: flock sizes vary year-to-year.) 

• Rothschild’s giraffe: Lake Nakuru is one of Kenya’s important sites for the rare Rothschild’s giraffe – an elegant, lighter-marked subspecies often seen browsing acacia and riverine woodlands.

• Predators & plains game: Look for lions, leopards in thicker cover, waterbuck, warthogs and buffalo around the lake margins. Dawn and dusk are best for predator activity.

Photography tips:

• For flamingos, use a telephoto (200–400mm) to compress the flock and a fast shutter for feeding birds. Early morning and late afternoon give warmer light and calmer water reflections.

• For giraffes and mammals, shoot with a mid-telephoto (100-300mm) from the vehicle always keep windows closed near roaming wildlife.

Evening: Return to your lodge for dinner and an early night – you’ll want energy for the next day.

Day 2: Lake Naivasha boat ride & Hell’s Gate cycling adventure

Morning – Lake Naivasha boat trip:
After breakfast drive a short distance to Lake Naivasha. A guided boat safari explores the lake’s papyrus channels and shallows; expect close encounters with hippo pods and abundant waterbirds (pelicans, cormorants, fish eagles). Many operators combine a boat ride with a guided stop at Crescent Island (walking safari among grazing zebras and giraffes).

Why the boat trip is special: The freshwater setting, framed by the Eburru and Longonot ranges, creates quiet photographic moments and family-friendly wildlife watching – hippos are best observed from the safety of the boat.

Lunch / Transfer: Enjoy lunch at a lakeside lodge or packed picnic, then head to Hell’s Gate National Park (a short drive).

Afternoon – Hell’s Gate (what to do):

• Cycling through dramatic gorges: Hell’s Gate is one of Kenya’s most accessible parks – you can cycle (bikes provided by many operators) between towering cliffs, geothermal steam vents and red-rock gorges, stopping to watch klipspringer, warthogs and small herds of antelope.

• Geothermal features & Olkaria: The park sits near the Olkaria geothermal complex – hot springs and steam vents are visible in areas, offering a fascinating geology lesson and dramatic photo backdrops.

Safety & vibe: Hell’s Gate is one of the rare places where walking and cycling among wildlife are allowed (no large predators inside the park), making it safe and intimate – suitable for adventurous families and couples. Finish the day with sundowners at your lodge.

Day 3: Mt Longonot rim hike & return to Nairobi

Early start (recommended): A hearty breakfast, then drive to Mt Longonot National Park (park entry early to avoid midday heat). The hike to the rim and crater loop is the highlight.

The hike (what to expect):

• The volcano: Mt Longonot is a stratovolcano rising to about 2,776 m (9,108 ft). The classic walk climbs to the crater rim and then follows a 7–8 km loop around the crater – expect steep sections and spectacular Rift Valley panoramas.

• Wildlife & scenery: On the slopes you may see zebras, impalas and a variety of birds; the summit rewards you with sweeping views over the Rift and lakes below – an excellent reward for a challenging climb.

Timing: Plan 3–5 hours for the hike depending on fitness and pace. Carry water and sun protection the climb gains significant elevation.

After the trek: Descend and transfer back to Nairobi; your guide will drop you at your hotel or Jomo Kenyatta International Airport if you’re catching an onward flight.