Best Day Trips from Nairobi 2026 — Amboseli, Lake Nakuru and the Great Rift Valley Near Nairobi

Best Day Trips from Nairobi 2026

Nairobi has the remarkable distinction of being the only capital city in the world with a national park within its boundaries — Nairobi National Park is just 7km from the city centre. Beyond the city, the Great Rift Valley escarpment is 60km west with viewpoints, geothermal lakes, and gorges. Amboseli National Park, with its iconic views of Kilimanjaro's snow-capped peak over elephant herds, is 240km south. Kenya's wildlife day trip infrastructure from Nairobi is well developed by African standards. This guide covers the best day trips from Nairobi in 2026.

Top Day Trip Destinations from Nairobi

• Nairobi National Park (7km south): unique urban savannah bordering the city skyline with lions, leopards, rhinos, giraffes, and over 400 bird species; KWS entry $60 (AUD 92) for non-Kenyans per day; self-drive in your own vehicle or book a guided tour from the park gate; Great Rift Valley Viewpoint and Lake Naivasha (90km northwest, 1.5 hours by car): the panoramic Rift Valley escarpment viewpoints on the B3 road, then Lake Naivasha with its hippos and birdlife (boat hire KES 2,500 / AUD 25 per hour), and Crescent Island walking safari among giraffes and zebra; Hell's Gate National Park (90km northwest, 1.5 hours): spectacular gorge hiking and cycling with towering volcanic rock columns, geothermal steam, and wildlife without fences; entry $35 (AUD 54) for non-Kenyans; bicycle hire at the gate; Lake Nakuru National Park (160km northwest, 2.5 hours by car): famous for its flamingo population (numbers variable but often thousands), white rhino sanctuary, lions, leopards, and Rothschild giraffes; KWS entry $80 (AUD 123) for non-Kenyans; Amboseli National Park (240km south, 4 hours by road): the iconic African scene of elephant herds with Kilimanjaro's 5,895m peak as backdrop; entry $60 (AUD 92); best light for Kilimanjaro views in early morning and late afternoon; better as an overnight

Day Trip Logistics from Nairobi

• A car (preferably 4WD) is required for all park destinations; Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) entry fees are paid online at kws.go.ke in advance; several Nairobi tour operators (Origins Safaris, Bush and Beyond) run day safari packages from KES 8,000-25,000 (AUD 78-243) per person; matatu minibuses serve Naivasha town but a vehicle is still needed for the park

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