Should I Visit Both Nakuru and Naivasha for an Unforgettable Kenyan Safari Experience?

Nakuru (one night) and Naivasha (two nights)
Amboseli (two nights) and Masai Mara (two nights)

After months of careful planning, we finally nailed down our first trip to Kenya. To ensure we stayed at our top-choice accommodations, we made a few tweaks to the itinerary.

Nakuru ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Our adventure began in Nakuru immediately after landing. The thrill of being in a new place was palpable, and everything felt fresh and exciting. We arrived on September 11th, and while the flamingos were scarce, the park was teeming with a variety of other birds. The lush, tall trees and pristine environment made for a unique and memorable experience. All four of us gave Nakuru high marks.

Naivasha ⭐⭐⭐
To secure a stay at the Sopa in Naivasha, we went the extra mile. In hindsight, it would have been perfect as the final stop, providing a relaxing break before the long flight home. The hotel’s setting is breathtaking, and the opportunity to get up close with wildlife is unparalleled. The highlight of Crescent Island was watching the fish eagles hunt, but most of the experiences could be enjoyed right at the Sopa.

If we hadn’t managed to book it, one day might have sufficed [laughing and crying].

Masai Mara ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Masai Mara is an absolute must-see, hands down. It’s the crown jewel of any safari, and you simply can’t miss it! The abundance of wildlife and the high likelihood of witnessing a hunt are unmatched. Two nights felt like a blink; an extra night would have been ideal.

Amboseli ⭐⭐⭐
Unless you’re particularly keen on seeing Mount Kilimanjaro or the majestic elephant herds, Amboseli may not be as thrilling. Capturing both the animals and the snow-capped mountain in the same frame requires a telephoto lens of 600mm or more. The dusty conditions and fewer animal sightings made it feel somewhat average.

[Handshake] Suggestions
If, like us, you plan to skip the city, I highly recommend making Naivasha your last stop. Otherwise, you’ll face a grueling five-hour drive to the airport, followed by a 15-hour flight to Changsha, and then another leg back to Shenzhen [crying]. It was a 30-hour ordeal that we wouldn’t wish on anyone.