11-Day Rift Valley Lakes & Coastal Hideaway (Midrange Safari)
Tour Type: Solo / Group Tour
Style: Midrange Safari – Comfortable lodges and beach resorts with essential amenities, guided nature and cultural activities, and scenic transitions between inland and coastal destinations
Destinations: Lake Naivasha • Lake Nakuru National Park • Lake Bogoria • Lake Baringo • Nairobi • Diani Beach
Kenya’s Lakeside Wonders & Coastal Bliss
This 11-day itinerary takes you through the heart of Kenya’s Great Rift Valley, where flamingo-filled lakes, geothermal springs, and dramatic escarpments meet rich wildlife and vibrant local cultures. After exploring the Rift Valley’s natural treasures, you’ll head to the Indian Ocean coast for a relaxing retreat in Diani Beach—known for its white sands, coral reefs, and laid-back charm. It’s a journey that balances adventure and tranquility, ideal for solo travelers and groups seeking variety and comfort.
Key Tour Highlights & Unique Selling Points
- Boat safari on Lake Naivasha and cycling in Hell’s Gate National Park
- Game drives in Lake Nakuru NP with chances to spot rhinos and flamingos
- Visit to Lake Bogoria’s hot springs and geysers
- Birdwatching and cultural interaction at Lake Baringo
- Scenic flight or road transfer to Diani Beach for coastal relaxation
- Optional snorkeling, dolphin watching, and dhow cruise in Diani
- Midrange accommodations with nature views, local cuisine, and group-friendly amenities
Major Attractions
| Location | Highlight |
|---|---|
| Lake Naivasha | Hippos, boat safari, Crescent Island walk |
| Hell’s Gate NP | Cycling, hiking, geothermal spa |
| Lake Nakuru NP | Flamingos, rhinos, lions, scenic cliffs |
| Lake Bogoria | Hot springs, geysers, flamingos |
| Lake Baringo | Birdwatching, boat ride, Njemps cultural visit |
| Diani Beach | White sand beaches, coral reefs, water sports |
Accessibility Options
- By Road: Nairobi → Naivasha (~2 hours), Naivasha → Nakuru (~1.5 hours), Nakuru → Bogoria (~2 hours), Bogoria → Baringo (~1 hour), Baringo → Nairobi (~5 hours)
- By Air (Recommended): Nairobi → Ukunda (Diani) (~1 hour)
- Transfers: All ground and domestic air transfers provided in licensed safari vehicles and scheduled flights with bottled water and onboard guide
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi & Transfer to Lake Naivasha
Activities:
- Morning arrival in Nairobi and transfer to Lake Naivasha
- Afternoon boat safari and Crescent Island nature walk
Accommodation: Midrange Option: Lake Naivasha Sopa Lodge / Elsamere Lodge
Amenities: Lakeside views, en-suite rooms, restaurant, Wi-Fi
Day 2: Hell’s Gate Cycling & Geothermal Spa
Activities:
- Morning cycling safari through Hell’s Gate NP
- Afternoon soak in Olkaria Geothermal Spa
Accommodation: Same as Day 1
Day 3: Transfer to Lake Nakuru & Game Drive
Activities:
- Morning transfer to Lake Nakuru NP
- Afternoon game drive to spot flamingos, rhinos, and lions
Accommodation: Midrange Option: Lake Nakuru Lodge / Ziwa Bush Lodge
Amenities: En-suite rooms, pool, restaurant, scenic views
Day 4: Lake Nakuru Exploration & Baboon Cliff
Activities:
- Morning game drive and visit to Baboon Cliff viewpoint
- Afternoon leisure or optional nature walk near lodge
Accommodation: Same as Day 3
Day 5: Transfer to Lake Bogoria & Hot Springs Visit
Activities:
- Morning transfer to Lake Bogoria
- Afternoon visit to hot springs and geysers
Accommodation: Midrange Option: Lake Bogoria Spa Resort
Amenities: Thermal pools, en-suite rooms, restaurant
Day 6: Transfer to Lake Baringo & Birding Boat Safari
Activities:
- Morning transfer to Lake Baringo
- Afternoon boat safari and birdwatching
Accommodation: Midrange Option: Soi Safari Lodge / Roberts Camp
Amenities: Lakeside rooms, birding trails, local cuisine
Day 7: Return to Nairobi & Flight to Diani Beach
Activities:
- Morning transfer to Nairobi and flight to Ukunda (Diani)
- Afternoon beach check-in and leisure
Accommodation: Midrange Option: Diani Sea Resort / Bahari Dhow Beach Villas
Amenities: Beachfront rooms, pool, Wi-Fi, restaurant
Day 8: Diani Beach Leisure & Optional Snorkeling
Activities:
- Morning relaxation or optional snorkeling in Kisite Marine Park
- Afternoon visit to Colobus Conservation or local craft market
Accommodation: Same as Day 7
Day 9: Dolphin Watching & Sunset Dhow Cruise
Activities:
- Morning dolphin watching excursion (seasonal)
- Evening dhow cruise with drinks and coastal sunset views
Accommodation: Same as Day 7
Day 10: Optional Water Sports & Beach Bonfire
Activities:
- Morning kayaking, paddleboarding, or scuba diving (optional)
- Evening beach bonfire and Swahili dinner
Accommodation: Same as Day 7
Day 11: Diani → Nairobi & Departure
Activities:
- Morning flight to Nairobi
- Optional visit to Giraffe Centre or Karen Blixen Museum (time permitting)
- Transfer to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for departure
What to Carry & Requirements
- Valid passport and Kenyan visa
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate
- Lightweight safari clothing (neutral colors)
- Swimwear and beachwear
- Sturdy walking shoes and sandals
- Sunscreen, insect repellent, hat, sunglasses
- Binoculars and camera with extra batteries
- Reusable water bottle and personal medications
- Respectful attire for cultural visits
- Moderate fitness level for cycling and water activities
✅ Inclusions
- All ground and domestic air transfers
- 10 nights midrange accommodation
- All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Game drives and boat safaris
- Hell’s Gate cycling and geothermal spa
- Dhow cruise and dolphin watching
- Park entry fees and ranger support
- Bottled drinking water during transfers
❌ Exclusions
- International flights
- Kenyan visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Tips and personal expenses
- Alcoholic beverages
- Optional activities not listed (e.g., scuba diving, spa treatments)
Accommodation Overview
| Lodge Name | Location | Key Amenities |
|---|---|---|
| Lake Naivasha Sopa Lodge | Lake Naivasha | Lakeside views, pool, en-suite rooms |
| Lake Nakuru Lodge | Lake Nakuru | Scenic views, restaurant, pool |
| Lake Bogoria Spa Resort | Lake Bogoria | Thermal pools, en-suite rooms |
| Soi Safari Lodge | Lake Baringo | Birding trails, lakeside rooms |
| Diani Sea Resort | Diani Beach | Beachfront rooms, pool, restaurant |
Explore Kenya’s Lakes & Unwind by the Ocean?
This midrange safari offers the perfect balance of inland adventure and coastal serenity—ideal for solo travelers and group explorers.
Let the lakes refresh you. Let the ocean soothe you. Let the journey begin.