Lake Nakuru National Park is located in Kenya’s Great Rift Valley and is known for its attractive flamingo population and diverse wildlife. The park surrounds Lake Nakuru, a shallow soda lake whose size changes with the seasons. Although the number of flamingos has fluctuated, the lake remains a popular feeding ground for these pink birds.
Besides the flamingos, the park is home to a variety of wildlife, including rhinos, zebras, and the rare Rothschild giraffe. The surrounding landscape features cliffs, waterfalls, and acacia woodlands, making it a scenic destination for nature lovers.
- You can spot rhinos resting under acacia trees.
- The park is home to both white and black rhinos.
- Rothschild giraffes roam freely throughout the park.
- Flamingos are drawn to the algae in the lake’s shallow waters.
Lake Nakuru National Park is a perfect destination for a day trip, just a 3.5-hour drive from Nairobi along the Nairobi-Nakuru Highway.
Best Time To Visit
Lake Nakuru National Park is where nature shows off – rhinos, flamingos, and views that seriously impress, all in one place! It’s a wildlife adventure you won’t forget.
The best time to visit Lake Nakuru National Park is from June to February when the weather is dry, making it easier to spot wildlife like rhinos and lions. During these months, animals gather near water sources, and the shorter grass makes for clear views. While the park can get busy, the wildlife activity is worth it.
From March to May, the rainy season sets in. Though game drives might be trickier due to wet roads, the park’s lush greenery and vibrant birdlife, especially migratory birds, make it a great time for birdwatching. You’ll also spot newborn animals, adding to the experience, but the rains may make some tracks harder to navigate.
Wildlife
Lake Nakuru National Park is packed with wildlife, making every visit full of surprises. The park is home to black and white rhinos, with white rhinos especially easy to spot around the lake. You’ll also find the rare Rothschild’s giraffe wandering through the acacia forests.
Vervet monkeys and olive baboons are common, but if you’re lucky, you might see the beautiful black-and-white colobus monkey. Tree-climbing lions are an exciting possibility, and leopards often hide in the acacia forests. On the plains, hippos, zebras, waterbucks, elands, and Thomson’s gazelles can be found grazing and relaxing.
Lake Nakuru is known for its huge flocks of flamingos that gather along the shores. At times, you can see up to 2 million of these stunning birds feeding on the lake’s algae, creating a breathtaking pink display.
Lake Nakuru sits in the Great Rift Valley at an elevation of 1,745m. It’s about a 3.5-hour drive from Nairobi along the Nairobi-Nakuru Highway. From the centre of Nakuru town, it’s only a 4km drive to the park’s entrance. If you’re coming from Maasai Mara, the Nderit Gate on the west side is the best way in. There are also quick flights from Nairobi to the Naishi Airstrip, which takes around 25 minutes.
Yes, Lake Nakuru is a great place to visit, especially if you’re short on time. Just 3.5 hours from Nairobi, it makes for a perfect day trip. The park is known for its stunning wildlife, including flamingos, rhinos, and giraffes, and is a great spot to have a picnic while enjoying nature.
Lake Nakuru is home to a wide range of animals. You’ll see rhinos, lions, leopards, giraffes, buffalo, zebras, and of course, the famous pink flamingos. The park also has plenty of baboons, waterbucks, and warthogs roaming around, making every safari drive a chance for amazing wildlife encounters.
The best time to visit Lake Nakuru is from June to February when the weather is dry and wildlife is easier to spot. During these months, animals gather around the lake, and the roads are easier to travel on. While the wet season from March to May brings fewer crowds and beautiful greenery, the rains can sometimes make it hard to get around.
Rhinos
Spot both black and white rhinos grazing freely across the park.
Flamingos
Marvel at the thousands of pink flamingos feeding along the lake's shores.
Baboon Cliff
Enjoy panoramic views of Lake Nakuru and observe baboons up close.
Makalia Falls
Visit this seasonal waterfall for a peaceful and scenic nature experience.
Bird Watching
See over 500 bird species, including rare and endangered birds.
Game Viewing
Watch rhinos, giraffes, buffalo, and more on exciting game drives.
