Flamingoes in Lake Nakuru

LAKE NAKURU NATIONAL PARK

Lake Nakuru National Park stands out as one of the most popular and premier parks in Kenya, drawing visitors from all over the globe with its stunning landscapes and abundant wildlife. Managed by the Kenya Wildlife Service, this remarkable park is named after the iconic Lake Nakuru, a shallow alkaline lake nestled within the rift valley that adds to the region’s unique charm. Originally established as a bird sanctuary in the 1960s, it was elevated to national park status in 1968, reflecting its ecological significance and diverse habitats. Situated on the floor of the Great Rift Valley, Lake Nakuru National Park lies just 2 kilometres from Nakuru town and approximately 140 kilometres northwest of Nairobi, Kenya’s bustling capital city. The park spans an impressive area of 188 square kilometres, offering ample space for exploration and adventure. The terrain within Lake Nakuru National Park is a captivating mix of classic African wooded acacia trees, bushy grasslands teeming with life, and rugged cliffs that serve as home to playful monkeys and provide breath-taking lookout points for visitors hoping to catch a glimpse of spectacular views. The shallow salty lake itself is part of the Kenya Lake System within the Great Rift Valley—a region so significant that it has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its ecological importance. In terms of climate, Lake Nakuru National Park enjoys a classification ranging from dry sub-humid to semi-arid. This means that while temperatures remain pleasant throughout much of the year—neither too wet nor too hot—the occasional rain can transform the landscape into a vibrant tapestry of colors during late afternoon showers. Accessing this beautiful park is made easy by well-established roads that allow two-wheel-drive vehicles to navigate comfortably through most areas; however, during rainy seasons when conditions may become more challenging, four-wheel-drive vehicles are highly recommended. Visitors can enter through any one of three entrances: Main Gate, Lanet Gate, or Nderit Gate—each providing unique access points into this natural treasure trove. While most travelers make their journey to Lake Nakuru National Park by road—a scenic route bustling with opportunities for sightseeing—there exists a lesser-known Naish airstrip located within the park for those who prefer air travel or are looking for an alternative method to reach this enchanting destination.

What to see in Lake Nakuru National Park

When it comes to the rich and diverse Flora and Fauna of Lake Nakuru National Park, it’s truly a treasure trove for nature enthusiasts. The park boasts an impressive array of over 400 bird species, making it nothing short of a paradise for avid bird watchers. This remarkable variety includes not only the well-known flocks of greater and lesser flamingos—whose numbers can soar to around 2 million, transforming the surface of the lake into a stunning pink spectacle—but also many other avifauna. Among these are striking water birds such as Yellow-billed Pelicans, stately Marabou Storks, industrious Hammerkops, and majestic Fish Eagles that gracefully patrol the skies. In addition to its avian inhabitants, Lake Nakuru National Park is home to more than 50 mammal species as well. While many of Africa’s iconic big game reside here—creating an exhilarating environment for wildlife lovers—it’s worth noting that elephants are notably absent from this ecosystem. However, the park plays a crucial role in providing sanctuary for endangered species including rhinos; in fact, it harbours Kenya’s largest population of these magnificent creatures. Equally fascinating is the Rothschild giraffe, another endangered resident that roams this protected landscape. The diversity continues with other mammals such as African buffalos grazing peacefully alongside zebras and impalas bounding through the grasslands. Visitors may also encounter olive baboons chattering among themselves, playful vervet monkeys swinging in trees, or waterbucks lounging by the lakeside. While they may require a bit more patience to spot due to their elusive nature, predators like lions, leopards, wild dogs, colobus monkeys, and even cheetahs do inhabit this vibrant ecosystem. For those who have an adventurous spirit and keep their eyes peeled while exploring the park’s trails or relaxing near its water bodies might be lucky enough to catch sight of pythons lazily draped over branches or slithering across paths. The flora here is just as captivating as its fauna; Lake Nakuru features one of Africa’s largest euphorbia forests alongside diverse plant species such as yellow acacia trees and various shrubs that paint the landscape with green hues throughout different seasons. Beyond its biological wonders, visitors can explore notable attractions within the park like Baboon Cliff—a perfect vantage point offering breath-taking views—and Lion Hill which promises thrilling sightings of wildlife below. Additionally, Makalia Waterfalls presents an enchanting spectacle where cascading waters create a serene atmosphere amidst nature’s splendour. This unique combination of vibrant ecosystems makes Lake Nakuru National Park not just a place for sightseeing but rather an immersive experience into Africa’s remarkable natural heritage—showcasing both its incredible wildlife diversity and stunning landscapes that leave lasting impressions on all who visit.

The park is open as from 6AM in the morning to 6PM in the evening.

Accommodation

Accommodation is plenty inside and outside the park and range from budget, Midrange to Luxury. Accommodations inside the park tend to cost slightly higher compared to the ones outside the park. The cost of accommodation shoots up during the peak season.

Park rules/code of conduct

  • Respect the privacy of the wildlife, this is their habitat.
  • Beware of the animals, they are wild and can be unpredictable.
  • Don’t crowd the animals or make sudden noises or movements.
  • Don’t feed the animals, it upsets their diet and leads to human dependence.
  • Keep quiet, noise disturbs the wildlife and may antagonize your fellow visitors.
  • Stay in your vehicle at all times, except at designated picnic or walking areas.
  • Keep below the maximum speed limit (40 kph/25 mph).
  • Never drive off-road, this severely damages the habitat.
  • When viewing wildlife keep to a minimum distance of 20 meters and pull to the side of the road so as to allow others to pass.
  • Leave no litter and never leave fires unattended or discard burning objects.
  • Respect the cultural heritage of Kenya, never take pictures of the local people or their habitat without asking their permission, respect the cultural traditions of Kenya and always dress with decorum.
  • Stay over or leave before dusk, visitors must vacate the Park between 6.00 p.m. – 6.00 a.m. unless they are camping overnight. Night game driving is not allowed.