Lake Nakuru National Park is a prominent Kenya safari destination. It is located in the Rift Valley region and forms part of the Lake network along the Eastern arm of the Great Rift Valley.
Lake Nakuru National Park was established in 1961 and covers a land area of up to 45 square kilometers. Its surface area varies depending on water levels and the effects of flooding. The Lake is shallow with an average of 1 to 6 feet. It has a surface elevation of 1,754 meters.
The park was named after Lake Nakuru, its main outstanding feature. The Lake has an abundance of Algae that attracts flamingos and several other bird species. Lake Nakuru was initially the best place to see flamingos in Kenya. This changed when the Lake’s rising water levels forced the flamingos to migrate to other nearby Lakes.
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Discovery Journeys ToLake Nakuru National Park
Wildlife In Lake Nakuru National Park
Lake Nakuru National Park has a rich wildlife diversity and is home to four Big Five Mammals. These include rhinos, buffaloes, lions, and leopards. It has a reasonable population of both black and white rhinos.
Hippos, giraffes, and zebras are also commonly seen. Lake Nakuru National Park is the only Kenya national park with Rothchild’s Giraffes. The park also has several antelope species including elands, gazelles, and waterbucks. Vervet monkeys, olive baboons, and Black and white colobus monkeys are among the primate species present.
Lake Nakuru National Park has a vibrant birdlife and is home to over 400 bird species. It is still a great destination to see flamingos and other waterbirds. All these make the park among the best Kenya safari destinations for epic Discovery Journeys.
Activities in Lake Nakuru National Park
Birding
Birding is the prime wildlife activity to do in the park. The lake supports a diverse birdlife with notable species including pelicans, Bateleur, Grey-crowned cranes, and the Great Snipe. The park’s woodland area is also home to different birds and its resident population is boosted by the migratory birds.
Game drives
The park has well-developed game drive trails that enable you to explore the savanna ecosystem. Lake Nakuru Game drives are rewarding with sightings of rhinos, giraffes, and if lucky, tree-climbing lions.
Early morning and evening game drives are recommended for the best wildlife experiences as it is when animals are most active.
Nature walks
Lake Nakuru National Park can also be explored on guided nature walks. Nature walks bring you in close contact with nature. They are ideal for exploring small wildlife species like insects you do not see while on game drives.
Baboon Cliff Visit
The Baboon Cliff visit offers an incredible view of the lake and the surrounding ecosystem. The area has baboon troops that introduce you to the primate life of Lake Nakuru. It is generally ideal for photography and sightseeing.
Where to Stay
Nakuru Sopa Lodge
Nakuru Sopa Lodge is perched along the Rift Valley escarpment overlooking the Lake and its incredible ecosystem. The lodge’s exclusive location makes it a perfect spot and escape for those seeking exclusive experiences. It has spacious self-contained cottages, each with an incredible view of the park.
Nakuru Sopa Lodge is located along a game drive area where you can spot Black rhinos, giraffes, and buffaloes.
Sarova Lion Hill Lodge
Sarova Lion Hill Lodge is a luxury lodging option in the park. Its location on a hill gives it an advantage with incredible views of the park.
The lodge’s cottages are private with a viewing area. Its other outstanding amenities include a pool, gym, and restaurant.
Flamingo Hill Camp
Flamingo Hill Camp is a standard option with well-furnished tents that are self-contained with en-suite bathrooms. The camp offers a classic African safari experience that makes your Kenya safari more remarkable. It has a spacious dining tent and lounge area perfect for a meal and relaxing after a day of adventure.
Other lodging options include Lake Nakuru Lodge, Ngerende Island Lodge, and The Cliff.
Getting there
The park is best accessed by road transfer from Nairobi and other Kenya safari destinations. It takes a 3 to 4-hour drive from Nairobi with en-route stopovers for photography.
You can easily connect to other nearby destinations like Lake Elementeita. These destinations can be explored alongside Masai Mara and Amboseli National Park.
Best time to Visit
The park can be visited at any time of the year. For the best birding experience we recommend visiting from November to May when migratory birds are present. Resident birds are also in full plumage with vibrant colors ideal for photography.
Overall wildlife viewing is best experienced during the dry season months from June to October and January to March.
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