Lake Nakuru National Park – Lake Nakuru National Park Kenya

 

Named after its soda lake-Nakuru in Kenya, Lake Nakuru National Park Kenya is located in the south of Nakuru County, near Nakuru Town—the fourth largest town in Kenya after Nairobi, Mombasa, and Kisumu. Lake Nakuru Park is about 164 km north of Nairobi in the Kenyan Great Rift Valley and is protected by the Kenya Wildlife Service under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands. It’s also registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Although Nakuru Lake National Park holds many game animals, this biologically diverse park is renowned for its Lake Nakuru. Kenya’s Lake Nakuru is crowded with lots of algae, which attracts hundreds and thousands of Flamingos and other various bird species that famously line the shores looking for their food.

Without a doubt, Nakuru park is a birder’s paradise in Kenya with over 400 species of birds, including millions of Flamingos, Goliath herons, Pelicans, African fish eagles, Hamerkop, Kingfisher, Verreaux`s eagles, etc.

Not only is it a popular destination for Kenya birding tours, but Nakuru NP also holds abundant wildlife such as Cape Buffalo herds, giraffes, hippos, waterbucks, Burchell’s zebras, and hyenas, as well as Black and White Rhinos.

Lucky travelers can spot cheetahs, lions, and even leopards. It’s possible to spot large Pythons hanging in the woods or crossing the roads!

Visitors on Kenya safari tours with no time to visit other national parks in Kenya like Amboseli Park or Masai Mara should visit this park. Nakuru is a wonderful standalone destination for a day trip safari. Feel free to contact us for any inquiries about Nakuru National Park Kenya safari tours.

Location of Lake Nakuru National Park- Where is Lake Nakuru Park Located?

Lake Nakuru National Park is found in the Great Rift Valley region of Kenya. The park is 98.5 miles north of Nairobi and south of Nakuru Town. Getting to Nakuru Park from Nairobi’s capital city along the Nairobi Nakuru Highway takes around 3-4 hours.

What is the History of Nakuru National Park Kenya?

Lake Nakuru National Park in Kenya was established as a park in 1968 in Nakuru County, Kenya. It started off small, only surrounding the famous Lake Nakuru and the surrounding mountainous vicinity but has since been extended up to 188 km2 to include a large part of the savannahs.

Key points to note as well:

• 1957: this protected area was declared as a conservation area
• 1961: Two-thirds of its southern area was designated a bird sanctuary
• 1964: this bird sanctuary got extended to cover the whole lake plus a small strip of land
• 1977: Some Rothschild Giraffes were translocated to this park from western Kenya
• 1984: It was established as the first government-managed Rhino Sanctuary in Kenya
• 1990: this lake was designated as a Ramsar site and in 2009, it was put among the IBA with over 450 bird species
• 2011: Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Popular Tourist Attractions in Lake Nakuru National Park

The unique and amazing attractions in Lake Nakuru make it a perfect travel destination for game-viewing safaris in Kenya.

Below, let’s explore the wonderful things to see in Nakuru Park.

1. Flamingos in Lake Nakuru National Park in Kenya

Lake Nakuru National Park in Kenya is world-famous as the location of the greatest bird spectacle on earth—myriads of fuchsia pink flamingos, whose numbers are often more than a million.

These beautiful bird species are spotted feeding on the abundant algae that thrives in the salty, warm waters of Lake Nakuru, an alkaline lake.

Scientists estimate that the flamingo population at Nakuru consumes about 250,000 kg of algae per hectare of surface area per year.

Young flamingos have greyish-reddish feathers, while the adults range from light pink to bright red because of aqueous bacteria and beta-carotene, which they obtain from the food supply.

Most of the flamingos here are healthy and more vibrantly colored because of plenty of algae on Lake Nakuru. Watching thousands of Flamingoes is a remarkable adventure worth undertaking by every bird lover on wildlife Kenya safaris.

You’ll watch vast numbers of Flamingos in Lake Park as they use their beaks upside down to separate their food from mud and silt! Expect to learn much about Flamingo birds!

Note: Flamingoes are of two types: the lesser flamingo, which is distinguished by its deep red carmine bill and pink feathers, while the greater flamingos feature a beak with a black tip.

2. Other Bird Species in Lake Nakuru Park

Being a haven for avian lovers on the Kenya tour, Nakuru Park boasts a healthy population of birds, counting over 400 bird species. Usually, these birds are spotted on the shores of the lake; however, this park also features savannah and woodland birds.

Putting aside Flamingos, other popular birds in Nakuru Park include the pink-backed pelicans, long-tailed widowbird, Maccoa duck, Western reef heron, Kingfishers, Herons, and Cormorants. European roller, African fish eagle, long-crested eagle, lappet-faced vulture, white-headed vulture, and great snipe, among others, are common as well.

3. Game Animals in Nakuru National Park

Although Flamingos are the main attractions in Nakuru National Park Kenya, it’s also a great destination for Kenya wildlife tours. Within Nakuru, about 50 mammal species have been recorded, including animal species difficult to spot in other national parks of Kenya.

Common game animals to see in Nakuru NP are zebras, hyenas, hippos, waterbucks, jackals, and deer, as well as a healthy population of giraffes in acacia trees. Lion pride, wild dogs, cheetahs, Pythons, and leopard sightings are possible on lucky days.

Since 1987, this stunning game park has been declared a rhino sanctuary, and in the past years, the population of these majestic creatures has increased. According to the 2009 population census, this park held about 25 Eastern Black Rhinos and 70 Southern White Rhinos.

Some travelers can’t distinguish between the endangered Black Rhinos and White Rhinos. The Black Rhinos have a pointed mouth and it’s a browser mostly feeding in woodlands, while the White Rhino holds a wider mouth as it’s a grazer and it’s usually spotted in open grasslands.

4. Lake Nakuru- A Soda Lake in Kenya

Many travelers consider L. Nakuru to be the main tourist attraction in Lake Nakuru Park. This is due to its incredible population of Flamingos on its alkaline shores, estimated to be around 1-2 million.

There are numerous spots around Lake Nakuru to watch Flamingos and the most famous are the Baboon Cliff, Makalia Cliff, as well as Lion Hill.

Lake Nakuru (a soda lake in Kenya) has a maximum depth of 1.83 meters and a minimum depth of 2.3 meters and a surface elevation of 1,760 m. It covers about 45 km2. This lake has no primary outflows; neither rivers nor cracks flow out. The word Nakuru means “dust place” in Kenya`s Maasai language.

Around Nakuru Lake, travelers on L. Nakuru wildlife safaris can spot bushbucks, elephants, zebras, and even small herds of Cape Buffalos.

Note that the high rising water levels of Nakuru Lake have caused the water to lose much of its salinity. This has repelled the flocks of Lesser Flamingos but some Flamingos still wade the lake’s edge, however not as massive as before 2014.

Nevertheless, the lake is still stunning year-round, a very pleasing birding spot.

5. Makalia Waterfalls

Makalia Waterfalls is a stunning small waterfall in the southern part of Lake Nakuru National Park. It’s only a short drive from the park’s entrance to get there. The falls flow at different times of the year, and when it’s dry, the flow can be stopped. This 10-meter-high waterfall is found on the Makalia River.

Despite not being one of the most wonderful waterfalls in the world, Makalia Falls is a wonderful site to go for an afternoon nature walk.

Best Tourist Activities in Lake Nakuru National Park

Lake Nakuru National Park activities welcome every traveler on a Kenya wildlife safari trip. Within this protected area, visitors can enjoy game drives, bird watching, as well as nature walks, to mention but a few.

THINGS TO DO IN NAKURU NATIONAL PARK IN DETAILS

1. Game Drives in Nakuru National Park Kenya

Being a natural habitat for numerous wildlife species such as zebras, Cape buffalos, African elephants, waterbucks, giraffes, hippos, African wild dogs, lion herds, olive baboons, and leopards, as well as white rhinos, Lake Nakuru National Park is a wonderful destination for wildlife viewing tours in Kenya.

The notable spots for wildlife watching in Nakuru Park include Makalia Cliff, Lion Hill, and the Baboon Cliff, a beautiful spot holding rocky outcrops.

Visitors on game drives in captivating landscapes can spot lions lying along roadsides or hunting their prey.

Nakuru game viewing tours are mostly conducted in a 4×4 safari vehicle. We usually assign our clients knowledgeable driver guides about wildlife in Kenya.

2. Bird Watching in Lake Nakuru National Park

Birding is among the main things to do in L. Nakuru game park for tourists on Kenya wildlife safaris there. Putting aside other bird species, breathtaking flocks of Flamingos are the most notable, but this park also holds pink-backed pelicans, kingfishers, and herons.

Visitors can also spot African fish eagles, Jackson’s Widowbird, Red-throated Tit, Lesser Kestrel, Rüppell’s vulture, Verreaux’s eagle, Lappet-faced vulture, etc. Nakuru Park’s birdlife is amazing for nature lovers.

The best time for bird-watching safaris in Lake Nakuru National Park is from November to March, when the weather is pleasant. Migratory birds from North Africa and Europe are present from November to April. Likewise, this is the best time to see birds in breeding plumage.

3. Boat Ride on Lake Naivasha

The boat safari along Lake Naivasha offers a unique perspective of wildlife watching in Kenya. A short detour for a boat ride on Lake Naivasha, located nearer the south eastern boundary of Lake Nakuru National Park in Kenya, gives you a brand-new experience!

This freshwater lake is home to several species of birds, a good-sized hippo population, and crocodiles. Cruising on the tranquil waters of Lake Naivasha in Kenya while wearing life jackets will assure you of sight of plenty of beautiful birds like the Goliath heron and fish eagles.

Before the end of the boat cruising activity, you may luckily encounter a Bald eagle swooping down to the surface of the lake to snatch fish. Imagine that incredible moment!

During the guided game walks along Lake Naivasha shores, travelers are guaranteed to encounter giraffes, wildebeests, and zebras grazing on the nearby grasslands. All you need is a camera as well as binoculars slung around your neck.

4. Explore the Baboon Cliff

This cliff is an excellent viewpoint, and it overlooks the entire valley. The Baboon Cliff derives its name from the groups of baboons that are known to roam in the area.

The cliff is a great spot for a scenic picnic and there are several picnic benches at the top. However, you should take care when you are eating since the babies have been known to steal food.

For a rewarding experience, visitors on Nakuru Park wildlife watching tours should visit the Baboon Cliff in the morning to enjoy the views of the sunrise within the African wilderness.

There are several excellent hiking trails around this cliff for those who want to enjoy nature walks. Visitors can also access the cliff by car.

5. Visit Out of Africa View Point

The park’s most spectacular viewing point is Out of Africa. To reach this point, you’ll undertake a short scenic hike that involves some steep stretches up the rocky road. This trail is much steeper than the one that leads to Baboon Cliff.

The 1985 movie ‘Out of Africa’ popularized the viewpoint, and it is from this Hollywood appearance that it got the name.

When Is the Best Time to Visit Lake Nakuru National Park?

Any time of the year is ideal for wildlife viewing safaris in Kenya Lake Nakuru National Park, but the dry season—June through February—is the best time. It might rain during game drives, and the roads might not be in excellent shape during the rainy months (April and May).

Some tracks in Nakuru Park have been restored to avoid the rising water levels in the lake, and this has made the trail conditions more stable.

Migratory species of birds in Nakuru NP are present from November-April.

Packing List for Kenya Safari in Lake National Park

Visitors coming for Kenya wildlife safaris in Lake Nakuru National Park should come with the following safari items for a notable trip.

1. Safari clothes
2. Safari day Bag
3. Hiking boots as you hike to explore the beautiful rocky cliffs
4. Sunhats & sunglasses
5. Sunscreens
6. Personal items
7. Insect repellant. Protect you from any possibilities of insect bites as you explore wildlife species in Nakuru Park, especially those around the lake.
8. Warm sweater
9. A pair of binoculars
10. Personal medication, if any

Best Accommodation in Lake Nakuru National Park for Tourists

Visitors on Lake Nakuru wildlife safari holidays can decide to use campsites or lodges. These accommodation facilities welcome all classes of tourists.

THE BEST OPTIONS FOR LAKE NAKURU NATIONAL PARK ACCOMMODATION

• Lakira Camp Nakuru
• Rhino Campsite
• Mbweha Camp
• Lake Nakuru Lodge
• Makalia Camp
• The Cliff Tented Camp

Getting to Lake Nakuru National Park- How to Access Lake Nakuru National Park?

Lake Nakuru National Park opens at 7 am. For those traveling from Nairobi, use the Nairobi Nakuru Highway. Drive slowly to enjoy the wonderful scenery of the rocky escarpments (Great Rift Valley escarpment) along the way!

From Nairobi, it is approximately a 30-minute drive to a picturesque overlook at 7200 feet (2200 meters) above sea level, and from here you can get a spectacular view of the volcanoes Suswa and Longonot. En route, you can have stopovers to buy souvenirs from craft shops.

The park has clear roads and most parts of the park can even be accessible by 2-wheel-drive vehicles. However, less-traveled parts and most viewpoint hills with a diverse array of wildlife will require a 4-wheel drive.

Nakuru Park has three gates: the Main Gate and Lanet Gate, which link the park with the Nairobi-Nakuru highway and the less-used Nderit Gate in the west, mostly used by travelers from Maasai Mara.

For those who wish to fly, it’s about a 25-minute flight from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi to the Naishi Airstrip inside the park.

FAQs About Lake Nakuru National Park in Kenya

1. Why Is Lake Nakuru National Park Famous? : What Is Special About Lake Nakuru National Park?

Kenya’s Nakuru Park is famous for the large flocks of Flamingos on its Nakuru Lake. This park is also a sanctuary for rhinos in Kenya, holding both the black and white rhino species. Elephants, zebras, waterbucks, and the endangered Rothschild’s giraffe species are also residents.

2. Is Lake Nakuru National Park Worth Visiting? : Is It Worth Going To Lake Nakuru?

Lake Nakuru Park is worth visiting by tourists on wildlife safaris in Kenya. The park is among the must-visit places for thrilling birding expeditions in Africa, as it’s a biome for millions of Flamingos on the shores of its soda lake, L. Nakuru Africa.

3. How Much Is the Entry Fee to Lake Nakuru National Park? : How Much Does It Cost to Go to Lake Nakuru National Park?

Nairobi Park entrance fee for people from outside of East Africa is US$60 for adults and $35 for kids and students. The entry fee is only applicable for 24 hours from the time it was paid.

4. Are There Lions in Lake Nakuru National Park?-

Yes, visitors on wildlife safaris in Kenya’s Nakuru Park can spot lion herds. These can be spotted well during game drives.

5. Are There Elephants in Lake Nakuru National Park?

It’s hard to miss sighting elephants while on an African safari tour in Lake Nakuru National Park Kenya. Visitors can spot these majestic elephants around L. Nakuru shores. Due to the rich diversity of wildlife in Nakuru Park, be expectant to spot other wildlife common in other parks of Kenya.

6. Why Do Pink Flamingos Go to Lake Nakuru?

Flamingos go to Lake Nakuru to feed on the blue-green algae (their main food) found on the shores of L. Nakuru, a shallow lake. In brief, Nakuru Lake supports the life of Flamingoes in this country.

To summarize, tourists on wildlife safaris in Kenya, especially bird lovers, should never miss out on this safari park. Nakuru National Park is a habitat for millions of Flamingos as well as countless bird species.

The park is also home to the African safari Big Five and numerous grazers, making it an ideal place for wildlife tours.