Lake Nakuru National Park Kenya

Overview of Lake Nakuru National Park

Lake Nakuru National Park in Kenya was established in 1961, in Nakuru County of 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.

Lake Nakuru in Kenya is crowded with lots of algae which attracts masses of flamingoes and other birds that famously line the shores looking for algae as their food.

Indeed “The Birders` Paradise”, lake Nakuru National Park in Kenya inhabits about 400 bird species along the lake shores and the surrounding area including millions of the famous millions of fuchsia pink flamingos, the African fish eagle, Goliath heron, hamerkop, pied kingfisher and verreaux`s eagle among others.

Lake Nakuru National Park in Kenya also called “The Birders` Paradise”, is best known for its thousands, sometimes millions of flamingos nesting along the shores. The surface of this shallow lake is often hardly recognizable due to the continually shifting mass of pink. The number of flamingos on the lake varies with water and food conditions. However, the best vantage point is from Baboon Cliff. Also of interest is an area of 188 km (116 mi) around the lake fenced off as a sanctuary to protect giraffes as well as both black and white rhinos.

Currently, Lake Nakuru National Park in Kenya has about 50 eastern black rhinoceros, approximately 100 rare white rhinos, a number of Rothschild’s giraffes, Impalas, dik-diks, hippos, Burchell’s zebra, grants gazelles, and waterbucks. Lake Nakuru National Park in Kenya is also home to large sized pythons that inhabit in the dense woodlands and can sometimes be seen crossing the roads or hanging on trees as well as predators like the east African lions, cheetahs and leopards.

Attractions in Lake Nakuru National Park in Kenya

Myriads of flamingoes 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 is legion, often more than a million or even two million feed on the abundant algae which thrives in the salty warm waters. Scientists reckon that the flamingo population at Nakuru consumes about 250,000kg of algae per hectare of surface area per year.

Have you even seen how these charming Flamingos of Lake Nakuru National Park in Kenya stand on one leg while the other is tucked beneath their body? Actually, every behavior you will observe on these flamingoes impact their living. 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 food supply. Most of the flamingoes here are healthy and more vibrantly colored and desirable because of plenty of algae on lake Nakuru in Kenya, unlike white or pale flamingoes which seem to be unhealthy and malnourished.

Come-see how flamingos in Lake Nakuru national Park in Kenya use their beaks upside down to separate their food from mud and silt! They also form pair bonds and these pairs establish and defend their nesting territories which they build on mudflat and as a saying “ladies first”, the female flamingoes usually chose the nesting territories and in the building process, the couple of flamingos usually copulate to plan for their family. After hatching, the flamingo parents stay around the nest and both take care of their children.

Flamingoes are in two types, the lesser flamingo which can be distinguished by its deep red carmine bill and pink feathers and the greater flamingoes which have beak with a black tip.

However, flamingos are not the only avian attraction in Lake Nakuru National Park in Kenya, also present are two large fish-eating birds, pelicans and cormorants. There are over 400 resident bird species on the lake and in the surrounding park, including thousands of both little grebes and white winged black terns are frequently seen as are stilts, avocets, ducks, and in the European winter the migrant waders.

Rhinoceros Sanctuary in Lake Nakuru National Park in Kenya.

Lake Nakuru National Park in Kenya is also famous for its rhinoceros sanctuary, in which about 100 white rhinoceros and 50 most endangered black rhinos can be seen. If you are eager to see these beautiful creatures in the wild, Lake Nakuru National Park in Kenya is certainly your destination!

Lake Nakuru National park is Kenya`s first rhino sanctuary declared in 1970 under the Kenyan government. With two species of Rhinos (White Rhinos and Black Rhinos) that can be seen in the Park.

The Eastern Black Rhinos, in Lake Nakuru National park in Kenya are distinguishable from other subspecies as they have longer, leaner, and more curved horn with very grooved skin. They are browsers and are usually found in highland forest and savanna habitat.

The white rhinos; can also be seen in Lake Nakuru National Park in Kenya, these are the largest rhinos in size among all the five-rhino species, White rhinos weigh slightly more on average than a hippopotamus despite a considerable mass overlap between these two species. Adult male white rhinos weigh averagely 2300kgs but they can grow up to 3600kgs while the females weigh averagely 1700kgs.

Lake Nakuru National park in Kenya offers a fantastic experience to see rhinos in the wild especially in the park`s western savannah grasslands.

Nevertheless, at the bottom end of lake Nakuru National park in Kenya, is a congregation of many wildlife in the grassy area. Plenty of impala, zebras and buffaloes, giraffes in the acacia, deer, and jackals can be glanced hunting for food from grasslands to dense forests. On a lucky day, you can also be able to sight lions, leopards, wild dogs, colobus monkeys and big sized pythons

A visit to lake Nakuru National Park in Kenya is often combined with visits to its neighboring lakes, Lake Bogoria and Lake Naivasha, both found in Kenya. While not within the park boundaries, both lakes offer distinct experiences that are worth considering.

Lake Bogoria in Kenya is a salty lake in the southern rift valley-Kenya, and is also home at times to the world`s largest flamingos. Lake Bogoria in Kenya is famous for geysers and hot springs along the banks of the lake. At least 10 geysers can be found in four locations around lake Bogoria in Kenya which erupt up to 5m high. Geyser activity is however affected by fluctuations of the lake level which may engulf or expose some geysers.

Boat ride on lake Naivasha;

The boat safari along Lake Naivasha offers a unique perspective of wildlife viewing in Kenya. A short detour for boat ride on Lake Naivasha, located nearer in the south of Lake Nakuru National Park in Kenya, gives you a brand-new experience! This fresh water lake is home to several species of birds, good size hippo population and crocodiles and certainly a boat ride on lake Naivasha in Kenya would Maximize your excitement for the trip.  Cruising on the tranquil waters of lake Naivasha in Kenya while wearing life jackets will assure you with sight of plenty of beautiful birds like 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.

Also, walking along the shores of Lake Naivasha in Kenya will guarantee a view to some herbivores you might have missed in lake Nakuru National Park or seeing them a gain, for example the giraffes, wildebeests, giraffes, and zebras grazing of the nearby grasslands. All you need is a camera and binoculars slung around your neck.

How to get to Lake Nakuru National Park in Kenya

The park opens at 7am. For those traveling from Nairobi, use the Naironi-Nakuru highway, drive slow and enjoy the scenery of the great Rift valley 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. You can have stopovers along the way and buy souvenirs from craft shops. Seeing the entire park could take you a full day, so plan to arrive around 9am unless you have more than a day in the area. It might take you few minutes to get your ticket and the vehicle checked.

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 will require 4-wheel-drive. The park has three gates; the Main Gate and Lanet Gate that link the park with the Nairobi-Nakuru highway and the less-used Nderit Gate.

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.

Accommodation in Lake Nakuru National Park-Kenya

Numerous hotels, lodges and campsites are available within and around Lake Nakuru National Park in Kenya, ranging from luxury, midrange and budget. They include;

Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge in Lake Nakuru National park-Kenya

Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge is a 4* settled along the Lion Hill plateau overlooking the enormous flamingo pink rimmed Lake Nakuru in Kenya. Its site offers panoramic views of the lake and wildlife of the pretty Lake Nakuru National Park in Kenya. Adjacent to the lodge is the Menengai Crater, Hyrax Hill and Museum for a vision into this area’s incredible history.

Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge is set amid stunning improved grounds with natural vegetation and lovely flower gardens which provide a relaxing background for the swimming pool and also as a private setting for a romantic meal. There are many other beautiful spots in Lake Nakuru National Park, including Baboon Cliff, for special meals and sundowners.

Flamingo Hill Tented Camp in Lake Nakuru National Park-Kenya

Flamingo Hill is a 4.5* tented camp and the first in Lake Nakuru National Park-Kenya. Visitors are welcomed with a glass of juice to refresh after the long journey, before being ushered to one of 25 tented camps.

The khaki canvas tents are decorated in neutral safari colors and sheltered under traditional thatched roofs. They all have four-poster beds, made from wood and wrought iron, with floating mosquito nets, and crisp linen sheets. Each tent has an en-suite bathroom to the rear with a flush loo and showers with hot running water to wash away the dust of the day. At the front of each tent is a verandah overlooking the plains, with canvas safari chairs to sit back and enjoy the view.

The main lodge has a large restaurant, under a high thatched roof, though evening meals are sometimes taken under the stars. There is also a bar for post-safari sundowners, a cosy lounge with board games and a roaring fire and a small shop with goodies to bring home.

Kivu Resort Near Lake Nakuru National Park in Kenya

Kivu Resort is a serene resort situated on spacious grounds in Nakuru, close to the famous Lake Nakuru National Park. Accommodation includes African themed guest rooms with en-suite bathrooms. Kivu Resort caters for individuals, families, groups, customized business meetings and holidays, conferences, team building and social functions. There is an Olympic size swimming pool and octagonal children’s swimming pool, a well-equipped gym and a children’s amusement park.

Lake Nakuru Flamingo Lodge in Lake Nakuru National Park-Kenya

Lake Nakuru Flamingo Lodge is located off the Nakuru-Nairobi highway, 140km from Nairobi and 10km from Nakuru. Settled within the grounds of the notorious Lake Nakuru National Park in Kenya, Lake Nakuru Lodge appears like a tiny village, with separate cottages built from stone and wood, all surrounded by lush foliage and tropical gardens.

The lodge offers family rooms, cottages and suites depending on where you’re staying, you’ll have a view either of Lake Nakuru National Park or a panoramic view of the lodge. The decor combines style and comfort, with rustic handmade African furnishings, large four poster beds and mosquito netting.

Offering spacious and luxurious well-furnished rooms with unrivaled view of the Lake Nakuru National park, you can either choose from single standard, deluxe rooms, family rooms or executive rooms. At the restaurant, you’ll be served with contemporary local and international cuisines with a full range drinks from lodge’s bar. All guests enjoy wines and a variety of cocktails.

Lakira Camp in Lake Nakuru National Park-Kenya

Lakira Camp Nakuru-Kenya is Located at the edge of Lake Nakuru within the Lake Nakuru National Park-Kenya. Lakira Camp Nakuru is discreetly tucked away amidst the acacias that border it, there are six, superbly luxurious tents offering the traveler a rich and immensely satisfying experience of the African bush. All tents have en suite bathrooms with flush toilets and hot and cold running water.

Lakira Camp Nakuru tents are opulent and furnished with comfortable four poster beds, mosquito nets, rich Persian carpets and antique, colonial furniture. Recline, relax and enjoy the sun set over the lake and abundant wildlife that beautify its shores, all from the comfort of your private veranda. Warm evenings or spare time are spent in the lounge tent which is decorated in rich, chic tones and colonial antiques as well.

Hill Court Resort & Spa in Nakuru Town-Lake Nakuru National Park, Kenya

Hill Court Resort offers comfortable overnight accommodation in a pretty area of Nakuru in Kenya. Its located near the city center and offers bed and breakfast accommodation and additional meals available on request. Enjoy panoramic views of the Lake Nakuru National Park and the Rift Valley escarpment.

There is a wide range of rooms available to guests including double, single, twin and deluxe family suites. All the rooms are equipped with relaxed beds, satellite TVs, mosquito nets, in roof safe and seating area.

Hotel Waterbuck in Nakuru town-Lake Nakuru National park, Kenya

Hotel waterbuck is located in Nakuru region of the Great Rift Valley of Kenya, the hotel is about 160 kilometers from Kenya’s capital city of Nairobi. Hotel Waterbuck Ltd is ideally located along westside road adjacent to westside mall in Nakuru Kenya. It is situated 10 minutes’ drive away from the Nakuru National Park, 5km away. While at this hotel you can visit various tourist destinations around the region, this is a luxurious place where you get all the comfort you require while on an African Safari.

Hotel Waterbuck Ltd boasts of meeting and event venues that will suit every occasion. There are six meeting rooms and two Executive Boardrooms fully serviced and fitted with automatic fans. Each room can be adapted to suit specific needs, offers state-of-the-art audiovisual equipment and a business center dedicated to the needs of the conference users. In addition, each hall with separate secretariat room. The hotel is situated with convenient access to all the city’s tourist attractions such as; Nakuru National Park, Menengai crate and Manyani conservan.

Bontana Hotel in Nakuru Town-Lake Nakuru National Park, Kenya

Bontana Hotel is an ultra-tourist class hotel situated in one of Kenya`s fastest growing commercial towns, Nakuru. Being in the heart of Kenya`s bread-basket, Bontana Hotel is surrounded by some of the most scenic tourist attractions in the spectacular rift valley. Bontana Hotel in Nakuru town-Lake Nakuru National Park, Kenya is set on a serene location and within a walkable distance from the town`s business district. Bontana Hotel is a hub for travelers either on business or on stop over to or from western Kenya, Uganda and beyond.

Bontana Hotel-Nakuru, Kenya is ideal for visitors to popular tourist destinations of Lake Nakuru only (5km away), Menengai Crater (10km), Lake Bogoria (108km), Lake Baringo (120km), Lake Naivasha (70km), Mt. Longonot, Hells gate (80km), Lake Elementaita and others all within a day`s driving excursion from the hotel. Bontana Hotel is only 160km from Nairobi Kenya`s capital city, is ideal for weekend family retreat, seminars and conferences.

Genevieve Hotel in Nakuru county-Lake Nakuru National Park, Kenya

Genevieve Hotel is a 2* situated in Nakuru county-Kenya, this hotel is 2.3 mi (3.8 km) from Lake Nakuru National Park-Kenya and within 9 mi (15 km) of Hyrax Hill Prehistoric Site and Menengai Crater. Kariandusi Museum and Gilgil Stadium are also within 32 mi (52 km). The hotel has 47 twin bedrooms, 50 single rooms for comfort and confidentiality. There are 2 conference halls with a capacity of 50 and 100 persons respectively, spacious well-ventilated dining hall, cosy and comfortable, lounge bar and ample and secure parking. Residents can also enjoy traditional dance performances and variety shows.

Lake Nakuru Lodge in Lake Nakuru National Park-Kenya

 The Lake Nakuru Lodge is situated in the South Eastern, ecological niche of Lake Nakuru National park in Kenya. It Is a haven of relief and first-rate service with commanding views of the lesser Flamingo spread with the Greater Flamingo for which the Lake Nakuru is world famous. The lodge blends in well with its surroundings and the wild animals often browse peacefully close to the lodge much to the fascination of the guests.

Mbweha Camp in Lake Nakuru National Park-Kenya.

Mbweha Camp is settled up against the southern border of Lake Nakuru National Park-Kenya with beautiful views over the Eburru and Mau ranges. Congreve Conservancy is part of the greater conservancy area called Soysambu which has a large part of Elementaita within its borders. Mbweha Camp`s 10 Rustic lava-stone cottages with thatched roofs are surrounded by euphorbia candelabra, yellow barked acacia and other indigenous trees. Mbweha Camp is only a 2.5hours drive from Nairobi, yet feels right away from it all with its relaxed atmosphere.  Being situated outside a National Park allows many activities, including walking, mountain biking and night game drives. Guests can also enjoy day trips into Nakuru National Park with the option of a gourmet bush lunch with spectacular views of the Lake and the National Park