Guide to visiting Lake Nakuru National Park: Lake Nakuru National Park was established in 1961 and it is located in the Great Rift Valley of Kenya, approximately 156 kilometers (97 mi) northwest of Nairobi. This scenic park covers an area of approximately 188 square kilometers and is centered by Lake Nakuru, a shallow, saline lake renowned for its stunning pink hues, primarily caused by the massive flocks of lesser flamingos that congregate along its shores. The park’s diverse terrain features a mix of grasslands, acacia woodland and rocky cliffs that provide a plethora of habitats for various wildlife species, enhancing its status as an important ecological zone. Its elevation of about 1,754 meters contributes to its unique climate and biodiversity, making it an ideal location for seasoned travelers and wildlife enthusiasts.
Lake Nakuru National Park is one of the great wildlife habitats in Kenya hosting about 56 different species of mammals including 4 of the big 5 (lions, rhinos, leopards and cape buffaloes). Animals in Lake Nakuru National Park include white rhinos, lions, cheetahs, leopards, buffaloes, elands, waterbucks, hyenas, black and white colobus monkeys, vervet monkeys, olive baboons and rare Rothschild’s giraffes among others.
Lake Nakuru National Park is one of the great bird-watching havens in Kenya famously known for large flocks of pink lesser and greater flamingos, the park is home to a recorded 400 bird species including Madagascar Pond-Heron, Lesser Flamingo, Pallid Harrier, Greater Spotted Eagle, Grey-crested Helmet-shrike along with large congregations of Greater Flamingo, Black-necked Grebe, Little Grebe, Great White Pelican, Yellow-billed Stork, African Spoonbill, Black-winged Stilt, Grey-headed Gull and Gull-billed Tern among others.
What are the best safari activities to do while on Lake Nakuru National Park safari?
Nature Walks
For those looking to experience Lake Nakuru National Park firsthand, nature walks in the park offer a unique opportunity to connect with the environment. This guided walk leads visitors through various ecosystems, allowing you to have a closer interaction with the flora and fauna that define the area. During tour guided nature walk tours, you’ll have the chance to encounter a variety of wildlife such as lion, buffalo, cheetah, elephant, leopard, black and white rhino, giraffe, waterbuck and various bird species such as pelican, heron, sunbirds, greater and lesser flamingos, kingfishers, Secretary-bird, Osprey, African Skimmer, Gray-hooded Gull, Common Buttonquail, Common Sandpiper, Wood Sandpiper, African Jacana, African Wattled Lapwing, African Spoonbill and Egret among others. nature walk tours will also lead to you to encounter the local communities, learning about their daily life and customs among others.
Game drives
One of the most exhilarating activities at Lake Nakuru National Park is embarking on thrilling game drives. The park is renowned for its diverse wildlife including the large population of both the black and white rhino’s as well as the iconic Maasai giraffe. Visitors while on a Kenya game drive safari in the park have the chance to explore the park’s expansive savannah and lush wetlands, which are home to over 500 bird species and various animals including the lion, buffalo, cheetah, and impalas among others. Game drives in the park are conducted in sections such as the early morning game drives and late afternoon which are the best hours of the day for game drives as wildlife is most active during these cooler parts of the day. During the guided game drives, you will have the opportunity to capture stunning photographs and observe animals in their natural habitat, ranging from elephants and lions to waterbuck and buffalos. The park’s unique landscape is characterized by acacia forest and the picturesque views of the Rift Valley add to the overall experience.
Birdwatching
Lake Nakuru National Park is a birdwatcher’s paradise, attracting ornithologists and casual bird lovers from around the world. The park is famous for its vast flocks of flamingos that once graced its shores, the park is home to over 500 species, making it one of the most significant birding destinations in the country. During your birdwatching safari, you will have the opportunity to spot a variety of colorful birds such as Green-backed Honeybird, Green Wood-hoopoe, Common Hoopoe, Hornbills, Owls, African Fish Eagles, Mountain Buzzard, Pelican, Eagles, Secretary-bird, Osprey, African Paradise-flycatcher, White-necked Raven, , Grey-crested Helmet-shrike, Von Erlanger’s Batis, Red-fronted Parrot, Lanner Falcon, Greater Kestrel, African Pygmy Kingfisher, Pied Kingfisher, Rufous-crowned Roller, White-throated Bee-eater, Olive Bee-eater, Red-and-yellow Barbet, White-headed Barbet, Brown-backed Woodpecker, Grey Woodpecker, Yellow-bellied Eremomela, Hunter’s Cisticola, Yellow-breasted Apalis, Moustached Grass Warbler, Abyssinian Canary, Red-throated Pipit, Yellow-throated Longclaw, Cape Wagtail, Northern Grey-headed Sparrow, Eastern Paradise Whydah, Crimson-rumped Waxbill, Red-billed Firefinch and Yellow-crowned Bishop among others. Tourists planning to take part in this exciting activity are recommended to carry binoculars, a camera, and a field bird guidebook book among others for excellent tours.
Photography tours
Lake Nakuru National Park offers an extraordinary canvas for photography enthusiasts, making photography tours a popular activity. The park’s breathtaking landscape, lush acacia forest and shimmering lake provide a diverse range of subjects, from sweeping panoramas to intimate wildlife portraits. During your photographic tours in the park, you’ll have the chance to capture the vibrant colors of the flamingos, the majestic wildlife in their natural habitats, and the striking contrasts of the Rift Valley. The park organizes both early morning and late afternoon photographic tours for visitors seeking to capture the stunning beauty of the park and its landscape.
What is the best time to visit Lake Nakuru National Park?
The best time to visit Lake Nakuru National Park is during the dry season, which typically falls between the months of July and October. During this period the weather is relatively mild, with clear skies and minimal rainfall. These ideal conditions make it easier to spot wildlife as they congregate around the lake shore and water holes, offering fantastic opportunities for game viewing and birdwatching.
The dry season also coincides with the peak of the flamingo season at Lake Nakuru. hundreds of thousand of these vibrant bird’s flock to the alkaline waters of the lake, creating a mesmerizing pink spectacle that is a sight to behold. The sight and sounds of these fascinating en masse are truly awe-inspiring and make for incredible photo opportunities.
In addition to the flamingos, the dry season is an excellent time to see other wildlife in the park such as endangered white and black rhinos, lion, buffalo, leopard, giraffe, zebra, impala, cheetah, warthog, and waterbucks among others. The sparse vegetation during this time also makes it easier to spot these amazing creatures.
Where to say while on a safari in Lake Nakuru National Park
Lake Nakuru National Park has a variety of accommodation options to cater to all travelers. The accommodation offers a wide range of options such as luxury, budget, and mid-range levels such accommodations include, The Midland hotel-Nakuru, Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge, The Cliff Nakuru, Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge, Lake Nakuru Lodge, Ziwa Bush Lodge, The Senna House, Lake Nakuru Flamingo Resort & Spa, Punda Milias Nakuru Camp, Sarova Woodlands Hotel & Spa Nakuru, Flamingo Hill Tented Camp and Top Cliff Lodge among others
Accessing Lake Nakuru National Park
Reaching Lake Nakuru National Park, is located in Kenya’s Rift Valley is a rewarding journey that offers access to one of the country’s most iconic wildlife reserves. By road, the most common route is a drive from Nairobi, is approximately 156 kilometers north of the city. The journey typically takes around 2-3 hours, depending on traffic conditions. Another alternative way is a route from Nakuru, after reaching Nakuru town, visitors can take the B2 road which leads directly to the park entrance. The park is approximately 10 kilometers from the town centers.
For those looking to save time, domestic flights from Nairobi to lake Nakuru can also be arranged. there are a few small airstrips near the park, and flights typically land at the Naivasha airstrip, from where its a short drive to the park.
Contact our trusted tour operators for information and inquiries about the guide to visiting Lake Nakuru National Park and Book with our tours and travel companies such as; Focus East Africa Tours who offer the best tour packages while on your safari in Kenya.
