Lake Nakuru National Park is among Kenya's finest national parks. Flanked by rocky escarpments, pockets of acacia forest and at least one waterfall, the park is gorgeous year-round and home to black and white rhinos, lions, leopards, hippos and endangered Rothschild's giraffes. Lake Nakuru National Park is one of Kenya's best national parks because it has one of the Rift Valley Soda Lakes. The park has 3 main gates and once you get into the park you will enjoy a wide variety of wildlife species especially the Flamingoes which make the lake look pink.
Visitors can enjoy the wide ecological diversity and varied habitats that range from Lake Nakuru itself to the surrounding escarpment and picturesque ridges. Lake Nakuru National Park is ideal for bird watching, hiking, picnics and game drives.
At a Glance
Lake Nakuru, situated in the Great Rift Valley at an elevation of 1,745 meters, is renowned for its significant population of flamingos that thrive on its algae. The lake's dimensions fluctuate in response to precipitation, ranging from 5 to 45 square kilometres. Positioned south of Nakuru, the fourth-largest urban area in Kenya, the park has experienced a decline in the flamingo population due to feeding pressures and pollution; however, there are indications of a potential recovery.
Additionally, Lake Nakuru National Park is a habitat for a substantial rhinoceros population, often observed resting beneath the shade of the lush acacia trees encircling the lake. Encompassed by waterfalls, cliffs, and forests, the lake serves as a crucial water source for zebra, buffalo, and the endangered Rothschild giraffe.
History of Lake Nakuru National Park
Lake Nakuru National Park is the park most famous for the colonies of flamingos that live on the shores of the park’s Lake Nakuru. Lake Nakuru Park Kenya is a premium game park, one of only three in the country and one of the most visited game parks in Kenya.
Lake Nakuru Park is known as a bird lover’s hub because of the numerous birds that make a home in this park. Lake Nakuru Kenya Park is home to over 400 bird species including the flamingos that live on the lake and in the park’s savannah grasslands. The bird species include but are not limited to African Fish Eagle, Slender-billed greenbul, Long-tailed widowbird, Rufous-throated wryneck, Montane white-eye, Red-capped lark, Northern puff back, Rüppell’s robin-chat, Shining sunbird and many more
Lake Nakuru National Park though famous for its numerous birds, it’s also a wild game destination for animal lovers and wildlife explorers. Lake Nakuru Park is a habitat to over 100 endangered Rhinos distributed between the black and white rhinos; the park is also home to the endangered Rothschild’s giraffe and 50 or more animal species that include buffalos, waterbucks, lions, impalas and many more.
Safari Experiences at Lake Nakuru National Park
Game Drives
Game drives within the park are conducted using 4x4 custom safari vehicles, primarily by private safari companies or ground handlers, to cater to guests accommodated in the park's lodges or camps. These specially equipped vehicles feature enclosed compartments with pop-up roofs, ensuring an optimal game-viewing experience. Additionally, the park provides day visitors with the opportunity to partake in scheduled game drives, which can be arranged directly through the park services.
Guided Walking Safaris
Visitors have the opportunity to partake in a professionally guided excursion to Baboon Hill, accompanied by a wildlife specialist. This expedition offers unparalleled vistas of Lake Nakuru National Park, allowing participants to immerse themselves in the vibrant hues and grandeur of this renowned safari destination.
