Overview
Lake Nakuru National Park is a protected area located in the Great Rift Valley of Kenya. The park covers an area of 188 square kilometers and is situated around Lake Nakuru, a shallow alkaline lake. The lake is famous for its large population of pink flamingos, which can be seen in the millions during certain times of the year.
The park is also home to other wildlife such as black and white rhinos, lions, leopards, buffalo, zebras, giraffes, baboons, and many species of birds. The park is known for its conservation efforts to protect endangered species, especially the rhinos.
Lake Nakuru National park Wildlife
Some of the notable wildlife found in the park includes:
- White and black rhinos – Lake Nakuru is one of the few places in Kenya where visitors can see both species of rhinos. The park is known for its successful rhino conservation efforts.
- Flamingos – Lake Nakuru is famous for its large populations of pink flamingos, which flock to the shallow alkaline waters of the lake to feed on the algae.
- Lions – The park is home to a healthy population of lions, and visitors have a good chance of spotting them during a game drive.
- Leopards – Although more elusive than lions, leopards are also present in the park and can occasionally be seen in the trees or on the ground.
- Buffalos – Large herds of buffalos roam the park, and visitors can often see them grazing near the lake.
- Giraffes – The park is home to both Rothschild’s and Masai giraffes, which can be seen grazing on the trees and bushes.
- Zebras – Both common and Grevy’s zebras are found in the park, and visitors can often see them in large herds.
- Baboons and monkeys – Several species of primates, including olive baboons and vervet monkeys, are found in the park.
- Eagles and other birds of prey – Lake Nakuru is also a great destination for birdwatching, with numerous species of birds of prey, including eagles and hawks, soaring above the park.
Activities
Visitors can enjoy a range of activities to enjoy, including:
- Wildlife viewing
- Bird watching
- Hiking
- Picnicking
- Camping
- Cultural visits
- Photography
- Boating
Lake Nakuru National park Charges
Park Fees in Lake Nakuru National Park 2022.
| Category | Fees (Kshs) | |
|---|---|---|
| ADULT | CHILD/STUDENT | |
| Citizens | 860 | 215 |
| Residents | 1030 | 515 |
| Non-residents | 60(USD) | 35(USD) |
Lake Nakuru National park Weather & Climate
Although Lake Nakuru is close to the equator, it is rarely hot, with mercury peaking at around 28°C in the first few months of the year.
It’s the park’s elevation that cools things down, especially early in the morning when you need your warmest clothes for game drives.
The dry season lasts from June to February, while the short rainy season (March to May) is wetter in April.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Lake Nakuru National Park is during the dry season, which runs from July to October and from December to February. During this time, the park is less humid, and the roads are in better condition, making it easier to navigate.
This is also the best time to see the flamingos, as the water level of the lake is low, and the birds are concentrated in the shallow areas. Visitors can see millions of flamingos feeding on the algae in the lake, creating a stunning pink color that is a sight to behold.
How to get there
- By road: The most common way to get to Lake Nakuru National Park is by road. There are several options for road transport, including taxis, private cars, and public transportation. From Nairobi, visitors can take a bus or a matatu (minibus taxi) to Nakuru town, and then hire a taxi or take a matatu to the park.
- By air: Visitors can also fly to Lake Nakuru National Park from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport. Several domestic airlines offer daily flights to the nearby Naishi Airstrip, which is located just outside the park. From there, visitors can hire a taxi or take a shuttle to their accommodations in the park.
- By organized tour: Another option is to book an organized tour that includes transportation to and from the park. Many tour operators offer day trips and multi-day tours to Lake Nakuru National Park, which include transportation, accommodation, and guided game drives.
