Lake Nakuru National Park is spectacular. It has been a blazing sea of deep pink flamingos – millions of them! Their intense fuchsias burst against Lake Nakuru’s deep blue alkaline waters. Quite simply… it has until some few years ago been the most brilliant show of birdlife on earth.
Due to some progressive natural factors, the flamingo numbers have been reducing but the park itself remains stunning – one of Kenya’s finest. Great rocky escarpments tower over acacia forest, and waterfalls, wooded hills, and euphorbia trees dot the lake.
The few quantities of flamingos are accompanied by other birdlife – pelicans, cormorants, kingfishers, ostriches, storks as well as herons and eagles. The scene here is bountiful, busy, and full of color.
But that’s only the beginning of what this special park has to offer because the wildlife viewing here is easy and accessible. Lake Nakuru is known for hosting some endangered but beautiful species. You’re sure to see rare Rothschild Giraffe along with the white rhino, especially along the lakeshore.
The park is also a sanctuary for one of Kenya’s largest populations of black rhinos.
Another aspect of the active wildlife viewing here is observing the park’s zebra, hippo, olive baboon, vervet and colobus monkeys, waterbuck, and hyena. Other big safari wildlife to be on the lookout for includes lion, cheetah, leopard, and buffalo.
The park is fenced to protect the rhino and giraffe, so it can’t support elephants – the only large mammal you won’t find here.
Moving through the park’s dense acacia forest you’ll likely come upon herds of impala and waterbuck. Also, in the woodlands, you may see large pythons hanging from the trees. This is the infamous African rock python that’s capable of swallowing animals’ whole.
Those who have been to Lake Nakuru will attest to the park’s beauty with its rich topography of hills, grasslands, and forests. There are several easily attained vantage points from which to enjoy wonderful views of the landscape and especially the lake with its undulating pink population of birdlife.
Though the park is not large in size, a visit to Lake Nakuru will be a very full and colorful safari experience.
Lake Nakuru Area Information
The park is compact at only 188 sq. km (162 sq. mi.) but that just adds to its accessibility and easy game viewing. The interior roads are well-maintained and easy to follow.
Location:
Lake Nakuru is 170 km (105 m) northwest of Nairobi. It’s close enough for a day trip or a longer stay in the area.
Climate:
The park has a higher elevation than most at 1,756 m (5757 ft.) and this has a cooling effect. Even though it’s near the equator, it rarely gets hot. Nor does it get too cold, too wet, or too dry. Generally, the climate here is quite comfortable.
However, there are intermittent late afternoon showers, but these tend to be more refreshing than an obstacle.
Best time to visit:
The park is open year-round. In many parks, the wet season can put an end to game viewing but that’s not necessarily the case at Lake Nakuru. The roads are good and since the park is fenced, the animals won’t disperse.
Still, the most popular time for viewing is during the dry season from July to December.
Operating Hours:
Lake Nakuru Park operates from 06:00 Hrs. to 18:00 Hrs daily. Note: No entry is allowed on foot and hiking is only allowed in designated areas with a KWS ranger.
Things to do and see
Flamingos
Famous for its millions of fuchsia pink flamingos blanketing the shoreline. The birds are of two varieties – the greater and lesser flamingo. The lesser is the more numerous with their red bills and pink plumage. The greater variety is smaller in numbers with a distinctive black bill.
View-Points
The views of the park, the Rift Valley beyond, and the wildlife below are all richly enjoyed from the hilltop vantages of Lion Hill, Out of Africa Lookout, or Baboon Cliff. Just watch out for the baboons who are always looking for food scraps.
Makalia Falls
A pretty waterfall at the south end of the park. This is a wonderful spot for picnicking and hiking.
Vegetation
There are over 550 plant species to be found in the park including yellow acacia woodlands and the largest euphorbia forest in Africa.
Visit Lake Nakuru with Natural Tours
For color, variety, the richness of the landscape, and accessibility to the wildlife, Lake Nakuru is a special place. When you add in the millions of dazzling flamingos overwhelming the vistas with their incredible displays, the park is a must-see on your safari journey.
