Lake Nakuru National Park Safari Destination

Lake Nakuru National Park 

The Masai Mara National Reserve is the perfect safari destination in Kenya. It is home to many unique wild animals, including the Big 5 (Lions, Leopards, rhinos, elephants, and buffalos). This reserve offers visitors an opportunity to watch the unparalleled Mara Great Migration. It is a world-class animal movement with millions of wildebeests sprawling across the Mara Savannah. From the Serengeti National Park, you can see millions of wildebeests walk through the Mara.

Lake Nakuru National Park Information & Facts

  • Lake Nakuru National Park is under the Kenya Wildlife Services, KWS.
  • It is in the Rift Valley, south of Nakuru town.
  • The lake Nakuru occupies an area of 45 kilometer squared
  • Lake Nakuru lies in the south of Nakuru and is protected by the Lake Nakuru National Park
  • It is full of algae, attracting thousands of flamingos along the shore
  • Lake Nakuru is famous for its vast number of Flamingos
  • Previously, the flamingos had left Lake Nakuru until 2020 due to water levels and low algae levels in the lake
  • Since the return of flamingos in 2020 in Lake Nakuru, you can see them all year round.

Popular Lake Nakuru Safaris & Tours

Attractions in Lake Nakuru National Park

Here are all the exciting places to visit and things to see in the Park:

Bird Watching & Bird Photography

Lake Nakuru is most famous for its pink flamingos. They are available all year round, with some months having more than others. Dry months like August, September, December, January, and February are the best months to visit the lake. You can also find over 450 species of terrestrial birds in the area, making it the perfect destination for bird watching and photography.

Game Drives & Wildlife Photography

Watch some of the most exciting animals at the Park. The area has over 56 animal species, including rhinos, waterbucks, hippos, and impalas. You can visit the Park at any time throughout the year. However, the most recommended time is during the dry seasons.

Beautiful Viewpoints

Lake Nakuru National Park has beautiful viewpoints that are unlike other national parks in Kenya. You can view all the Park’s attractions from these points. The popular viewpoints include Lion Hill, Baboon Cliff, and Out of Africa. The Makalia waterfalls, Honeymoon Hills, and the Enasoit Hills are other beautiful points in the area.

Unique Vegetation

Lake Nakuru is the top site where you can see over 550 plant vegetation species. It features the most extensive euphorbia forest in Africa with unique plants. The yellow acacia woodlands and the scenic landscape are other unique grounds in the Park.

Rhino Sanctuary

Lake Nakuru National Park has a unique sanctuary that aims to protect white and black rhinos. It is a thriving place where you learn about all the conservation efforts put in place. Also, you enjoy seeing the animals with an experienced guide.

Accommodations in Lake Nakuru 

Lake Nakuru receives hundreds of thousands of tourists every year. Hence, there are a variety of Lake Nakuru lodges and hotels.

  • Lake Nakuru Lodges and Hotels: Several lodges surround the Park, with some within it. Some of the top recommended areas to stay in are The Cliff, Sarova Lionhill Lodge, and Lake Nakuru Lodge.
  • Campsites: If you enjoy late-night outdoor experiences, you can try the Park’s campsites. They are protected areas where you can enjoy camping in the wild and picnics. It would be best to book your stay at the campsite since the area is quite popular with tourists.

When is the Best Time to Visit Lake Nakuru National Park?

The most popular time to visit Lake Nakuru National Park is during the dry months, from June to October and between January and March. During this period, it is easier to drive through the National Park. Also, it is more fun and comfortable since you don’t have to worry about the weather.

Tourist Attractions in Kenya | Best Places to Visit & National Parks

Popular Routes to Lake Nakuru

The best thing about Lake Nakuru is that it isn’t far from Nairobi and is surrounded by other unique places. It is a 2-hour drive from Nairobi town. Lake Nakuru National Park is heading to popular tourist destinations such as Mt Kenya and Masai Mara. Also, it neighbors Lake Elementaita hot springs, Hell’s Gate (zebras, antelopes & giraffes), and Lake Naivasha.

Safety Guides and Tips 

  • Carry all the daily necessities during your tour: water and snacks
  • Always adhere to park rules and stay a safe distance from the wild animals
  • Bring appropriate clothing on open-vehicle game drives
  • Take the required malaria vaccination and use malaria repellent at night
  • Get a Professional safari tour guide

Lake Nakuru Frequently Asked Questions

Lake Nakuru is popular for thousands of aquatic pink flamingos and over 450 species of terrestrial birds. Also, the lake is home to other water animals like hippopotamus, waterbucks, and impalas.

Yes! Lake Nakuru is worth your time due to the thousands of pink flamingos in the lake. You can also visit Lake Nakuru National Park to see wild animals like rhinos.

Since the return of flamingos in 2020 in Lake Nakuru, you can see them all year round. However, the best months to see the pink birds are July, August, September, December, January, and February.

East African safaris are generally safe. The parks have experienced guides, and lodges follow strict safety protocols.

Yes! After pink flamingos left Lake Nakuru in 2012 due to reduced feeding grounds and rising water levels, they returned in 2020. They have been around since then in thriving numbers.

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