Lake Nakuru National Park is one of Kenya’s most iconic parks, famous for its stunning soda lake, dramatic escarpments, and diverse wildlife. It’s a relatively small park but incredibly rich in natural beauty and biodiversity.
Overview
Location: Central Kenya, near Nakuru town (~160 km northwest of Nairobi).
Size: About 188 square kilometers.
Main Feature: Lake Nakuru – a shallow alkaline lake that attracts flamingos and other bird species.
What It’s Famous For
Flamingos: Once known for massive flocks of flamingos (though numbers vary with water levels).
Birdlife: Over 400 bird species – pelicans, cormorants, fish eagles, storks.
Scenic Beauty: Surrounded by escarpments, waterfalls, and acacia woodlands.
Wildlife
Rhinos: Both black and white rhinos are found here; the park is a rhino sanctuary.
Lions: Often seen lounging in trees – one of the few places in Kenya where lions do this.
Leopards: Present, though elusive.
Lake Nakuru National Park is one of Kenya’s most iconic parks, famous for its stunning soda lake, dramatic escarpments, and diverse wildlife. It’s a relatively small park but incredibly rich in natural beauty and biodiversity.
Location: Central Kenya, near Nakuru town (~160 km northwest of Nairobi).
Size: About 188 square kilometers.
Main Feature: Lake Nakuru – a shallow alkaline lake that attracts flamingos and other bird species.
Flamingos: Once known for massive flocks of flamingos (though numbers vary with water levels).
Birdlife: Over 400 bird species – pelicans, cormorants, fish eagles, storks.
Scenic Beauty: Surrounded by escarpments, waterfalls, and acacia woodlands.
Rhinos: Both black and white rhinos are found here; the park is a rhino sanctuary.
Lions: Often seen lounging in trees – one of the few places in Kenya where lions do this.
Leopards: Present, though elusive.
Inside the Park:
Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge – mid to high-end luxury.
Lake Nakuru Lodge – eco-friendly with beautiful lake views.
Outside the Park:
Ziwa Bush Lodge, Flamingo Hill Camp, and various hotels in Nakuru town.
Camping: Public and special campsites available via Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS).
Activities
1. Game Drives
Great chance to spot rhinos, lions, and more.
Morning and evening are best for activity and lighting.
2. Bird Watching
Ideal all year round, but best after rains (Nov–April).
Use the lake viewpoints for excellent photography.
3. Picnicking
Baboon Cliff and Out of Africa viewpoint: Scenic spots overlooking the lake.
4. Photography
Landscape photography is fantastic, especially at sunrise/sunset.
5. Nature Walks (limited areas)
Some areas like Makalia Falls offer short trails (depending on conditions and KWS rules).
