Tucked away in the Rift Valley region, approximately 160 km northwest of Nairobi, lies Lake Nakuru National Park, a world-renowned destination that’s a feast for the eyes. This petite park, covering an area of about 188 km², packs a big punch when it comes to natural beauty and diverse wildlife.
Lake Nakuru National Park is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, playing host to millions of greater and lesser flamingos that flock to the lake’s shores to feed on algae and small crustaceans. It’s also one of the few places on earth where you can observe both white and black rhinos roaming free in the wild.
In 2011, Lake Nakuru National Park was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a testament to its natural beauty and biodiversity. This recognition has put the park on the global map, attracting visitors from far and wide.
Attractions in Lake Nakuru National Park
Lake Nakuru
Lake Nakuru is a shallow soda lake located in the Rift valley, where the park gets its name from. The lake is a major attraction in the park especially for birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts. It occupies an area of approximately 62sq.km with an average depth of 2.5meters but it can go up to 4.5meters during the wet seasons.
The lake’s water is alkaline, with ahigh PH level, which supports growth of Algae and other aquatic plants. Lake Nakuru is famous for its massive flocks of pink flamingos which feast on the algae. These Flamingos can number in the millions. Its also a home to other bird species including pelicans, eagles and storks among others and other wildlife which attracts dozens of tourists to it.
Birdlife.
Lake Nakuru National Park is a world-renowned destination for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. The park is also a Ramsar Site, recognizing its importance as a wetland and habitat for migratory birds. It is home to over 450 species of birds, making it one of the most diverse and abundant bird populations in Africa. Lake Nakuru is famous for its massive flocks of greater and lesser flamingos which flock to lake Nakuru in millions. Other bird species include Dalmatian Pelicans, eagles and Vulture such as African fish eagle, Tawny eagle, Lappet-faced vulture, storks and ibises. These bird species can be seen during a game drive round lake Nakuru or during a nature walk to the Baboon cliff.
Wildlife.
Lake Nakuru National Park supports a spectacular array of wildlife of over 50 mammal species, it was a declared a rhino sanctuary in 1987. It inhabits both the white and black rhinos. The park is also hosts endangered Rothschild Giraffe. Tourists can also spot waterbuck, cape buffalo, hyena and hippos, lions and leopards.
The best time for wildlife viewing in Lake Nakuru National Park is during the dry season (June to October), when the vegetation is thinner and the animals congregate around the lake.
Makalia falls
Makalia Falls is a picturesque waterfall situated in the southern part of Lake Nakuru National Park, offering easy accessibility via a short drive from the park’s entrance. The waterfall’s flow is seasonal, often coming to a halt during the dry season. With a height of approximately 10 meters, Makalia Falls is fed by the Makalia River. Although not the most dramatic waterfall, Makalia Falls is an ideal spot for a leisurely hike or a relaxing afternoon picnic.
How to get to Lake Nakuru National Park
Lake Nakuru National Park can be accessed through its different gates that are connected from different routes. These gates include the Main gate, Lanet gate, Nderitu Gate.
By road,
The park is 156km Northwest of Nairobi city, it takes approximately 3-4hours to reach the main gate which is close to Nakuru town.
By air
You can fly to Naishi airstrip, which is located near the park’s southern end. Several domestic airlines, such as Air Kenya and Safari link, operate flights from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport to Naishi airstrip.
Additionally, you can also take a helicopter scenic flight safari from Nairobi to Lake Nakuru National Park. This option offers a unique and breathtaking view of the park and its surroundings.
What to do?
Wildlife Viewing and Game Drives
Explore the park’s diverse ecosystems, including grasslands, woodlands, and wetlands to spot the Big Five lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and Cape buffaloes and witness the famous pink flamingos and other bird species. The southern end of Lake Nakuru is the “jackpot” for wildlife viewing game drives. The forested area below Flamingo Hill is a “lion’s den” where lionesses love to snooze in the trees. Leopards also “roam free” in this area, and visitors sometimes “strike gold” by spotting them around the Makalia camp
Birdwatching
Lake Nakuru is a vital stopover for migratory birds, with over 450 species recorded, the park is famous is for high densities of flamingoes. A visit to Lake Nakuru National Park isn’t complete without stopping at the Baboon Cliffs viewpoint, which offers breathtaking views of the lake below and spotting the flamingoes. Other species of birds that are spotted include; eagles, vultures, and other birds of prey. Take a guided tour to learn more about the park’s avifauna
Hiking and Rock Climbing
Hike to the top of Baboon Cliff for panoramic views of the lake. The baboon Cliffs is one of the popular viewpoints and a hot spot for lunch. The viewpoint boasts stunning vistas of the lake, with some bird’s-eye views of the flooded lakeshore. However, be prepared for mischievous baboons, who might “raid” your vehicle for food. Visit early in the morning before they spoil the party.
The rocky Out of Africa is another viewpoint is the crème de la crème of vantage points, offering breathtaking views of the park. This viewpoint is off the beaten path, receiving fewer tourists than the lower Baboon Cliff. The incline is steeper, but the views are worth their weight in gold.
The untamed Makalia Falls at the park’s southern end is a must-see for nature lovers and hiking enthusiasts. The falls are in full swing during the rainy season, and you can pitch a tent at the nearby campsite for an overnight stay.
Where to stay?
Lake Nakuru National Park is a popular tourist destination, with a range of accommodation options available, from budget-friendly campsites to luxury lodges.
Here are some lodges and accommodations within and near Lake Nakuru National Park:
Luxury Lodges include; Lake Nakuru lodge, Sarova lion hill game lodge, Flamingo hill tented camp.
Midrange lodges include; Nakuru safari lodge, Lake Nakuru Sopa lodge, Merica hotel.
Budget lodges include; Nakuru Backpackers, Lake Nakuru campsite, KWS Guest house.
Tented Camps; Rekero Camp, Kambi ya Tembo camp, Panda Milias Camp
Best time to visit.
Park activities in Lake Nakuru National Park take place throughout the year. However, the dry season are one of the best times to visit the park. During months of December to February and June to September are ideal for game viewing, since the wildlife and birds gather around the lake for water. The wet seasons are good for birding in Lake Nakuru National Park.
