Lake Nakuru, Pink flamingos
USD350 - USD800 Per Person Sharing
Pink flamingos, Large bird species
Jul - Oct
Jul - Oct, Jan - February
Location
Lake Nakuru National Park is located in Kenya’s Rift Valley, south of the town of Nakuru and 98.5 miles north of Nairobi.
Size
Lake Nakuru National Park is 17 square miles in size.
History
Lake Nakuru was declared a conservation area in 1957 with a focus on their flamingo population, then specifically as a bird sanctuary in 1961. The park was initially a bird-watching paradise and a sport shooting location. Today, the park is one of Kenya’s most visited, with the beauty of Lake Nakuru a huge draw card.
Entrance Fees & Permits
The entry fee into Lake Nakuru is USD60 per person.
Hours of Operation
Lake Nakuru National Park is open daily from 6am to 7pm, with no entry into the park allowed after 6.15pm.
By Road
Travel by road from Nairobi will take around three hours (98.5 miles), travelling along the Uhuru Highway/A104. There are three gates into Lake Nakuru National Park, namely: Main Gate, Lenit Gate and the Nderit Gate (not used as often as the other two).
By Air
Lake Nakuru National Park is 81 miles from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport, with flights operating daily into the Naishi Airstrip in the park.
Weather & Climate
January and February are great months to visit Lake Nakuru National Park as the birdlife is prolific with pink flamingos and over 450 bird species to be seen. The air is dry and the weather mild (around 77F during the day) in January and February. The long rains fall in April and May with the short rains falling from late October to the end of December. The dry, winter months of June to August offer dry conditions and optimal game viewing.
Avoiding Crowds
Visiting Lake Nakuru National Park between late May and end of June will see you enjoying the park ahead of the busy winter season, with fewer vehicles traversing the park. Consider visiting during the fall months of September and October to avoid crowds. Or visiting at the end of December will give you the chance to see the flamingos in all their glory with few people around.
Value for Money
Lake Nakuru is a wonderful national park that offers well-priced accommodation and safari options only three and a half hours north of Nairobi. The destination is popular yet not as saturated as other, more prominent parks in Kenya.
Popular Wildlife Sightings in Lake Nakuru National Park
Bird life is prolific in Lake Nakuru National Park. Many flamingos call the Lake home. Cape buffalo, zebra, and giraffes graze on the grasslands of the park, while predators such as lions and leopards can be spotted in the bushlands. Hippos are seen lazing in the lake or wandering the shores at night.
The Terrain
The park comprises an expanse of grasslands with euphorbia forested areas scattered in the park and bushlands, along with acacia woodlands adding to the dramatic scenery. The saline lake is a major feature of the region, glistening among the greens and browns of the park.
Game Drives
Game drives are conducted in 4×4 vehicles, mostly conducted by private safari companies or ground handlers, for guests staying in one of the park’s lodges or camps. The vehicles are enclosed with pop-up roofs for optimal game viewing. The park does offer day visitors the option of scheduled game drives, booked with the park services themselves.
Guided Walking Safaris
Guests can take a guided walk to Baboon Hill with a wildlife professional. Capture amazing views over Lake Nakuru National Park and take in the colours and quality of this safari haven.
Accommodation in Lake Nakuru National Park comprises mostly lodges varying in size. Accommodations for safari-seekers as well as those looking for conference or meeting facilities can be found in an idyllic safari setting. From smaller lodges to bigger chain establishments, all accommodation is situated to offer uninterrupted views of Lake Nakuru and the surrounding wildlife.
Lake Nakuru National Park Lodging – Distance from park entrance
Lodge or Hotel Distance to park entrance (in miles)
Lake Nakuru Lodge 0.6 miles from the Nderit Gate in the park’s south-east
Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge 230 feet from the Nderit Gate in the park’s south-east
Cliff Nakuru Lodge 10 miles from the Lanet Gate in the park’s north-east
Sarova LionHill Game Lodge 4 miles from the Lanet Gate in the park’s north-east
Mbweha Camp 8.5 miles from the Lanet Gate in the park’s north-east
Lake Elementaita Serena Camp 11 miles from the Lanet Gate in the park’s north-east
Flamingo Hill Tented Camp 6 miles from the Lanet Gate in the park’s north-east
Walk to Baboon Cliff
Take in the breathtaking, panoramic views of Lake Nakuru National Park as you gaze out in all directions from this popular vantage point.
Splash of Pink on the Lake
The numerous pink flamingos that call Lake Nakuru home is quite a sight to behold. Thousands of flamingos flock to the waters, with one of the best viewing times being early in the year when the birthing season is in full swing.
Step onto a Former Movie Set at the “Out of Africa” Lookout
Setting the scene for one of the most memorable moments in the iconic movie “Out of Africa”. Enjoy the stillness of the spot and gaze out onto the grasslands of the park
Visit the Makalia Falls
A modest waterfall, it is a refreshing sight when enjoying a safari in the Lake Nakuru National Park. It is along the seasonal Makalia River and located in the southern part of the park.
Hyrax Hill (Located in Nakuru Town)
This prehistoric site and museum is a relatively unknown but fascinating visit for guests looking to do something a little different during their stay. The rocky spur is around .3 miles in length.
When is the best time to visit Lake Nakuru National Park?
The most ideal time to visit the park falls between December and the end of February, when the birthing season is in full swing and bird watching is exceptional. And again in the dry, winter season from June to the end of August.
How much does a safari in Lake Nakuru National Park cost?
Accommodation mostly consists of safari lodges ranging from intimate establishments with few rooms, offering a more intimate experience, to larger hotel chains which offer facilities such as conferencing and are more suitable for larger groups of visitors. Pricing ranges from USD350 per person sharing per night up to around USD800 per person per night, depending on what time of year you are visiting.
How to get to Lake Nakuru National Park?
There are two ways of getting to Lake Nakuru National Park from Nairobi. By road, the drive will take around three hours, while a flight from Wilson Airport is just over an hour.
What makes a Lake Nakuru National Park safari so special?
Seeing the thousands of pink flamingos that call Lake Nakuru home is most definitely a highlight when visiting Lake Nakuru National Park. The contrast of the lake against the grasslands and forested areas make this park one of the most scenic in Kenya.
What animals can I see in Lake Nakuru National Park?
While the prolific birdlife is a wonderful draw, the park boasts a good selection of plains game from zebra to wildebeest, to predators like lions, cheetahs, buffalo and leopards. Hippos can be seen, while noticeably missing are crocodiles and elephants.
When is Lake Nakuru National Park open?
The park is open daily and year round from 6am to 7pm.
Do you need to book in advance to visit Lake Nakuru National Park?
It is advisable to pre-book your Lake Nakuru National Park experience and consider staying a minimum of two nights to ensure you get the most from the park and its inhabitants.
What’s the best way to see Lake Nakuru National Park?
A guided 4×4 safari is the best way to experience Lake Nakuru National Park. There will be a chance during your game drive to stop and stretch and step onto outlook points such as “Baboon Cliff” and “The Outlook”.
What hotels, lodges, and camps are near Lake Nakuru National Park?
There are several fantastic lodges and camps located within Lake Nakuru National Park. Sopa Lodge is the perfect large group property, while the 10-roomed Cliff Nakuru offers a more intimate stay. Lake Nakuru Lodge is a well-established and favourite when considering where to stay in the park. All accommodation options are ideally located, offering views over the lake and surrounding wilderness.
What restaurants are near Lake Nakuru National Park?
Lake Nakuru town is located near the park, however visitors will be enjoying their meals while on safari, at their respective lodge or camp.
What attractions are near Lake Nakuru National Park?
Guests staying in Lake Nakuru National Park can enjoy a visit to the Makalia Falls located along the Makalia River in the park or visit the nearby Hyrax Hill Prehistoric Site & Museum, located in the town of Nakuru.
