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About Lake Nakuru National Park
Lake Nakuru National Park Flora & Fauna
The scenic Lake Nakuru National Park may be found on the Great Rift Valley's floor, flanked on all sides by forested and bushy grassland. The park's visitors can appreciate the escarpment and the magnificent ridges that encircle Lake Nakuru, as well as the park's other diverse habitats. Due to the lake's high salt content, the area around it is grassland composed of extremely adapted alkaline grasses. The park features numerous hills with designated lookout sites from where visitors can take in panoramic vistas of the lake, forests, and occasionally big herds of buffalo. Lower in the basin, you can find grasslands and scrublands, and along the shoreline and floodplains, you'll find yellow acacia. Riverine vegetation is found beside rivers, and woods are widespread in regions with heavy precipitation.
Over fifty species of mammals call Lake Nakuru National Park home. These mammals thrive in the park's uncommon euphorbia forest and acacia forests, as well as the park's unique savannah environment. There are a wide variety of wildlife at Lake Nakuru National Park, including four of the "big five," aquatic creatures, a number of land mammals, and a few reptiles (mostly pythons). Black and white rhinos, pythons, lions, giraffes, baboons, colobus monkeys, waterbucks, hippos, hyenas, impalas, gazelles, zebras, leopards, and many more are among the mammalian species found here. There are many different kinds of birds, including flamingos, that make their home at Lake Nakuru National Park. Hippopotamuses, the third biggest form of land mammal, find the waters of Lake Nakuru to be an ideal habitat as well.
Things to Do at Lake Nakuru National Park
Without a doubt, a safari is the highlight of a visit to Lake Nakuru. Come with us on a game drive to see this beautiful region of Africa for yourself. If you want to see the most wildlife, you should go on your explorations in the early morning or late afternoon, when the animals are most active. The park is home to many species of classic African fauna, including zebra, giraffe, and cheetah, in addition to four of the big five (lion, leopard, buffalo, and rhinoceros). The chance to see a white rhino in its natural environment draws many tourists, and they can only do so in a handful of locations across Africa.
Location:
Lake Nakuru National Park
Birdwatching in Lake Nakuru National Park is an exciting and rewarding experience; the park's 118 square kilometers are home to an astonishing variety of avian species. Because it is a soda lake rich in blue-green algae, which the flamingos eat, you can expect to see a large number of them there. The great White Pelican and other wading birds also feed voraciously in the lake. Over 450 endemic and migratory bird species call this lake home, including the Grey-crested Helmet-shrike and the Madagascar pond-heron, making for a fantastic time of birdwatching. The best time to go bird watching in Lake Nakuru National Park is whenever you can get there. You can go birding at any time of day and you're guaranteed to see some, but the best time to go is between 6 and 11 in the morning.
Location:
Lake Nakuru National Park
Makalia Falls, a small waterfall in Lake Nakuru National Park, is a popular attraction. When you visit Lake Nakuru National Park, don't miss out on the Makalia Falls—a hidden gem that is well worth the challenging hike to get to. They can be found in the park's northern region, along the Makalia River. You can stand up to ten meters from the edge of the cliff and experience the refreshing breezes created by the water falling from the sky. For maximum enjoyment of the hike and adventure experience, guests can also have a picnic at the waterfalls.
Location:
Lake Nakuru National Park
Because of its beautiful scenery and abundance of photogenic activities, Lake Nakuru National Park has become a popular location for tourists and locals alike to capture memorable images for both professional and personal use. Take advantage of the wonderful sights, such as those that Lake Nakuru has to offer, and the wonderful vantage points that surround them. Visit Lake Nakuru National Park and bring your camera to take some stunning photos.
Location:
Lake Nakuru National Park
Put up your tent in the bushy vegetation of Lake Nakuru National Park for the best camping experience possible under the stars. Camping in Lake Nakuru National Park is fantastic because the temperature range is so broad, making for pleasant breezes off the lake and prime viewing opportunities of the park's resident wildlife.
Location:
Lake Nakuru National Park
Lodges and Camps in Lake Nakuru National Park
The lodge enjoys breathtaking vistas across Africa thanks to its location on a range of hills marking the western boundary of the Great Rift Valley. Lake Nakuru and the surrounding National Park are visible from the lodge, making it an ideal location for those interested in bird watching or wildlife viewing. In addition to the lake itself and its surrounding water, the park's escarpment and ridges also provide unique habitats for a wide variety of plant and animal species.
- Location
Karima Kanyoka Road, Lake Nakuru National Park Kenya
- Amenities
Laundry service, lounge/bar, meeting rooms, sun terrace, breakfast buffet, concierge, dry cleaning
- Price (in USD)
229 USD - 325 USD
The Lake Nakuru Lodge is a stunning eco-lodge that overlooks the lake and the park's wildlife from within the park's boundaries. Since the lodge is situated in a national park, visitors need never leave their rooms to see wild animals, as they freely roam the area around the establishment. At the hotel's restaurant, guests can choose from a menu that includes dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegetarian options in addition to traditional American, Indian, and African fare. An outdoor pool and garden are available to lodge guests.
- Location
Lake Nakuru National Park 20100 Kenya
- Amenities
Bush barbeque/ Champagne breakfast, Gift shop, Conference center, spa, allergy-free rooms, dry cleaning, laundry services, walk-in shower
- Price (in USD)
234 USD - 378 USD
Maili Saba Camp is an escape from the stress and isolation of modern life. It is discretely located on the edge of the magnificent, dormant Menengai Crater and can host a maximum of twenty spoiled guests at a time. In the spirit of African simplicity, Maili Saba Camp offers a friendly, laid-back vibe. At Maili Saba Camp, we make every effort to provide you with a relaxing, safe, and enjoyable stay.
- Location
Solai road/ Nakuru - Nyahururu Road 20 minutes from main gate Nakuru National Park, Lake Nakuru National Park Kenya
- Amenities
Seating area, Wake-up service, free breakfast, lounge
- Price (in USD)
81 USD - 190 USD
Flamingo Hill Tented Camp is tucked away in the honeymoon hills, surrounded by lush landscaping that includes natural foliage and a wide range of flora that is native to Africa. It is an eco-friendly establishment that provides cozy lodging in 25 fully furnished tents ideal for contemporary travelers. The tents are styled in soothing safari-inspired colors and feature natural woods, wrought iron, and crisp cotton.
- Location
Tala-Kangundo Road, Lake Nakuru National Park Kenya
- Amenities
Private Bar And Lounge, Massage Parlor, Curio Shop, 24 Hour Laundry Service, Conference Facilities, Private Dining Area
- Price (in USD)
249 USD - 401 USD
Mbweha Safari Camp is a stunning camp that is tucked away in the breathtaking emptiness of The Great Rift Valley. The camp is located right along the southern border of Lake Nakuru National Park and offers stunning views of the Eburru and Mau ranges. There are a total of ten charming cottages available for guests, all constructed from lava stone and topped with thatched makuti roofs, which give the camp an air of modern elegance.
- Location
Conservancy bordering Lake Nakuru National Park. Congreve Conservancy, Lake Nakuru National Park 00100 Kenya
- Amenities
Outdoor fireplace, meals served privately in the guest cottage or outside under the stars, lounge with 240V power outlets, sundowners, spa services, bush breakfasts
- Price (in USD)
319 USD - 366 USD
Lake Nakuru National Park Tour Packages
During this 11.5-hour private guided tour from Nairobi, you'll have plenty of time to take in the sights of the park, go on morning and afternoon game drives, and observe hippos and birds from a boat on Lake Naivasha. You will also see two Rift Valley lakes, one of them being Lake Nakuru National Park, which is home to one of Africa's most impressive wildlife and scenic sights—the annual gathering of thousands of flamingos.
Inclusions
- Personalized sightseeing tour
- Transfers between your hotel or home and everywhere in Nairobi
- Driver/guide
- On-board real-time commentary
Price (in USD): 161 USD
This four-day safari departs from Nairobi and is a more intimate option to larger group treks to Maasai Mara National Reserve and Lake Nakuru National Park. Visiting both the Maasai Mara and Lake Nakuru game reserves will allow you to see a broad variety of animals, from the elusive white rhinos and dazzling flocks of flamingos at Lake Nakuru to the majestic big cats of the Maasai Mara.
Inclusions
- Transportation to and from your place of lodging in the Central Business District of Nairobi.
- Lodging for Three Nights
- All transportation will be by a specially equipped safari vehicle with a pop-up roof for spotting wildlife.
- Admission charges for the parks.
- All meals.
- Bottled water.
Price (in USD): 603.36 USD
This 4-day trip from Nairobi allows you to see the best of the Maasai Mara and Lake Nakuru national parks. Explore the heart of Africa on daily game drives in the parks. Keep an eye out for creatures that emerge at nightfall, see hippos and crocodiles along the Mara River's banks, and keep an eye out for leopards, buffalo, lions, and even baboons.
Inclusions
- Pickup and drop-off at your Nairobi hotel or office.
- Transportation in a safari-themed minivan with a pop-up roof and all the amenities, with everyone sitting close to a window.
- A daily supply of bottled water of 1 liter.
- Driver and guide for the entire safari who is fluent in English.
- Drives in search of wildlife in accordance with the schedule.
- Includes all applicable taxes and admission fees.
- AMREF's Airborne Rescue Effort.
- All Meals
Price (in USD): 839 USD
This private, 5 multi-day trip takes you to three of Kenya's best known game reserves—the Maasai Mara, Lake Nakuru, and Samburu—to see the country's famous wildlife up close and personal. You take several game drives to increase your chances of seeing wild animals. You visit sanctuaries where endangered species such as elephants, hippos, zebras, lions, and cheetahs can be viewed in their natural environments.
Inclusions
- All Meals
- WiFi on board
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Private transportation
- All Fees and Taxes
Price (in USD): 2404 USD
During this private, six-day safari tour, you'll visit Kenya's three most famous national parks—the Maasai Mara, Lake Nakuru, and Samburu—all from the comfort of your own Jeep. Take several game drives through a variety of ecosystems to see dozens of endangered species up close and personal. If you choose to, you can even visit a traditional Maasai village and mingle with the locals.
Inclusions
- All Meals
Price (in USD): 2362 USD
Plan Your Visit to Lake Nakuru National Park
- How to Reach
- By Road
Driving from Nairobi to one of the park's entry gates—the main gate, near Nakuru town, or the Planet gate, off the Nairobi-Nakuru highway—is the best way to reach Lake Nakuru National Park. You can cover the distance of 157 kilometers in around 3 hours.
- By Flight/ Air
The Kenya Wildlife Service manages the Naisha airstrip inside Lake Nakuru National Park, making it the quickest entry and exit point for visitors. Nakuru is located about 2 hours' drive south of Nairobi, and the park's main gate and administrative offices are about 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) south of Nakuru town.
- Best Time to Visit
The best time of year to go on a safari in Lake Nakuru national park is from June to September, when the weather is nice and the grass is short. During the rainy season, when the grass is longer, it is harder to see the animals hence you must avoid the period of October to December.
Bug repellant
Extra socks
Heavy shorts or short pants
Light dresses such as light skirts for women
Rain coat with a jacket
Waterproof footwear
Breathable sandals
Wind resistant umbrella
Waterproof phone bag and backpack
Carry an anti-theft backpack as your belongings will be safe in it.
Do carry a money pouch as that will help you store your credit cards and passport.
Pack a bacteria filtering water bottle.
Carry a travel first-aid kit
Get a travel insurance as airlines and countries are constantly changing policies
Follow the lead of your guide and proceed or retreat as necessary.
Keep your voices low because loud noises startle animals easily, and you wouldn't want to miss a pride of lions because of loud conversations.
Never leave the safety of your van, truck, or 4WD.
FAQ’s of Lake Nakuru National Park
What activities can we do at Lake Nakuru National Park camps?
Some of the activities that you can do at the Lake Nakuru National Park camps include setting out on a safari, enjoying a bird watching sesh, go camping, indulging in photography, and hiking to the Makalia Falls.
How many days do you need in Lake Nakuru National Park?
You only need three to four days to thoroughly explore Lake Nakuru National Park. For that time frame, you'll have ample opportunity to enjoy the park's scenic splendor, abundant birdlife, and other wildlife.
What is the best time of year to visit the Lake Nakuru National Park?
From June through September, Lake Nakuru National Park enjoys its dry season, which brings with it plenty of sunny days and the best opportunity to see the park's abundant wildlife. Visitors will appreciate the low grass, which will not obstruct their views of the beautiful scenery and wildlife.