Everything Explained: Lake Nakuru National Park Safari

Lake Nakuru National Park is located in the south of Nakuru Town, a three-hour drive from Nairobi – the capital city of Kenya. The park lies on the floor of Eastern Africa’s Great Rift Valley. It was created in 1961 around Lake Nakuru, which is best known for flamingos.

As one of the most visited parks in Kenya, Lake Nakuru National Park is home to different species of mammals, reptiles, and birds. Among them include the black and white rhinos, Rothschild giraffes, colobus monkeys, waterbucks, baboons, hippos, buffalos, lions and impalas.

In this guide, I’ll explain why visiting Lake Nakuru is worth it, what to expect at the park, and how to prepare for your safari to this amazing place.

Why visit Lake Nakuru National Park?

Lake Nakuru National Park is a special heritage site. The richness of wildlife, captivating landscapes, and incredible flora lend great photography opportunities. Visitors can also enjoy 

 game drives, bird watching, hiking, camping, and special picnics on any of the rocky viewpoints in the park. 

This national park is strategically located with other adventurous sites. It’s close to the Naivasha National Park, the Hell’s Gate National Park, Menengai Crater, and the Soysambu Conservancy. Touring the park can also be part of the circuit when visiting the Masai Mara National Reserve.

Since your journey to Nakuru National Park must start at Nairobi, taking a stop at the Nairobi National Park can be a delightful start to your tour of the magical Kenya. Located next to the city this park showcases what the country has in terms of wildlife, scenic landscapes, and beautiful flora.

Attractions in Lake Nakuru National Park

There are plenty of attractions that make a visit to Lake Nakuru worth it. They include the following:

Lake Nakuru itself

Lake Nakuru is a small lake on the floor of Eastern Africa’s Great Rift Valley, at an elevation of 1,754 m (5,755 ft) above sea level. It’s a shallow saline lake, about 3 meters in depth covering approximately 40 square kilometers. The lake is world-famous for the greatest bird spectacle on earth.

The pink flamingos often flock to the shores of Lake Nakuru in millions to feed on algae. Studies show that, in a year, these flamingos consume bout 250,000 kg of algae per hectare of surface area. The algae is abundantly created from the birds’ droppings and plankton found in the waters.

Both greater and lesser flamingos can be best seen from various viewpoints around the park such as Baboon Cliff and Lion Hill. Hundreds of terrestrial birds can also be sighted around the lake including the African fish eagle, pied kingfisher, Goliath heron, Maccoa duck, hamerkop, and many more. 

Diverse species of wildlife

In addition to flamingos, Lake Nakuru National Park is home to about 56 species of mammals. Predators such as lions, cheetahs, and leopards are common in this park. There are also a number of Rothschild’s giraffes, black rhinoceros, white rhinos, buffalos, waterbuck, hippos, baboons, and warthogs.

The park also has large-sized pythons, found in the dense woodlands. The reptiles can often be seen crossing the paths in the park or dangling from trees. The only major wildlife exceptions in the park are crocodiles and elephants. But you can see them in other national parks in the country.

Rivers and waterfalls

Lake Nakuru is fed by 4 seasonal rivers and one permanent river, Ngosur. The seasonal rivers are the Njoro, Makalia, Nderit, and Lamudhiak, all of which originate in the Eastern Mau Forest. This forest is also part of the catchment basin for several other lakes located in the Rift Valley.

Makalia Waterfalls is a unique attraction point for tourists. It’s located along river Makalia which is one of the seasonal rivers that flows into Lake Nakuru. The fall pours 10 meters off the cliff into a large dive water pool below it. Unfortunately, this fall receives less water during the drought season.

Camping sites

Camping is one of the exciting adventures when you visit Lake Nakuru National Park. There are about seven operational campsites spread in the northern and southern parts of the park. These sites offer visitors more than just sleeping under the sky, they can see animals up close and enjoy cool weather in the night.

Camping at specific viewpoints in the park also provides scenic views of the surroundings. Concentrated flamingos on the lake can be seen as a pink blanket on the water’s surface. Birdwatching and game viewing are also common at some of the campsites.

Some of the popular camping sites in Lake Nakuru National Park include the Mbweha Camp, Flamingo Hill Tented Camp, Rhino Campsite, Enjoro campsite, Lakira Camp, and Makalia Falls Campsite. They are situated in different areas in the park to offer exciting experiences.

The best time to visit Lake Nakuru National Park

Undoubtedly, lake Nakuru National Park is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Africa. The large population of flamingos often draws tourists from around the world. However, the population of these birds largely depends on the availability of algae on the lake.

There are times when weather conditions may result in less feed for the flamingos. When the growth of algae is minimal, probably due to increased precipitation, most flamingos migrate to other soda lakes in the region including Lake Bogoria in Kenya for better feeding and nesting.

Ultimately, Lake Nakuru National Park offers year-round wildlife viewing. The presence of other species of birds and mammals creates an exhilarating adventure for tourists who visit the park at any time of the year. However, some months tend to be more suitable for greater wild adventures.

The best time to visit Lake Nakuru National Park is from June to October and January to February. During this time of the year, days are sunny and vegetation cover is minimal for better wildlife viewing. However, it’s one of the high seasons in the park, so expect to meet crowds and many vehicles.

April and May are long-rain season months in the region while November and December are short rain months. During this period, the park is green. It’s the best time for birdwatching, but the long grasses and thick vegetation can make it difficult to spot animals. Rain might also interfere with game drives.

How to prepare for a Lake Nakuru Safari

By preparing adequately, you can make the most of your Lake Nakuru Safari. Here are some tips for a smooth and more enjoyable experience.

• Check with your doctor for any necessary vaccinations or health checkups before traveling to Kenya.
• Ensure you have the right travel documents and you meet the visa requirements to enter Kenya.
• Be aware of park rules and regulations and follow them.
• Bring a basic first aid kit with essentials like insect repellent and any personal medications.
• Book a safari package with a reputable tour operator. They can organize for guides, transportation, and accommodations.
• Carry a water bottle to stay hydrated and some snacks for energy during the safari.
• Pack lightweight, breathable clothing, a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen for sun protection.
• Wear comfortable and sturdy walking shoes for potential nature walks.
• If you’re into photography, bring a good camera with good batteries.
• For better sighting of birds and distant wildlife, carry a pair of binoculars.
• While in the park, keep a safe distance from animals, do not feed them.
• Listen to your guide’s instructions and stay patient. Wildlife sightings may require some waiting.

How to get to Lake Nakuru National Park

Lake Nakuru National Park is approximately 160 kilometers northwest of Nairobi, the capital city of Kenya. The nearest major airport is Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, located in Nairobi.

So, the most convenient way to reach Lake Nakuru is to drive from Nairobi.

Many tour operators offer guided safaris to Lake Nakuru National Park. Packages include transportation from Nairobi, park fees, accommodation, and guided game drives. If you’re confident in driving in Kenya, you can rent a car in Nairobi and drive to Lake Nakuru.

The journey takes around 2-3 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. The road to Nakuru is generally good and scenic. You can enjoy beautiful views of the Rift Valley, baboons, and herds of zebras on your way from Nairobi.

Final Word

Lake Nakuru National Park is a place to be. The destination is worth it and you won’t forget magical experiences in this prestigious park. Enjoy your stay in Kenya and Keep safe. For any clarification or request, don’t hesitate to contact us.