LAKE NAKURU NATIONAL PARK

Lake Nakuru National Park stands out as a premier destination within Kenya due to its unique feature, Lake Nakuru, a soda lake nestled within the Great Rift Valley, Northwest of Nairobi City. With three primary entry points, visitors are greeted with a diverse array of wildlife upon entering the park. Notably, the park is renowned for its vibrant flamingo population, which casts a stunning pink hue over the lake, creating a breathtaking sight for visitors.

While Lake Nakuru National Park is celebrated for its avian diversity, it also serves as a prime destination for wildlife enthusiasts. The park is inhabited by a plethora of animal species, including over 100 endangered rhinos, comprising both black and white rhinoceros. Additionally, the park is home to the endangered Rothschild’s giraffe and hosts a variety of other wildlife such as buffalos, waterbucks, lions, and impalas, totaling more than 50 species in all.

Despite its smaller size compared to other parks in Kenya, Lake Nakuru National Park is teeming with wildlife, including waterbucks, white and black rhinos, Rothschild giraffes, leopards, lions, and cheetahs, offering visitors unforgettable encounters with nature’s wonders.

The history of Lake Nakuru National Park

The history of Lake Nakuru National Park is characterized by its prominence as a sanctuary for diverse wildlife, most notably the striking colonies of flamingos that grace the shores of Lake Nakuru. Regarded as one of Kenya’s premier game parks, The park stands out as one of only three such parks in the country, attracting a significant number of visitors annually.

While Lake Nakuru National Park is celebrated for its avian diversity, it also serves as a prime destination for wildlife enthusiasts.

Attractions in Lake Nakuru National Park

Location Lake Nakuru National Park

Conveniently located a short distance from Nairobi, the capital city of Kenya, Lake Nakuru National Park is easily accessible and is adjacent to other notable parks like Hells Gate National Park and Naivasha National Park. Additionally, the Soysambu Conservancy borders the southeastern boundary of the park.

To reach Lake Nakuru National Park, visitors can travel by road from Nairobi, driving to the park’s entry gates near Nakuru town or accessing the Lanet gate from the Nairobi-Nakuru highway. Alternatively, tourists can opt for air travel, utilizing Naishi Airstrip located in the park’s southern region.

Lake Nakuru National Park-Nderit gate

Getting To Lake Nakuru National Park

Getting To Lake Nakuru National Park are majorly by road & by flight/air

By Roads: The park enjoys a tarmac road connection with Nairobi, situated approximately 156 km northwest of the capital along the main A104 road. The primary entrance to the park is via the main gate, located just 4 km from Nakuru Town Centre. Additionally, visitors can access the park from the main Nairobi-Nakuru road at Lanet Gate. The Nderit Gate serves travelers coming from Masai Mara or Elementaita.

Airstrips: For tourists and Kenya Wildlife Services (KWS) activities, the Naishi airstrip serves as the primary airstrip for the park. Park Roads: Lake Nakuru National Park boasts a network of well-maintained motorable roads, ensuring accessibility to most parts of the park.

Entry into Lake Nakuru National Park is facilitated through various gates, including the Nderit gate, though the Lanet gate serves as the main entrance and is situated near Nakuru town.

Getting To Lake Nakuru National Park

Top Sights/Attractions In The Park

Lake Nakuru National Park boasts a rich diversity of bird species, comprising both migratory and native varieties. Among them are the greater and lesser flamingos, African fish eagle, goliath heron, hammerkops, pied kingfishers, eagles, white pelicans, Hottentot teals, starlings, black-winged lapwings, and grey crowned cranes.

Within the park, visitors can discover Makalia Waterfalls in the southern region, offering opportunities for hikes and picnics amidst the picturesque surroundings. Several viewpoints, including Baboon Cliff and Makalia Cliff, provide excellent vantage points for observing wildlife and enjoying the park’s natural beauty.

Lake Nakuru is sustained by rivers such as the Njoro River, Makalia River, and Enderit River, which provide water to the lake.

Activities  In Lake Nakuru National Park

Visitors to Lake Nakuru National Park can partake in a range of activities, including exhilarating game drives offering close encounters with diverse wildlife such as white rhinos, leopards, lions, giraffes, hippos, impalas, and waterbucks. These drives, conducted at different times of the day, provide unique wildlife viewing experiences.

Birdwatching is another popular activity in the park, with numerous bird species inhabiting the various birding spots within its bounds. Additionally, hiking opportunities abound as tourists explore viewpoints offering panoramic vistas of the park’s stunning landscape. Among the park’s attractions, Lake Nakuru stands out as a focal point, attracting large populations of flamingos to its alkaline shores, where they feed on algae.

The lake is also a haven for various bird species, both native and migratory, making it a paradise for birdwatchers. Visitors can spot lesser and greater flamingos with their distinctive pink plumage from viewpoints such as Baboon Cliff and Lion Hill.

Accommodations or Where To Stay In The Park

Accommodation options around Lake Nakuru cater to various preferences and budgets, ranging from luxury lodges like Sarova Lion Hill Lodge and Lake Nakuru Lodge to midrange options such as Lake Nakuru Flamingo Lodge and Merica Hotel. Camping is also available, with campsites like Naishi Campsite, Rhino Campsite, and Soysambu Campsite offering immersive experiences amidst nature.

sarova-lion-hill-game

Sarova Lion hill Game Lodge

enashipai resort & Spa

Enashipai Resort & Spa

 

Mbweha camp-lake nakuru national perk

Mbweha Camp-Lake Nakuru

lake nakuru flamingo

Lake Nakuru Flamingo Lodge

Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge

Nakuru Sopa Lodge

Lake nakuru lodge

Lake Nakuru Lodge

merica-hotel

Merica Hotel-Lake Nakuru

the cliff lodge

The Cliff

Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge

Sawela Lodges-Lake Nakuru

 

jerika county lodge

JariKa hotel-lake Nakuru