Lake Nakuru National Park is a wildlife haven on the floor of Kenya’s Great Rift Valley, famous for its flamingos and a sanctuary for rhinos, lions, and other diverse wildlife. Covering around 188 square kilometers, the park is centered on Lake Nakuru, a shallow alkaline lake famous for attracting thousands of flamingos and over 450 other bird species, making it a true haven for birdwatchers. Beyond its birdlife, the park is also a sanctuary for endangered species such as both black and white rhinos, as well as Rothschild’s giraffes, which are rarely found elsewhere in Kenya.

The park’s landscape is diverse, with wooded and bushy grasslands, euphorbia forests, acacia woodlands, open savannah, and scenic ridges that provide excellent viewpoints over the lake. Wildlife is abundant, including buffalos, zebras, waterbucks, lions, leopards, baboons, and warthogs, ensuring a rewarding safari experience.

Easily accessible from Nairobi, Lake Nakuru National Park is popular for both day trips and extended safaris. Its compact size allows visitors to see a variety of animals and birds in just a short time, while its rich biodiversity and dramatic scenery make it one of Kenya’s most visited and cherished parks.

Key Features and Attractions

The Flamingos:

The park is renowned for the large numbers of greater and lesser flamingos that gather at Lake Nakuru, feeding on the lake’s blue-green algae. 

Rhino Sanctuary:

Lake Nakuru is one of the few places in Kenya where visitors are sure to see both black and white rhinos. 

Diverse Wildlife:

Besides rhinos, the park is home to lions, leopards, buffalos, giraffes, zebras, and numerous antelope species. 

Birdlife:

With over 450 bird species, the park is a paradise for birdwatchers. 

Habitat Variety:

The park features a wide range of habitats, including the alkaline lake, wooded and bushy grasslands, and the largest Euphorbia forest in Africa. 

Activities

Game Drives:

Explore the park’s varied landscapes to view wildlife and enjoy stunning scenery. 

Bird Watching:

With an abundance of bird species, Lake Nakuru is a prime destination for birding. 

Hiking and Picnics:

Visitors can enjoy hiking and picnicking in the park’s beautiful environment