Lake Nakuru National Park is one of Kenya’s most iconic protected areas, located in the Great Rift Valley, just 160 km northwest of Nairobi. The park is named after the alkaline Lake Nakuru, which lies at its center and is famous for attracting thousands of flamingos that line its shores in a vibrant pink spectacle.
The park is internationally renowned for its birdlife, with over 400 bird species recorded. Besides the lesser and greater flamingos, birdwatchers can spot pelicans, African fish eagles, herons, and the rare grey crowned crane. The lake and surrounding acacia woodland provide diverse habitats that support this rich avian population.
Lake Nakuru National Park is a sanctuary for both black and white rhinos, making it one of the best places in Kenya to see these endangered animals. The park also supports large populations of buffaloes, zebras, giraffes, and waterbucks. In recent years, it has become a safe haven for the Rothschild’s giraffe, which was introduced to boost conservation efforts.
Though it’s a fenced park, it offers a chance to see predators like lions and leopards, along with smaller carnivores such as jackals and hyenas.
Beyond the wildlife, Lake Nakuru National Park is known for its dramatic landscapes—rolling grasslands, rocky escarpments, and lush acacia forests. One of the most picturesque viewpoints is Baboon Cliff, offering panoramic views of the lake and surrounding terrain, often with wildlife visible below.
Popular activities in the park include:
The park is easily accessible by road from Nairobi or by air through the Naishi airstrip for charter flights.
Lake Nakuru can be visited year-round, but the dry seasons (January to March and July to October) offer the best conditions for wildlife viewing. During the rainy season, some roads may become impassable, but the scenery is lush and flamingo numbers may increase depending on water levels.
