Lake Nakuru National park known as Birdwatchers paradise because of its flamingo population is one of the major parks in Kenya. It is three hours drive from Nairobi via the Nairobi-Nakuru Highway. It is located South of Nakuru town, the fourth largest town in Kenya after the Capital city , Nairobi, Mombasa and Kisumu. It is a birding safari in Kenya destination with over 400 species of birds and more than 50 mammals. The lake is famous for its large population of Flamingos that feed on the Algae on the lake ,the Flamingos are so many that at sometimes there even more than a million. It is the Flamingos on the shores of the lake that are the main attractions of the park.
Sometimes back in 1987 Lake Nakuru National park was declared a Rhino sanctuary, since then both the black and white rhino species in the park have significantly thrived. In a data collected from the park in 2009,there were more than twenty five eastern black Rhinoceros and more than seventy white Rhinoceros. The Rhinos can be seen randomly grazing or just resting under the acacia trees. The lake is surrounded by waterfalls, cliffs and forests. It provide water to both animals such as Zebra, Buffaloes, antelopes, and the endangered Rothschild’s giraffes and many more animals.
In 1977 the endangered Rothschild Giraffes was introduced into lake Nakuru National park. The Giraffes were relocated from Western Kenya and the park today has a good population of Rothschild Giraffes. Other species to be seen at the park include waterbuck, Cape Buffaloes, hyenas and Hippos. The fortunate visitors may get a glimpse of some lions, leopards and cheetahs. The park in recent days have recorded frequent leopards sightings. Lake Nakuru National park may be a standalone Kenya safari tour destination buy can also be combined with other well known National parks such as Tsavo , Amboseli and Maasai Mara.
Kenya safari activities to do at Lake Nakuru National park
You should visit the Baboon cliff
The Baboon cliff is located in the Northern Western side of the park and it is the highest point with the best view. Baboon cliff is a Viewpoint in the lake Nakuru National park. The Baboon Cliff gets its name from the group of Baboons that are found on these point of the park in their numbers. They are seen frequently roaming around the area. The Baboon cliff is a famous view point spot for picnics and there are benches that are have been set to provide a good and comfortable relaxation, it is here where many visitors spend their time having their packed lunch . While having your meal here ,you must be very careful with the Baboons ,who are known for stealing food. It is one of the places within the park with the best unmatched views, it has good panoramic views and it is best place to be especially during the mornings. The cliff is easily accessible by car with a set up parking and there are several hiking trails around the cliff for those who would wish to stretch their legs. The resting point has erected guard rails at the edges of the cliff for the safety of all visitors irrespective of their ages. There are also long drop toilet facilities making it the best stop especially for those who are on a family safari tour.
Makalia waterfall
There is a small waterfall in the southern part of Lake Nakuru National park called the Makalia falls. The flow of the water down the waterfall is so intense during the rainy season and sometimes it may even dry up during the dry season. The waterfall pours down at an height of around 10 M and they are fed by the Makalia River.
Go for Game and Bird watching safaris
Lake Nakuru National park offers a great opportunity for both game and bird watching ,the park is by itself beautiful and good for game drives that are provided by several tour companies and the pick up point being lodges ,hotels and airports. It is best for photography for a memorable safari experience with several Viewpoint to capture the entire Lake below and beautiful landscapes. The best place in the park that has the best view of the entire lake from a raised point is the Baboon cliff.
Out of Africa Viewpoint.
This is the most impressive view in the park . The hiking trail to the out of Africa Viewpoint is more steeper and has a bit of rocks and it is quite challenging than the one that leads to Baboon cliff. The Viewpoint became famous with the Hollywood appearance in the film Out of Africa which was aired in 1985.
Cycle with the rhino Annual Event
There is an annual cycling event which is hosted at Lake Nakuru National park which is known as Cycle with the Rhino. In this event ,hundreds of people gather to cycle round the entire park with the aim of to raise funds for the conservation of the community based project. The event despite being known as Cycle with the Rhino ,the event raises funds for different projects which help in the conservation efforts in the park such as erecting a perimeter fence to help in protecting human- wildlife conflict. The funds also help in reducing poaching in the park and since 2003 when the started, 18 kilometres have been built to protect the Baboons.
Lake Nakuru National park Entrance Fees
There are two seasons in Lake Nakuru National park; The High season and the Low season and the rates vary depending on the season.
High Season ( July- February)
| Citizen/Resident | Charges |
| Adult | Ksh 800 |
| Child | Ksh 215 |
| Non resident | Charges |
| Adult | 70 USD |
| Child | 20 USD |
Low Season (March- June)
| Citizen/Resident | Charges |
| Adult | Ksh 600 |
| Child | Ksh 215 |
| Non- Resident | Charges |
| Adult | 40 USD |
| Child | 20 USD |
Campsites found in Lake Nakuru National park.
There are seven campsite at Lake Nakuru National park.
- Reedbuck Campsite
- Chui Campsite
- Rhino campsite
- Makalia campsite
- Out of Africa
- Baboon Cliff
All visitors visiting Lake Nakuru National park are not allowed to walk on foot except on certain designated area and with the permission of the game wardens.
