Lake Nakuru National Park 

Fantastic place to see rhino and sightings of lion and leopard are possible.

Introducing Lake Nakuru National Park

The breathtaking Lake Nakuru National Park is a mecca for a plethora of birds, specifically the lesser flamingo. These fascinating birds, bright pink in colour, stand on tall stilted legs and their knees bend backwards each time they take a step. Enjoy a thrilling drive through the fascinating Rift Valley where the sight of a sweeping flamboyance of flamingos is an overwhelming attraction. A unique take on ‘pretty in pink’, spend some time observing these unique creatures.

Wading in picturesque Lake Nakuru these flamingos create a stunning spectacle as they take flight from the surface of the lake. 2.5 million gangly-legged, shockingly pink-feathered birds caught up in a powerful surge as they glide through the air in an enormous V formation. The ideal time to observe these blush coloured birds is during the dry-hot season in January and February. Even if you don’t see the magnificent flamingos, there are a myriad other wildlife that you will be able to view at the shoreline.

Experience the Lake Nakuru National Park

  • Wildlife
  • Birdlife

Wildlife at the Lake Nakuru National Park

Many big safari animals are present in Lake Nakuru National Park, except for elephants. The park is known for its populations of black and white rhino. White rhino is particularly easy to see, and different groups can be encountered throughout the day, especially around the causeway at the western end of the lake. Lake Nakuru is also an important refuge for the Rothschild’s giraffe, which inhabits the acacia forests extending out from the western end of the lake.

In addition to rhino, Rothschild's giraffe was introduced here in the 1980s and has now become locally common. Vervet monkey and olive baboon are very common, but the beautiful black-and-white colobus monkey is rarer than it used to be. Tree-climbing lions are possible highlights. The acacia forest behind Mikingo Hill is a good place to look for leopards. Hippo, waterbuck, plains zebra, eland and Thomson’s gazelle are common on the floodplains.

Birdlife at the Lake Nakuru National Park

Lake Nakuru National Park is a great birding destination with more than 400 species recorded. The soda lake is a birding hot spot and supports a lot of birdlife, including flamingos and pelicans at the western end of the lake. Nakuru is also one of the best places in Kenya to see the striking long-tailed widowbird. There is a good variety of raptors including Verreaux’s and long-crested eagle.

Bird watching in Lake Nakuru National Park is good year-round, although the best time for birders is from November to March. At this time, you’ll enjoy the best weather and the presence of migratory birds from Europe and North Africa (in the park November through April). This is also the breeding season and many birds are in full plumage. In addition to the migratory species, many interesting birds are here throughout the year.

Best time to visit Lake Nakuru National Park

Lake Nakuru National Park offers good wildlife viewing throughout the year, but the best months are from June to February. The rains might interfere with game drives and road conditions can be poor in the wettest months (April and May). However, the reorientation of some tracks to avoid the lake’s rising water levels has made trail conditions more consistent.



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