The scenic Lake Nakuru and a National Park itself, is situated in the Great Rift Valley in Kenya. The Park is near Nakuru town, and is home to a variety of wildlife such as the “Big Five”. Lake Nakuru is a world heritage site famous for its million plus flamingo population, is also an ornithologist’s heaven with over 450 plus bird species and has unique forests of cactus euphorbia trees in addition to a sanctuary for rhinos.

Lake Nakuru National Park promises you an ornithological extravaganza. The lake park, granted the status of national park in 1961, now lies over the area of approximate 200 sq km. Lake Nakuru National Park is particularly known for its population of flamingos and fish-eating birds. Among the admirers of avian life the park is very popular.

Park Attractions:

The lake park is the spectacular concentration of pink flamingos whose number often reaches to more than a million. The park is also the home to more than 25 rhinos, one of the largest concentrations in Kenya. Lion, leopard, python, giraffe and waterbuck are other creatures found in the lake park.

Other than flamingos, two fish eating birds, pelicans and cormorants, are also popular among the tourists. A fish species called tilapia grahami has survived in the lake in spite of the tepid and alkaline waters of the lake. In additions to these birds, more than 400 bird species live in the lake and the park. More known among these species are the waders, stilts, ducks and avocets.

View points in the national park are Lion Hill, Baboon Cliff and Out of Africa. The tourists also visit Makalia waterfall.

Caution:

Conditions in the lake change and the birds migrate to other lakes. So do ensure to inquire about the presence of the birds before visiting the place.

Location:

Lake Nakaru National Park is located about 160km north of Nairobi, the Kenyan capital. It would be preferable to visit the lake in a day tour from Nairobi or as part of tour package to the Maasai Mara or Lake Baringo.

Best Time to Visit:

March to December

Accommodation:

Lodges are available in Nakaru town where one can stay. More known among these are Lake Nakaru Lodge and Sarova Lion Hill Lodge

Flamingos of Lake Nakaru:

Lake Nakaru is the home of two types of flamingo species. One is lesser flamingo which can be recognized by deep red carmin bill and pink plumage. Greater flamingo has a bill with a black tip. Flamingo population thrives on the abundant algae of the lake. A study conducted by the scientists’ shows that the flamingos eat about 250,000 kilos of algae per hectare of surface area per year.

ACCOMMODATION

• Flamingo Hill Camp
• Sarova Lion Hill Lodge,
• Lake Nakuru Lodge

MAP OF LAKE NAKURU NATIONAL PARK