Lake Nakuru

A shimmering lake, pink flamingo flocks, and lush forests: Lake Nakuru National Park is a fascinating gem in the heart of Kenya. Here you’ll experience wildlife and nature in incredible diversity within a compact area.

Rhino at Lake Nakuru
Lion in Lake Nakuru National Park
Zebras and cranes
View over Lake Nakuru
Running zebras
Lake Nakuru National Park
Flamingos & Rhinos Flamingos & Rhinos
Year-round Year-round
Midrange price level Midrange price level
1 day 1 day

Lake Nakuru National Park lies in the heart of Kenya, about 160 kilometers northwest of Nairobi, covering around 188 square kilometers. At its center is the eponymous soda lake, whose color shifts between blue, turquoise, and pink depending on mineral content and light conditions. During dry seasons, the lake can shrink considerably, revealing wide shorelines encrusted with salt—a truly captivating sight.

The park’s landscape is astonishingly varied: in addition to open grasslands, there are dense acacia and euphorbia forests, steep cliffs, and rolling volcanic rock formations. One of the most impressive spots is Baboon Cliff, a viewpoint offering sweeping vistas over the lake, the Rift Valley, and the surrounding forests.

Lake Nakuru is known for its highly fluctuating water levels, which have caused repeated flooding in recent years. These changes have not only transformed the ecosystem but also altered roads and lodges within the park. Despite this, the lake remains a natural wonder—its shimmering surface reflecting dramatic clouds and the hills beyond.

animals-lake-nakuru

Animals in Lake Nakuru National Park

Lake Nakuru is world-famous for its flamingos, which often turn the lake’s shores into a sea of pink. But the park offers much more: both black and white rhinos live here, making it one of Kenya’s key rhino sanctuaries.

Leopards, lions, buffaloes, waterbucks, zebras, baboons, klipspringers, and countless bird species also inhabit the park. Over 450 bird species have been recorded, including pelicans, fish eagles, and cormorants.

The park’s relatively small size makes it ideal for intense wildlife viewing, often possible in just a single game drive.

Highlights

  • 01

    Flamingos & Pelicans

    The shores of Lake Nakuru are famous for vast flocks of flamingos that tint the water bright pink. Many pelicans and other water birds can also be found here.

  • 02

    Rhino Sanctuary

    The park is an important rhino sanctuary in Kenya. Both black and white rhinos live safely here, although the population is smaller than in Ol Pejeta, which is considered the country’s premier rhino reserve.

  • 03

    Baboon Cliff

    From Baboon Cliff viewpoint, you’ll enjoy sweeping views of the lake and surrounding forests—a fantastic spot for spectacular landscape and wildlife photography.

  • 04

    Diversity in a Small Area

    Lake Nakuru offers an incredible variety of habitats and wildlife in a relatively compact space. Perfect for travelers with limited time who still want a rich safari experience.

Activities

Game Drive

Spot rhinos, lions, and the park’s famous flamingos.

Safari in Lake Nakuru National Park

Bird Watching

Over 450 bird species make Lake Nakuru a paradise for bird lovers.

Bird watching in Lake Nakuru National Park

Getting There

By Car

By Car

From Nairobi, you can reach Lake Nakuru in about 3 to 4 hours. The route passes through the Rift Valley and offers beautiful viewpoints along the way.

By Plane

By Plane

Charter flights to the nearby Nakuru Airstrip are available. From there, the transfer to the park takes only a few minutes.

Ready for Your Adventure?

Whether you want to witness flamingo flocks, track rhinos, or enjoy the stunning views from Baboon Cliff—Lake Nakuru is waiting for your safari adventure!

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