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Lake Nakuru is among Kenya’s finest national parks and is dominated by one of Rift Valley’s most beautiful lakes. The park lies 140 km northwest of Nairobi. The ecosystem comprises the lake, surrounded by mainly wooded, bushy grasslands and rocky escarpments. The park supports a wide ecological diversity with Flamingos (Greater and Lesser) and other water birds, which sometimes give color and texture to the shoreline. Although rising water levels in 2014 forced the park’s famous flamingos to flee, a small number has returned, and the lake is now hauntingly surrounded by downed trees.
The ecosystem provides for about 56 different species of mammals, including white and black rhinos, buffalos, and a variety of terrestrial birds, numbering nearly 500.
Includes Thompson’s and Grant’s gazelle, the rare long-eared leaf-nosed bat, colobus monkey, rock hyrax, hippo, leopard, lion, rhino, waterbuck, impala, gazelle, striped hyena, bat-eared fox, wildcat, reedbuck, and golden cat.
Restocked mammals include lions, black and white rhinos, and the endangered Rothschild’s giraffe.
There are more than 500 species recorded at Lake Nakuru National Park. The lake is a birding hotspot and supports a lot of birdlife, including large flocks of pelicans.
Other notable species include the Abyssinian thrush, Arrow-marked Babbler, Bateleur, Black-tailed Godwit, Black-winged Lapwing, Brimstone Canary, Brown-backed Scrub-Robin, Crab-plover, European Roller, Grey-crowned Crane, Grey-headed Woodpecker, Great Snipe, Greater Spotted Eagle, Grey-crested Helmet-shrike, Hildebrandt’s Starling, Eastern Imperial Eagle, Kenya Rufous Sparrow, Lappet-faced Vulture, Lesser Kestrel, Long-tailed Widowbird, Maccoa Duck, Montane White-eye, Northern Puffback, Pallid Harrier, Red-capped Lark, Rufous-throated Wryneck, Rüppell’s Vulture, Rüppell’s Robin-chat, Schalow’s Wheatear, Shining Sunbird, Slender-billed Greenbul, Sooty Falcon, Speke’s Weaver, Western Reef Heron, White-fronted Bee-eater, and the White-headed Vulture.
Unfortunately, flamingos are no longer the drawcard here as the unfavorable conditions have driven them to other Rift Valley lakes.
Roads: The park has a tarmac road connection with Nairobi. The most commonly used route into the park is via the main gate, 4 km from Nakuru Town Center. It is also possible to enter the park from the main Nairobi-Nakuru highway at Lanet Gate. The Nderit Gate is used by people accessing the park from Maasai Mara or Elmenteita.
There is no public transport from the town into the park – contact your accommodation for a transfer from the city, or rent a vehicle in Nakuru.
Getting Around: The park is accessible in a 2WD, though most visitors stay in the park and take hotel-run safaris. You can explore the park alone, but guides are available for KSh2500 per four hours.
Park Size: 188 sq. Km
Park Fees: Check KWS Website for updated fees. You’ll need to pay KSh 350 per car to bring your vehicle into the park.
When is the best time to visit Lake Nakuru National Park?
Animal viewing is generally good year-round, but avoid the peak of the rainy season, from March to May.
Do you have any budget tips?
Stay outside the park; you’ll pay far less for accommodation and won’t risk needing a permit for longer than 24 hours.
Lake Nakuru National Park, Nakuru, Kenya
Monday
6:00 am - 6:00 pm
Tuesday
6:00 am - 6:00 pm
Wednesday
6:00 am - 6:00 pm
Thursday
6:00 am - 6:00 pm
Friday
6:00 am - 6:00 pm
Saturday
6:00 am - 6:00 pm
Sunday
6:00 am - 6:00 pm
Nov 5, 2024 5:00 am local time
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