Lake Nakuru National Park

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Ideal duration: 2-3 days

Best Time: June - October Read More

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"Where Flamingos Paint the Skies"

Lake Nakuru National Park Tourism

Lake Nakuru National Park, in Kenya's Great Rift Valley, is named after Lake Nakuru, a shallow soda lake. It's renowned for its pink colour, created by thousands of flamingos drawn to the algae in the lake. Besides being a flamingo haven, the park protects both black and white rhinoceros species, crucial for their conservation efforts.

In addition to flamingos, Lake Nakuru National Park hosts more than 450 bird species and waterbirds such as pelicans, cormorants, and herons. Its diverse landscape features acacia forests, vast grasslands, and rocky cliffs, providing habitats for various African wildlife like elephants, hippos, buffaloes, zebras, lions, leopards, hyenas, antelopes, and the endangered Rothschild's giraffes. Visitors can enjoy activities like birdwatching, hiking, picnics, game drives, and camping within the park.

Entry Fees:
Park Entry Fee Per Person:
Citizen: Adult – KSH 860, Child – KSH 215
Resident: Adult – KSH 860, Child – KSH 215
Non-resident: Adult – USD 60, Child – USD 35

Vehicle Fee Per Day:
Less than 6 seats - KSH 400
6 to 12 seats - KSH 1030
13 to 25 seats - KSH 2585
25 to 44 seats - KSH 4050
45 seats and above - KSH 5000

Special Activity Charges:
Night Game Drive (per person per trip) – KSH 2155
Guided Tours (per guide up to 4 hours & over 4 hours) – KSH 1720 / KSH 3015
Horse Riding (without rider) – KSH 2585
Private horses (per day) – KSH 1030
Walking Safaris (per person per day) – KSH 1500
Cycling (per day) – KSH 215

Entrance Gates and Timings:
Lake Nakuru National Park has two main entrance gates:
1. Main Gate: The main gate of Lake Nakuru National Park is located approximately 4 kilometres south of Nakuru town. This gate is the most commonly used entrance for visitors coming from Nakuru or Nairobi.
2. Lanet Gate: The Lanet Gate is another entrance point to Lake Nakuru National Park, located on the eastern side of the park. This gate is situated about 10 kilometres northeast of Nakuru town. It provides convenient access for visitors coming from the eastern part of Nakuru or Nairobi.
3. Naishi Gate: The Naishi Gate is located on the southern side of the park near the Naishi airstrip, offering proximity to the southern region of Lake Nakuru and providing convenient access for visitors coming from the southern part of Nakuru or Nairobi.
4. Nderit Gate: The Nderit Gate is a lesser-known and less frequently used entrance to Lake Nakuru National Park. Many visitors only become aware of this gate when they specifically intend to use it as an entry point. The Nderit Gate is typically utilized by those accessing Lake Nakuru National Park from Maasai Mara or Elementaita areas.
It's worth noting that specific regulations and restrictions may apply during certain times, such as the bird nesting season or any temporary closures for maintenance or conservation purposes. It's advisable to check with the park authorities or local tour operators for any updates or specific information before planning your visit.

Things to do in Lake Nakuru National Park

1. Game Drives Safari

Visitors can enjoy game drives to observe diverse wildlife, including giraffes, rhinos, buffaloes, zebras, lions, and numerous bird species. The best time for game drives is early morning or late afte (Read More)rnoon when animals are most active. Safaris typically last around 4 to 6 hours.

2. Birdwatching Safaris

Lake Nakuru National Park is renowned for its flamingos and over 400 bird species. Birdwatching safaris focus on wetlands and lakeshores. The best time for birdwatching is early morning or late aftern (Read More)oon. Safaris can last 4 to 6 hours.

3. Walking Safaris

Guided walking safaris provide an opportunity to explore the park on foot, study tracks, identify plants, and observe animal behaviour up close. The best time for walking safaris is usually early morn (Read More)ing or late afternoon. Safaris can range from a couple of hours to half a day.

4. Makalia Falls

This waterfall offers breathtaking views and is best visited in the morning to enjoy the cascading waters and capture beautiful photographs.

5. Lion Hill

Lion Hill in Lake Nakuru National Park is an elevated viewpoint that offers panoramic vistas of the surrounding landscapes, providing an excellent vantage point for admiring the beauty of the park and (Read More) potentially spotting majestic lions. You can visit it in the early morning or late afternoon to increase your chances of spotting lions and other wildlife.

6. Rhino Sanctuary

Lake Nakuru National Park is known for its successful rhino conservation efforts. It is recommended to visit the Rhino Sanctuary during the cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or late after (Read More)noon, to have a better chance of spotting rhinos.

7. Waterfalls

You can discover the park's waterfalls, such as Nyakweri and Kambi Ya Moto. These waterfalls can be visited during daylight hours, and the morning or late afternoon is recommended to capture their bea (Read More)uty in the best light.

8. Viewpoint Visits

Several viewpoints offer stunning panoramic vistas of Lake Nakuru, Baboon Cliff Viewpoint, Out of Africa Viewpoint, Lion Hill Summit, Makalia Falls, and the surrounding landscapes. Visitors can drive (Read More)or walk to these viewpoints for breathtaking views and photo opportunities. These viewpoints can be visited throughout the day, with early morning and late afternoon offering ideal lighting conditions.

Must Know Before You Travel to Lake Nakuru National Park

  • Park Timings: All entrance gates are open throughout the year from 07:00 AM to 06:00 PM.
  • Pre-booking: Booking for accommodations, safaris, and activities in Lake Nakuru National Park is highly recommended, ideally six months ahead.
  • Transfer from Airstrip: Most lodges and other accommodations offer transportation (pick-up and drop-off) service from the nearest airstrip (Naishi). You can check the same while booking your stay and get it arranged.
  • Cycle with Rhino: Each year in September, the park hosts the "Cycle with Rhino" event, where visitors participate in a cycling event while promoting rhino conservation awareness.
  • Best Time to See Flamingos: The best time to spot flamingos at Lake Nakuru in Kenya is during the dry-hot season in January and February. You can also see them in July, August, September, and December.
  • Fluctuating Flamingo Numbers: Flamingo numbers can vary due to specific lake conditions. Before your visit, check with your tour operator to ensure flamingos are present.
  • Personal Vehicle Access: Visitors can use their own vehicles within the park.
  • Safari Arrangements: Lake Nakuru National Park does not directly offer safaris or organized tours. Instead, visitors can explore the park with the help of reputable safari operators, lodges, or tour companies.
  • Vehicle Fees: A separate fee is applicable for private vehicles as well as public vehicles entering the park depending on the type of vehicle.
  • Vaccinations: It is recommended to consult a healthcare professional or travel clinic for specific vaccination requirements. Still, common recommendations for Lake Nakuru National Park include routine vaccinations, hepatitis A, typhoid, and consideration of yellow fever if travelling from a high-risk area.

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Wildlife in the Lake Nakuru National Park

Lake Nakuru National Park is particularly famous for its vibrant flamingo populations on the shores of Lake Nakuru, along with African fish eagles, pied kingfishers, marabou storks, sacred ibises, and other fascinating bird species. The park is home to African elephants, endangered black and white rhinos, Rothschild's giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, lions, leopards, hyenas, and various antelope species. The lake itself attracts pelicans, cormorants, and a diverse range of waterfowl species. Additionally, the park boasts Nile crocodiles, monitor lizards, and various snakes among its reptilian inhabitants.

Travel Tips for Lake Nakuru

  • Payment Methods: It is advisable to carry enough cash as credit or debit cards may not be accepted everywhere.
  • ATM: The nearest ATM is in Nakuru town. It is best to withdraw cash before entering the park.
  • Shopping: Souvenirs can be purchased in lodge gift shops inside the park, but they tend to be expensive. You can consider exploring and shopping in Nakuru town for similar items at lower prices if you have the time for it. 
  • Best Spot for Birdwatching: For prime birdwatching, visit Baboon Cliff in the park. From there, you can see Lake Nakuru and the striking pink hue created by flocks of flamingoes.
  • Mobile Network: The major Kenyan mobile network providers, such as Safaricom, Airtel, and Telkom, generally have coverage in and around Lake Nakuru National Park.

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How to Reach Lake Nakuru National Park

How to Reach Overview

To reach Lake Nakuru National Park which is approximately 160 kilometres (100 miles) northwest of Nairobi, a scenic drive or taking a flight to the nearest airstrip from Nairobi is the most preferred mode of transport. 

How to reach Lake Nakuru National Park by flight

Lake Nakuru National Park can be accessed by air through the Naishi airstrip, located within the park. The closest International airport to Lake Nakuru National Park is Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, which is approximately 160 kilometres away. From the airport, you can take a domestic flight to the smaller Nairobi Wilson Airport. Several domestic airlines offer scheduled flights from Nairobi's Wilson Airport to the Naishi airstrip. The flight duration is approximately 30 minutes and it's a short drive of about 10 kilometres to the park's main gate.

How to reach Lake Nakuru National Park by road

The most common way to reach Lake Nakuru National Park is by road. From Nairobi, you can drive northwest along the A104 highway towards Nakuru. The distance between Nairobi and Nakuru is approximately 160 kilometres, and the journey takes around 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on traffic conditions. Once you reach Nakuru, it's just a short drive of about 4 kilometres to the park's main gate.

Lake Nakuru can be accessed by road from various nearby national parks. The distance from the Masai Mara National Reserve is approximately 235 km (150 miles), with a driving time of about 6 hours. If you're coming from Samburu National Reserve in the north, the distance is around 300 km and the drive takes about 5 and a half hours. The driving time from the Laikipia Plateau depends on the specific reserve you're departing from, ranging from 3 to 7 hours.

How to reach Lake Nakuru National Park by train

The Kisumu Safari train operates between Nairobi and Kisumu, making stopovers at various stations including Naivasha, Nakuru, and Muhoroni. The train departs from Nairobi on Fridays at 18:30 hrs and arrives in Kisumu the next morning at 06:30 hrs. The return trip departs from Kisumu on Sundays at 18:30 hrs and reaches Nairobi at 06:35 hrs. First-class tickets cost KSH 2,000, while Economy-class tickets are priced at KSH 600. The train journey takes approximately 2 hours, and once you arrive in Nakuru, you can hire a taxi or use local transport to reach the park, which is about 4 kilometres away.

How to reach Lake Nakuru National Park by bus

Buses or Matatus (shared taxis) are available from Nairobi to Nakuru town, and from there, you can hire a taxi or take a Matatu heading to Lake Nakuru National Park, which is around 7 kilometres (4 miles) from Nakuru town.

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