How to get to Lake Nakuru National Park : Lake Nakuru national park is one of the rift valley lakes situated at an elevation of about 1,755 meters above the sea level. Lake Nakuru national park is located in the south of Nakuru County with Nakuru Town as the nearest developed town, about 164 kilometers about 2 hours drive from Nairobi city the capital of Kenya. Lake Nakuru national park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site recognized in 2011, an Important Birding Area recognized in 2009 and a Ramsar site recognized in 1990. Lake Nakuru National Park is a wildlife kingdom and a birders paradise in Kenya with scenic views created by Lake Nakuru, millions of pink flamingos and other picturesque sites dotted around the park, the park covers an area of 45 square kilometers.
Lake Nakuru national park is one of the great wildlife habitats in Kenya hosting about 56 different species of mammals including 4 of the big 5 such as lions, rhinos, leopards and cape buffaloes). Animals in Lake Nakuru National Park include white rhinos, lions, cheetahs, leopards, buffaloes, elands, waterbucks, hyenas, black and white colobus monkeys, vervet monkeys, olive baboon and rare Rothschild’s giraffe among others. The park is also home to a recorded 400 bird species including Madagascar Pond-Heron, Lesser Flamingo, Pallid Harrier, Greater Spotted Eagle, Grey-crested Helmet-shrike along with large congregations of Greater Flamingo, Black-necked Grebe, Little Grebe, Great White Pelican, Yellow-billed Stork, African Spoonbill, Black-winged Stilt, Grey-headed Gull and Gull-billed Tern among others.
How to get in to Lake Nakuru National Park
Getting to the by road
Getting to Lake Nakuru National Park by road offers travers a delightful and scenic experience, offering them in the beauty of Kenya’s landscape. As you embark on your journey, the famous route to access the park is the route from Nairobi to Nakuru which takes typically 2 to 3 hours, covering approximately 160 kilometers. The drive weaves through the picturesque Great Rift Valley, presenting breathtaking views of hills, lush vegetation and at times herds of wildlife in the distance. The highway is well-maintained, featuring several stops along the way for refreshments and local crafts. Travelers often pause to take in the astonishing views from lookout, where the expansive valley sprawls beneath them, adorned with patches of greenery that can be a welcome respite from the urban environment. The journey offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture as small towns along the route reveal a daily life of the communities that thrives in this vibrant region.
By air transport
Alternatively, one can opt for air travel to reach to Lake Nakuru National Park more swiftly. The nearest airport is the Nakuru Airport, which primarily serves domestic flights, allowing visitors to connect from Nairobi’s Wilson airport or Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. Although the flights itself is short, taking about 30-45 minutes, it offers a distinct aerial view of the stunning Rift Valley and the remarkable landscapes surrounding the park. Upon landing to Nakuru Airport, visitors can arrange for local transport means such as taxis or hired vehicles, to take you direct to the park entrance.
Things to do in Lake Nakuru National Park
Wildlife safaris
Embarking on a wildlife safari at Lake Nakuru National Park offers an unforgettable opportunity to observe Kenya’s diverse fauna. Visitors can navigate through the park’s various ecosystem including woodlands, savannahs and wetlands to encounter a myriad of species. The park is famous of its incredible rhinos, as it us a sanctuary for both black and white rhinos, making it a significant location for conservations effort. Beyond the rhinos, Lake Nakuru National is home to a variety of wildlife such as lion, cape buffaloes, elephants, leopards, zebras and several antelopes. Wildlife safaris in the park are conducted in scheduled times that’s to say earl morning and evening games safaris. During your wildlife safaris in the park, you will have the chance to spot a variety of these fascinating species including colorful birds and the flowering plants. Guided tours whether by vehicles or on foot offers visitors with the chance to learn about the animal’s behavior and habitats from experienced guides.
Birding
Lake Nakuru National Park is renowned as a birdwatcher’s paradise one of the best birding destinations in Kenya. The park is home to over 400 species of birds, with the most famous being the lesser flamingos that flock to the lake, often in their million. The bright pink spectacle that creates while feeding on the lake’s algae is a breathtaking sight. Beyond flamingos, birders during they birdwatching tours in Lake Nakuru National Park have the ample opportunities to spot others bird species that call the park home such as Madagascar Pond-Heron, Lesser Flamingo, Pallid Harrier, Greater Spotted Eagle, Grey-crested Helmet-shrike along with large congregations of Greater Flamingo, Black-necked Grebe, Little Grebe, Great White Pelican, Yellow-billed Stork, African Spoonbill, Black-winged Stilt, Grey-headed Gull and Gull-billed Tern among others.
Scenic photography
The photographic opportunities at Lake Nakuru National Park are truly remarkable, making it a haven for both amateur and professional photographers. The park’s dramatic landscape, characterized by the vast alkaline lake surrounded by lush green hills and acacia forest, provide a stunning view for capturing the beauty of nature. The best time for photography is during the golden hours that’s to say early morning and late golden the soft light enhances the vibrant colors of the flamingos and the rich flora. The park offers various viewpoint where visitors a scenic photography tours can capture sweeping panoramas, the stunning pink hue of the flamingo’s flock and close-ups of the park’s diverse wildlife among others.
Hiking and nature walks
Hiking and nature walks offer the best safari experience to very traveler while on a Kenya safari in the Lake Nakuru National Park. hiking and nature walk tours id one way you can explore the hidden gems of the park on foot, allowing visitors to traverse its diverse landscape while observing wildlife and flora at a leisurely pace. The hiking routes vary in difficulty, catering to both seasoned hikers and families seeking a gentle stroll. These guided walks can lead you through the ecological areas, providing fascinating insights into the interdependence of species and the significance of conservation efforts in preserving this unique ecosystem.
Best time to visit Lake Nakuru National Park
The best time to visit the park is during the dry season, which typically falls between June to March. During this time, the grasslands are less dense, making its easier to spot wildlife such as rhino, buffaloes, elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras and various antelopes in their natural habitat. additionally, the waters levels in the lake are lower, which attracts large flocks of flamingos creating a breathtaking sight. Visiting the park during the dry season also means a lower chances of rains, allowing for more enjoyable game drives and other outdoor activities. The temperatures are generally cooler, making it more comfortable for visitors to explore the park and take in the stunning views of the surrounding landscapes.
Another factor to consider when planning to visit Lake Nakuru National Park is the great migration of wildebeest and zebras, which typically occurs in the nearby maasi mara national reserve from July to October. This means that there is a higher likelihood of seeking these captivating animals passing through the park during tis time, adding to the overall safari experience.
Accommodation facilities in Lake Nakuru National Park
Lake Nakuru national park has a number of friendly and comfortable accommodation facilities to stay at during your Kenya safari, the accommodation facilities are offered as luxury, midrange and budget levels such as Ziwa bush lodges, Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge, Top Cliff Lodge, The Cliff Nakuru, Sleepway cottages, Sarova Lion Hill Camp, Lake Nakuru Flamingo Hill Tented Camp, Mbweha camp and Lake Nakuru Lodge among others
Contact our trusted tour operators for information and inquiries about how to get in the park and Book with our tours and travel companies such as; Focus East Africa Tours who offer the best tour packages while on your safari in Kenya.
