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Lake Nakuru National Park, Kenya

Lake Nakuru National Park rhinos

“A beautiful wildlife haven”

On the floor of the Great Rift Valley, surrounded by wooded and bushy grassland, lies the beautiful Lake Nakuru National Park. Visitors can enjoy the wide ecological diversity and varied habitats that range from Lake Nakuru itself to the surrounding escarpment and picturesque ridges. Lake Nakuru National Park is ideal for bird watching, hiking,picnic and game drives.

  • Roads:The park has a tarmac road connection with Nairobi, a distance of 156 km north west of Nairobi on the main A104 road. The most commonly used route into the park is via the main gate, 4 km from Nakuru Town Centre. It is also possible to enter the park from the main Nairobi Nakuru road at Lanet Gate. The Nderit Gate is used by people accessing the park from Masai Mara or Elementaita.
  • Airstrips:The Naishi airstrip services the park for tourism and KWS activities.
  • Park Roads:The park has an adequate and well serviced motorable roads that make most parts of the park accessible.
  • Park Gates:Lanet and Nderit gates are located on the Larger part of the Park on the Eastern side. Old Main gate is located on the Northern Western side of the Park and still accessible but due to the rise of water level you cannot make a full circuit to connect to the Eastern side. Visitors with tickets are allowed to access both sides of the park without paying extra charges.
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    • Flamingo (Greater and Lesser) and other water birds including a variety of terrestrial birds numbering about 450 species in total.
    • Mammals: 56 different species including white rhinos,waterbuck etc.
    • View-points: Lion hill, Baboon cliff and Out of Africa
    • Hills: Enasoit, Honeymoon, Lion hill ridge etc
    • Waterfalls: Makalia.
    • Unique vegetation: About 550 different plant species including the unique and biggest euphorbia forest in Africa, Picturesque landscape and yellow acacia woodlands.
    • Cycle with rhino event every September yearly

  1. Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge: Located on the eastern side of Lake Nakuru, Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge offers comfortable accommodations with panoramic views of the lake and the park. The lodge provides a range of amenities, including a swimming pool, restaurant, and guided safari tours.

  2. Lake Nakuru Lodge: Situated near the main entrance to Lake Nakuru National Park, Lake Nakuru Lodge offers chalet-style accommodations surrounded by lush gardens. Guests can enjoy amenities such as a swimming pool, restaurant, and guided game drives.

  3. Flamingo Hill Tented Camp: This tented camp is located just outside the park’s boundary and offers luxury tented accommodations with modern amenities. Guests can enjoy guided game drives, birdwatching tours, and cultural visits to nearby communities.

  4. Lake Nakuru Sopa lodge: Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge is a luxury lodge that is located in the hills in the rift valley. This lodge has facilities that include 60 rooms some of which are wheelchair accessible which favors the disabled guests. Other facilities at Lake Nakuru Sopa lodge include a bar and lounge, a restaurant, a swimming pool, a board room as well as Wi-Fi. There are also a number of activities which are organized by this lodge and they include game drives, bush dinners, bird watching, nature walks as well as board games.

  5. Mbweha Camp: Situated in the private Soysambu Conservancy adjacent to Lake Nakuru National Park, Mbweha Camp offers rustic-chic accommodations in spacious cottages. The camp provides guided nature walks, game drives, and bush dinners.

  6. KWS Guest House: Managed by the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), the guesthouse is located near the main gate of Lake Nakuru National Park. It offers simple yet comfortable accommodations with basic amenities, ideal for budget-conscious travelers.

  7. The Cliff Nakuru: This luxury boutique hotel is located atop a cliff overlooking Lake Nakuru, offering panoramic views of the park. The Cliff Nakuru provides upscale accommodations, fine dining options, and personalized safari experiences.

Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about Lake Nakuru National Park:

  1. Where is Lake Nakuru National Park located?

    • Lake Nakuru National Park is located in the Rift Valley region of Kenya, approximately 160 kilometers northwest of Nairobi, the capital city.

  2. What is the size of Lake Nakuru National Park?

    • The park covers an area of approximately 188 square kilometers (73 square miles), with the lake itself covering about one-third of the park’s total area.

  3. What is the main attraction of Lake Nakuru National Park?

    • The park is renowned for its large population of flamingos, which gather along the shores of Lake Nakuru to feed on the algae-rich waters. Additionally, the park is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including rhinos, lions, leopards, buffaloes, and numerous bird species.

  4. How do I get to Lake Nakuru National Park?

    • Lake Nakuru National Park can be reached by road from Nairobi, with the journey taking approximately 2 to 3 hours depending on traffic and road conditions. Alternatively, domestic flights are available to nearby airstrips, followed by a short drive to the park.

  5. What activities can I do in Lake Nakuru National Park?

    • Visitors to the park can enjoy game drives to view wildlife such as rhinos, giraffes, zebras, and various bird species. Other activities include birdwatching, nature walks, picnics, and visits to viewpoints overlooking the lake.

  6. Is it safe to visit Lake Nakuru National Park?

    • Yes, Lake Nakuru National Park is considered safe for visitors. However, it’s essential to follow park regulations, stay inside your vehicle during game drives, and avoid approaching or feeding wild animals.

  7. When is the best time to visit Lake Nakuru National Park?

    • The dry season (from July to October) is generally considered the best time to visit Lake Nakuru National Park for wildlife viewing, as animals gather around water sources, and vegetation is less dense, making it easier to spot wildlife.

  8. Can I see rhinos in Lake Nakuru National Park?

    • Yes, Lake Nakuru National Park is one of the best places in Kenya to see both black and white rhinos, with the park being a designated rhino sanctuary.

  9. Are there accommodations available in Lake Nakuru National Park?

    • While there are no accommodations inside the park, there are several lodges, tented camps, and hotels located near the park entrance, offering a range of options for visitors.

  10. Can I take a day trip to Lake Nakuru National Park from Nairobi?

    • Yes, Lake Nakuru National Park is a popular destination for day trips from Nairobi, with many tour operators offering guided excursions to the park.