Lake Nakuru National Park

A lake of changing colours

Lake Nakuru sits on the floor of the Great Rift Valley, a shallow, alkaline lake whose edges shift with the seasons and the rains. Around it, the national park protects a mosaic of open grassland, acacia woodland, rocky ridges and a rare stand of candelabra-like euphorbia trees. From the cliffs and lookouts above the water, the whole scene opens out: a pale, shimmering lake edged with green, with the escarpment of the Rift Valley rising behind.

The lake is famous for its flamingos, which feed on the algae that thrive in its soda-rich water. Numbers rise and fall dramatically, however, because water levels, the chemistry of the lake and the availability of food all change from year to year, and the birds move between the Rift Valley lakes. Some visits bring a pink fringe stretching along the shore; others find only a scattering. Neither flamingo numbers nor sightings can be promised, which is why it helps to go with a love of the whole landscape.

Birds, rhinos and woodland

Beyond the flamingos, the lake attracts pelicans, cormorants, storks, avocets and many other waterbirds, and the surrounding woodland supports woodpeckers, hornbills, kingfishers and raptors. Hundreds of bird species have been recorded in the area, which makes the park rewarding for birdwatchers at almost any time.

The park is fenced and operates as a rhino sanctuary, where both black and white rhinos are protected. Rothschild's giraffes, buffalo, waterbuck, zebras and troops of baboons also live here, and leopards and lions inhabit the woodland, although they are not often seen. The compact size of the park means game drives are manageable and give a good sense of the whole area in a short time.

Planning a visit

Lake Nakuru is within a few hours of Nairobi by road, depending on the route, traffic and stops, and it is often included as a stop on journeys toward the Maasai Mara, Mount Kenya region or western Kenya. A single night allows an afternoon and a morning in the park, while two nights allow a slower pace and time for nearby experiences. Many travellers combine it with Lake Naivasha and Hell's Gate, and the 3-day Lake Naivasha and Hell's Gate adventure shows how the area can be explored. For longer routes, read planning a multi-destination Kenya holiday.

Other lakes, such as Elmenteita and Bogoria, and the volcanic crater at Menengai lie nearby and can add variety if time allows. Park hours, gates and rules are managed by the Kenya Wildlife Service, so confirm current arrangements before you go.

Where to stay

Lodges and camps are found both inside the park and in the countryside around Nakuru. Those within the park place you close to the lake at dawn and dusk, while those outside may be quieter, with gardens and lake views. Think about how much driving you want to do each day and whether a swimming pool or family facilities are important.

Visiting with care

Keep to the park tracks, give birds space at the shoreline and stay in the vehicle in areas where predators or rhinos may be close. Baboons are common and can be bold, so keep food out of sight. If you would like help fitting Lake Nakuru into a wider itinerary, plan your trip with us.