Lake Nakuru National Park surrounds a shallow alkaline lake on the floor of the Great Rift Valley. Its fenced boundary makes it a sanctuary for both black and white rhino, and sightings are among the most reliable in Kenya. Rothschild’s giraffe, buffalo, waterbuck and tree-climbing lions are also found here.
Flamingo numbers vary with water levels, but pelicans and other waterbirds are almost always present. Baboon Cliff and Makalia Falls provide viewpoints and a change of scenery, and the park sits conveniently between Nairobi and the Maasai Mara.
Highlights
- Black and white rhino
- Baboon Cliff viewpoint
- Flamingos and pelicans
- Rothschild's giraffe
Wildlife & what you'll see
- White and black rhino
- Rothschild's giraffe
- Lion and leopard
- Flamingos, pelicans and over 450 bird species
Things to do
- Game drives
- Baboon Cliff viewpoint
- Birdwatching
Best time to visit
Good all year. Birdlife is especially rich from November to April.
Getting there
By road from Nairobi (about 3 hours) or from the Maasai Mara (about 5 hours).
Experiences in Lake Nakuru
FAQs about Lake Nakuru
Are there still flamingos at Lake Nakuru?
Numbers change with lake levels; in recent years many flamingos have moved to nearby lakes such as Bogoria and Elementaita. The park remains excellent for rhino and waterbirds.
