Lake Nakuru National Park is located in southwestern Kenya on the floor of the Great Rift Valley. Lake Nakuru National Park is named after Lake Nakuru which is globally celebrated as a home for flamingos.

The shallow lake has an abundance of algae which attracts huge flocks of flamingos - and other birds, that line the shores of the lake.

Aside from the flamingos, Lake Nakuru hosts about 450 other bird species as well as wildlife such as giraffes, zebras, African buffaloes, Hippos, lions, cheetahs and more.

While Lake Nakuru's popularity is because of the countless flamingos and other birds, the wildlife in the surrounding savannah makes it a fully-fledged destination for a safari.

Activities

While visiting Lake Nakuru National Park, you can enjoy any of the following activities.

  • Birdwatching
  • Wildlife viewing
  • Photography
  • Camping

When To Visit

Lake Nakuru can be visited all year round and the temperatures are always comfortable. The best time is From June to February when there is little rainfall.

The heavy rainfall in April and May can be a slight disturbance to your safari. The wet months of March, April and May have no crowds and are ideal for photography since the landscape is lush and green, and much of the wildlife is usually giving birth to newborns.

Related article: Best time to visit Kenya for a safari holiday

Getting There

Lake Nakuru is located about 160 kilometres northwest of Nairobi and it takes a 3-hour drive to reach the park. 

Alternatively, you can book a domestic flight from Nairobi and quickly fly to the Naishi airstrip.

Being located close to Nairobi as well as other attractions in the rift valley as well as Samburu and Masai Mara, a visit to Nakuru can either be a short getaway from Nairobi or a long safari exploring all these wonderful areas.

Where To Stay

There are plenty of accommodation options in Lake Nakuru National Park for various preferences and budget options.

Whether you want luxury in the wilderness or you want to feel closer to the land and skies through camping, you can choose your preferred type of accommodation.