Lake Nakuru Safari

Lake Nakuru is truly a bird watcher’s paradise. A Lake Nakuru safari allows you to watch over 1 million lesser and greater flamingoes, pelicans, herons, storks and other wading birds up close.

These beautiful birds can often be seen dipping their curved bills into the alkaline Lake Nakuru water when they are feeding on the special algae found on the lake.

You will see two types of flamingo species at the lake – the lesser flamingo which has pink plumage and a deep red carmine bill and the greater flamingo which has a black-tipped bill.

Did you know that Lake Nakuru is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site? This shallow alkaline lake, which is protected by Lake Nakuru National Park, is also home to 56 types of mammals and 450 bird species.

You will find grazers, foragers, scavengers and hunters at the park. On the acacia woodlands, pythons and leopards can be spotted from time to time.

The ecological diversity ranges from the lake itself to the escarpment, savannah, forest, swamp, waterfalls and scenic ridges. Here you can set up your camp, picnic or take a hike.

Lake Nakuru National Park is situated on the floor of the Great Rift Valley and it is surrounded by bushy and wooded grassland. Due to its proximity to Kenya’s capital Nairobi, most travellers merge a Lake Nakuru safari with a tour to Maasai Mara, Lake Baringo or Samburu.

Must See

African fish eagle
African pygmy kingfisher
Goliath Heron
Acacia woodlands
Hippos
Buffaloes
Thomson’s gazelle
Bat-eared fox
Leaf-nosed bat
Impala
Python
East African lion
Colobus monkey
Grant’s gazelle
Waterbuck
Bushbuck
Golden cat
Striped hyena
Vervet monkeys
Observation Hill
Baboon Cliff
Flamingoes
Lion Hill
Out of Africa Lookout
Enasiot Hill
Honeymoon Hill
Euphorbia forest
Makalia waterfall
Endangered white rhino
Eastern black rhino
Rothschild giraffe
Hyrax Hill Prehistoric Site

Must Do

Birdwatching
Game viewing
Sightseeing from Baboon Cliff
Camping
Bush breakfast
Set a picnic at Baboon Cliff
Wildlife photography
Watch magnificent views of the park from Out of Africa Lookout
Spot lions at Flamingo Hill

Where to stay while at Nakuru

Ziwa Bush Lodge
Flamingo Hill Camp
Mbweha Tented Camp
Sarova Lion Hill Lodge
Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge
Lake Nakuru Flamingo Lodge
Kivu Resort
Capital Hill Lodge
Maili Saba Camp
Sarova Woodlands Hotel
The Alps Hotel
Hillcourt Resort & Spa
Eagle Palace Hotel
Makalia Campsite
Reedbuck Campsite
Naishi Campsite
Rhino Campsite
Chui Campsite
Soysambu Campsite
Kambi Nyuki Campsite
Kambi Nyati Campsite
Acacia Picnic Site
Pelican Picnic Site
KWS Guesthouse

When to schedule a Lake Nakuru safari

The flocks of flamingoes vary in number based on the alkalinity of the lake. The higher the precipitation, the lower the alkalinity will be.

This decreases the algae which in turn causes the birds to flock to neighbouring soda lakes such as Lake Natron and Lake Bogoria.

The long rains start in March and end in May so it is better to wait for the dry months unless you want to catch the animals in calving season. Most wild animals bring forth their little ones during the long rains, so you will see lots of foals and calves trying to navigate the wild.

It is recommended to schedule your trip during the hotter months – January and February. Flamingoes visit the lake in large numbers, there are fewer mosquitoes and animals are easier to spot as they search for water and food.

You will also find many European migratory birds at Lake Nakuru from October to March. Evenings are usually cool so carry warm clothing if you plan to go for early morning and evening game drives.

You can get to Lake Nakuru by:

Airstrip: Lake Nakuru Park is serviced by Naishi airstrip.

Road: You can access Lake Nakuru Park from Nairobi through the main A 104 road. Most people use the 4km route that connects the main gate to Nakuru Town Centre. You may also get into the park through the Lanet Gate from the Nairobi-Nakuru road. Travellers from Maasai Mara or Elementaita can access the park through Nderit Gate. Park roads are well serviced so most of the park is accessible. It has three gates: Main Gate, Lanet Gate and Nderit Gate.