01
Why visit Lake Nakuru National Park
Lake Nakuru National Park is one of Kenya's most beautiful and easily reached safari parks. It sits on the floor of the Great Rift Valley around an alkaline soda lake, with acacia woodland, grassland and rocky escarpments rising above the water.
The park is a protected rhino sanctuary and one of the best places in Kenya to see both black and white rhinos. Its compact size and good road network make game viewing easy, which is why it is a favourite stop on the way to the Masai Mara or for a short safari from Nairobi.
Kenya's first government rhino sanctuary, a world-class birding lake and Rift Valley views, all in one compact park.
Location and size
- In the Great Rift Valley, just south of Nakuru town
- About 156 km north-west of Nairobi on the A104, around 3 hours by road
- Covers about 188 km² (73 square miles), fully fenced
- Easy to combine with Lake Naivasha, the Masai Mara and Samburu
A short history
The southern tip of the lake became a bird sanctuary in 1961 to protect its flamingos, and the sanctuary was extended to the whole lake in 1964. Lake Nakuru was gazetted as a national park in 1968 and enlarged to its present size in 1974. In 1987 it became Kenya's first government-managed rhino sanctuary.
02
Wildlife you can see at Lake Nakuru
The fenced park protects some of Kenya's most important rhino populations, alongside predators, large herbivores and an outstanding variety of birds. Lake Nakuru has four of the Big Five; there are no elephants here.
Also look out for
- Rothschild's giraffe
- Defassa waterbuck
- Olive baboon
- Eland
- Spotted hyena
- African fish eagle
- Marabou stork
- Cormorants
- Kingfishers
03
Flamingos and birdlife at Lake Nakuru
Lake Nakuru first became famous for the huge flocks of flamingos that feed on algae in its shallow, salty water. Over 450 bird species have been recorded in the park, from pelicans and cormorants on the lake to fish eagles, kingfishers and hornbills in the woodland.
Flamingo numbers change from year to year as the water level and saltiness of the lake change. In some seasons the shoreline is pink with birds, while in others the flocks move to nearby lakes such as Bogoria or Elementaita. Our guides will tell you where the birds are during your visit.
04
Best time to visit Lake Nakuru
Lake Nakuru can be visited all year. The dry seasons make game drives easier, while the wetter months bring green scenery, migrant birds and fewer visitors.
| Months | What to expect |
|---|---|
| June – October | Long dry season. Animals gather near water and tracks are in good condition. A popular time, often combined with the Masai Mara migration. |
| January – March | Short dry season. Warm, clear days and excellent game viewing. |
| November – December | Short rains. Green landscapes and migratory birds from Europe and Asia. |
| April – May | Long rains. Lush scenery, fewer vehicles and lower lodge rates. Some tracks can be muddy. |
05
Things to do at Lake Nakuru
Rhino game drives
Look for black and white rhinos, lions, buffalo and Rothschild's giraffes on morning and afternoon drives in a 4x4 Land Cruiser.
Flamingo & birdwatching
Drive along the shore for flamingos, pelicans and waterbirds, with hundreds of species in the woodland.
Baboon Cliff viewpoint
One of the best views in Kenya, looking across the whole lake. Ideal for photos, especially in the morning light.
Makalia Falls & woodland
Explore the quieter south of the park, with its waterfall, acacia forest and a chance of leopard.
06
Lake Nakuru lodges and camps
There are lodges and camps inside the park and in the hills around it, many with views over the lake. We choose each one for comfort, location and an authentic safari feel.
Luxury & mid-range
Lodges with lake or escarpment views, good food and easy access to early-morning game drives.
Budget-friendly
Comfortable, good-value camps close to the park gates, ideal for short safaris and road trips.
07
How to get to Lake Nakuru
By road from Nairobi
About 156 km and 3 hours on the A104 through the Great Rift Valley, with a stop at the escarpment viewpoint on the way.
On a Rift Valley route
Lake Nakuru fits neatly between Nairobi, Lake Naivasha and the Masai Mara, or on the way north to Samburu.
08
Lake Nakuru park fees and opening hours
Lake Nakuru is a Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) premium park. Conservation fees are set by KWS and may change. Children's rates apply from 5 to 17 years.
| Visitor | Adult per day | Child per day |
|---|---|---|
| Non-resident | US$90 | US$45 |
| Kenya resident | KSh 2,025 | KSh 1,050 |
| East African citizen | KSh 1,500 | KSh 750 |
Opening hours
The park gates are open every day from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm. Game drives are best in the early morning and late afternoon, when animals are most active.
6 days
7 days
