Lake Nakuru Nationwide Park is one among Kenya’s most well liked and obtainable safari locations, positioned within the central a part of the rustic, about 160 kilometers (100 miles) northwest of Nairobi.
The park is understood for its surprising surroundings, numerous natural world, and its significance as a bird-watching haven, in particular for flamingos.
Right here’s a complete information that will help you plan your go to to Lake Nakuru Nationwide Park:
Evaluation of Lake Nakuru Nationwide Park
Lake Nakuru Nationwide Park lies on the base of the Nice Rift Valley, surrounded through picturesque hills and acacia woodlands. The park is positioned close to town of Nakuru, making it a very simple day go back and forth or quick keep from Nairobi.
The park covers round 188 sq. kilometers (73 sq. miles), with Lake Nakuru itself being the central function. The lake is alkaline, and it sits at an altitude of one,760 meters (5,770 ft) above sea degree.
The park is one among Kenya’s most famed chicken reserves, in particular for the massive populations of flamingos that congregate on the lake. Additionally it is house to more than a few mammals, together with rhinos, lions, leopards, giraffes, and a large number of plant and animal species.
Comparable learn: A Information to Visiting Tsavo Nationwide Park in Kenya
Highest Time to Consult with Lake Nakuru Nationwide Park
There are two distinct seasons to go to Lake Nakuru Nationwide Park:
- Dry season (June to October): That is the height time for natural world viewing in Lake Nakuru Nationwide Park. The dry climate manner animals are more straightforward to identify across the lake and watering holes, and the plants is thinner. The park’s birdlife may be ample, despite the fact that flamingo numbers can range relying on water ranges and meals availability.
- Inexperienced season (November to Might): The rainy season in Lake Nakuru gives lush greenery, which makes the panorama extra stunning. Whilst this can be a quieter time with fewer vacationers, the rains could make roads slippery and every so often tougher to navigate, particularly all through the lengthy rains (March to Might). Alternatively, it’s a very good time for birdwatching as migratory species arrive.
Most sensible Points of interest in Lake Nakuru Nationwide Park
Lake Nakuru (Flamingo Haven)
Lake Nakuru is the park’s point of interest, recognized for its seasonal flocks of red flamingos. In years when the lake is extra alkaline and the water ranges decrease, the flamingo inhabitants can quantity within the thousands and thousands. Those birds create some of the stunning and iconic natural world spectacles on this planet.
Along with flamingos, the lake draws a variety of chicken species, together with pelicans, eagles, storks, and extra. Birdwatching right here is phenomenal year-round, particularly for ornithologists.
Rothschild Giraffes
Lake Nakuru is likely one of the absolute best puts to identify the endangered Rothschild giraffe, a subspecies of giraffe characterised through its lighter colour and extra abnormal, star-shaped patches. The park has a devoted giraffe sanctuary for his or her coverage and conservation.
Rhinos
The park may be recognized for its a success rhino conservation program. Each white rhinos and black rhinos are safe right here, and also you might be able to spot them grazing close to the lake or within the dense plants of the park.
Baboon Cliff
This standpoint gives impressive panoramic perspectives of Lake Nakuru and the encompassing park. It’s a well-liked prevent for guests having a look to absorb the breathtaking surroundings, particularly at break of day or sundown.
Nakuru Hill & Lookout Issues
For extra sweeping perspectives, head to the Nakuru Hill space. There are a number of lookout issues alongside the hills that offer stunning perspectives of the lake, the park, and the encompassing Rift Valley panorama.
Flora and fauna
Along with giraffes and rhinos, Lake Nakuru is house to all kinds of natural world, together with lions, leopards, buffalo, zebras, and more than a few species of antelope, comparable to impalas and gazelles. The park additionally has some predators, comparable to hyenas and jackals.
Makalia Falls
Situated at the southern facet of the park, the Makalia Falls is a gorgeous cascade of water that provides to the park’s scenic enchantment. It’s a extra tranquil a part of the park, providing a relaxed retreat and an excellent picture alternative.
Find out how to Get to Lake Nakuru Nationwide Park
There are two tactics to get to Lake Nakuru Nationwide Park, through highway or air.
By way of highway
- From Nairobi: Lake Nakuru Nationwide Park is roughly a 2-3 hour force from Nairobi (160 km). The commonest course is by way of the Nakuru-Nairobi Freeway (A104), which is a well-maintained highway that leads at once to the park’s primary front.
- From Naivasha: When you’re coming from Lake Naivasha, it’s just a 1-1.5 hour force (about 60 km) to Lake Nakuru Nationwide Park. This makes it imaginable to mix visits to each lakes on an extended go back and forth.
By way of air
You’ll be able to fly into Nakuru Airport from Nairobi (about 45 mins through flight) after which switch through automotive to the park. There also are small constitution flights to be had from Nairobi to within sight airstrips that may be accessed by way of non-public accommodations or safari camps.
When you ebook your go back and forth with a trip operator like Trumpet Adventures, they’ll prepare all transfers for you. Get in contact with them at once under to learn how they may be able to assist prepare without equal safari in Kenya:
Lodging Choices in Lake Nakuru Nationwide Park
Luxurious accommodations
- Sarova Lion Hill Recreation Resort: Situated within the jap a part of the park, this resort gives stunning perspectives of Lake Nakuru, superb provider, and comfort facilities. It has numerous safari actions, together with sport drives and guided walks.
- The Lake Nakuru Resort: Located at the southern a part of the park, it’s a relaxed mid-range resort with a swimming pool and excellent perspectives of the encompassing space.
Mid-range choices
- Flamingo Hill Tented Camp: This camp gives an unique safari enjoy with well-appointed tents and a tranquil environment. It’s positioned simply out of doors the park gates, permitting simple get entry to for sport drives.
Funds lodging
- Public Campsites: The park gives a number of campsites for budget-conscious vacationers. Those campsites mean you can enjoy the park’s desert up shut, despite the fact that it is very important deliver your individual equipment and provides.
- Kenya Flora and fauna Carrier (KWS) Relaxation Homes: For a extra reasonably priced choice, the KWS operates a number of fundamental leisure homes and campsites inside the park for many who need a extra rustic enjoy.
Non-public camps & accommodations
- A number of non-public accommodations and camps perform simply out of doors the park gates, offering each luxurious and more cost effective safari studies. Those generally is a excellent choice if you happen to’re on the lookout for extra secluded choices.
Safari Actions in Lake Nakuru Nationwide Park
Recreation drives
A vintage sport force is likely one of the absolute best tactics to discover the park. Maximum lodging be offering sport drives both within the morning or afternoon, however a full-day safari offers you the most productive likelihood to look all kinds of animals.
Birdwatching
Lake Nakuru is one among Kenya’s premier birdwatching locations. With over 450 species of birds, together with the well-known flamingos, it’s a must-visit for chicken fans. Guided chicken walks are to be had for the ones involved in recognizing and figuring out species.
Nature walks
Nature walks with a park ranger be offering an intimate enjoy of the park’s wildlife. They’re a good way to be informed in regards to the ecosystem and spot the park’s smaller creatures, comparable to bugs and birds.
Pictures
The park’s wealthy biodiversity and lovely landscapes make it a photographer’s paradise. Whether or not you’re capturing the flamingos at break of day, a lion at the hunt, or panoramic perspectives of the Rift Valley, there’s lots to seize.
Guidelines for Visiting Lake Nakuru Nationwide Park
Listed here are a couple of most sensible pointers for visiting Lake Nakuru Nationwide Park:
- Early begins: Recreation drives are absolute best within the early morning and overdue afternoon when animals are maximum energetic. The park can get sizzling all through noon, and animals generally tend to leisure all through this time.
- Convey binoculars and a digicam: The birdlife is impressive, and the animals are frequently simple to identify, so having binoculars and a excellent digicam will permit you to benefit from your go to.
- Admire natural world: All the time stay a protected distance from animals and observe the park’s laws. Don’t disturb animals or feed them, and at all times keep for your automobile until accompanied through a information all through strolling safaris.
- Pack for the elements: The elements in Lake Nakuru can also be unpredictable, so be ready for each solar and rain. Put on light-weight, breathable clothes, and convey a hat and sunscreen for the day. A gentle jacket or sweater could also be helpful within the night time.
- Keep hydrated: Convey quite a few water, particularly all through the dry season, as it may well get reasonably sizzling.
