Lake Nakuru National Park

Location: Near Nakuru town, about 160 km (100 miles) northwest of Nairobi

Size: Approximately 188 square kilometers (73 square miles)

Established: 1961

Famous for: Flamingos, white and black rhinos, scenic landscapes

Lake Nakuru:

• Once famous for hosting millions of flamingos (mostly lesser flamingos), though numbers vary depending on water levels and food availability.

• The lake also attracts pelicans, cormorants, storks, and over 400 bird species, making it a birdwatcher’s paradise.

Rhino Sanctuary:

• Home to one of Kenya’s largest populations of both white and black rhinos.

• The park offers one of the best chances to see these endangered animals up close.

Other Wildlife:

• Lions, leopards, buffaloes, giraffes (including the rare Rothschild’s giraffe), zebras, impalas, and waterbucks.

• Occasionally, you might spot a python sunning itself on the road or hanging in a tree.

Scenic Landscapes:

• Beautiful viewpoints like Baboon Cliff, Lion Hill, and Out of Africa Lookout offer panoramic views of the lake and surrounding park.

• Wooded and bushy grasslands, euphorbia forests, and acacia woodlands provide varied habitats.

• June to March: Generally dry, making it easier to see wildlife.

• April to May: Rainy season may bring lush vegetation and fewer tourists, but some roads can become challenging.

• Access: Easy 2.5 to 3-hour drive from Nairobi on good roads.

• Accommodation: Lodges, tented camps, and hotels are available inside and outside the park.

• Activities:

  • Game drives

  • Birdwatching

  • Scenic photography

  • Picnicking at designated spots

Amboseli vs Lake Nakuru — Quick Comparison: