Inside Lake Nakuru National Park: Facts, Entrance Fee, and Things to Do
Inside Lake Nakuru National Park: Facts, Entrance Fee, things to do, Photos, Location, Animals. | Book Safaris and Lodges Directly. Indulged deep in the cleft of the Great Rift Valley, Lake Nakuru National Park is one of the most popular ultimate safari destinations in Kenya.
The famous National Park is located in the central region of the country, 140 kilometers northwest of the capital, Nairobi. The Lake Nakuru National Park encompasses an area of 73 square miles (188 sq. km). The protected area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that celebrates the large numbers of flamingos and abundant wildlife.
Lake Nakuru National Park is best known for the large number of flamingos nesting along the shores of Lake Nakuru. The lake is world-famous as the location of the greatest bird spectacle on earth, the world-famous Lake Nakuru is one of the Rift Valley lakes at an elevation of 1,754 m (5,755 ft.) above sea level. It lies to the south of Nakuru, in the rift valley of Kenya, and is protected by Lake Nakuru National Park.
The stunning Lake Nakuru National Park is located on the Great Rift Valley bottom, bordered by forested and bushy grassland. From the shores of Lake Nakuru to the verdant escarpment and scenic peaks beyond, visitors may take in the region’s rich biodiversity. Activities such as game drives, picnics, birdwatching, and trekking abound in Lake Nakuru National Park.
Flamingo, Lake Nakuru National Park
Lake Nakuru National Park Entrance Fees
Protected Area Around Lake Nakuru Fees for Lakes: Lake Nakuru National Park is a popular and beloved tourist spot in Kenya and around Africa. The park is located on the Great Rift Valley bottom, and Lake Nakuru is a major draw since it is home to a thousand flamingos. The 45-hectare park was originally established as a bird watching preserve, primarily for pink-flamingoes, but it was later expanded to include rhinos, baboons, warthogs, and other wildlife when it was gazetted as a national park.
The Kenyan Wildlife Services, which is in charge of all of Kenya’s national parks and game reserves, is in charge of the park’s administration. The costs that visitors to Lake Nakuru National Park are required to pay are determined by the Kenyan Wildlife Services, who also determine if a visitor is a citizen, East African citizen, foreign nonresident, or foreign resident.
The following are the park charges that visitors to Lake Nakuru National Park are required to pay, as determined by their age and the type of vehicle they are using:
| Citizen | Resident | Non-Resident | |||
| Adults KSH | Child KSH | Adults KSH | Child KSH | Adults USD | Child USD |
| 860 | 215 | 860 | 215 | 60 | 35 |
What is Lake Nakuru famous for?
It is best known for its thousands, sometimes millions of flamingos that nestle along the shores. The lake’s abundance of algae attracts a vast quantity of flamingos that famously lined on the shore. The surface of the shallow lake is often hardly recognizable due to the continually shifting mass of pink. The number of flamingos on the lake varies with water and food conditions and the best vantage point is from Baboon Cliff.
Besides flamingos, other species of birdlife also flourish here. The lake is rich with over 400 resident species on the lake and in the surrounding park. The commonly spotted include the African fish eagle, Goliath heron, hamerkop, pied kingfisher, and Verreaux’s eagle, thousands of both little grebes and white-winged black terns are frequently seen as are stilts, avocets, ducks among others of their kind.
The other forms of wild animals can also be spotted in the National Park such as warthogs, baboons, and other large mammals. Southern white rhinos have also been introduced in recent years. The Park reported more black rhinoceros in the country (25) by 2009 and has one of the highest concentrations in the country. There are also a number of Rothschild’s giraffe, again relocated for safety from western Kenya that began in 1977. Waterbuck are very common and both the Kenyan subspecies are found here. Among the predators, the most commonly spotted are lions, cheetahs, and leopards, which have lately been seen much more frequently in recent times. The park also has large-sized pythons that inhabit the dense woodlands, and can often be seen crossing the roads or dangling from trees.
Lake Nakuru National Park Facts
Discover Lake Nakuru National Park
Interested in learning more about the beautiful Lake Nakuru National Park? Lake Nakuru is one of our top safari destinations, and our brief Q&A guide will give you all the information you need about its location, animals, and more!
Is Lake Nakuru a freshwater lake
Indeed, the breathtaking Rift Valley in Kenya is home to the picturesque Lake Nakuru, a captivating freshwater lake. This stunning natural attraction is well-known for the incredible variety of plant and animal life found there. Visitors from all over the globe are enchanted by Lake Nakuru’s dazzling blue waters and verdant surroundings. This remarkable freshwater lake has fascinating characteristics, so let’s learn more about them and their ecological importance.
Abundant Wildlife and Avian Splendour
Wildlife abounds in Lake Nakuru’s freshwater ecology, which is why it’s a must-see for ecotourists. Flamingos create a stunning pink carpet along the beaches of the lake, thanks to the nutrient-rich waters that support their booming population. These beautiful birds captivate onlookers with their pirouettes and colorful feathers, making for a truly spectacular show. The surrounding Lake Nakuru National Park provides a safe haven for a wide variety of animals, including buffalo, zebras, giraffes, and black rhinos, all of which are in risk of extinction. Adventurers interested in wildlife can go on thrilling game drives in this fascinating freshwater habitat, where they can see many species living in harmony with one another.
Ecological Significance and Conservation Efforts
Lake Nakuru is ecologically significant, and not just because of its beauty. As a haven for more than 400 species of birds, it is a naturalist’s and ornithologist’s dream come true. The profusion of algae in the lake feeds a variety of aquatic invertebrates, which in turn attract a plethora of birdlife, creating an intricate balance in the lake’s ecosystem. Concerted conservation efforts have been put in place to safeguard the various wildlife and maintain this fragile equilibrium. Sustainable tourism practices are ensured and the lake’s rich biodiversity is safeguarded for years to come through the attentive management of Lake Nakuru National Park and its adjacent areas.
Is Lake Nakuru worth visiting
In our opinion, for any bird enthusiast, Lake Nakuru National Park in Kenya is worth visiting. Though Kenya has several Parks that offer great wildlife sighting opportunities, to relieve yourself from the long and fantastic wildlife sighting in premier parks and reserves such as the Masai Mara, bird watching in Lake Nakuru will grant you the opportunity to watch the large numbers of birdlife that infest the Lake. The pink flamingos cover the surface of the lake and often when the birds try to fly, they create a beautiful pink array that is wonderful to watch.
Wildlife viewing experience at Lake Nakuru National Park – The physical part of Nakuru National Park is an ideal place for wildlife spotting as it offers sanctuary to 56 species of native African mammals and occasionally, the most elusive predator, leopards. It is the only place in Kenya to find Rothschild’s giraffe. All other forms of wild animals can be spotted in the park all year round.
Best Time to Visit Lake Nakuru National Park
As a general rule, Lake Nakuru National Park is open all year round, so you can go there whenever you choose. Keep in mind that the flamingo’s food source—algae—is heavily influenced by the alkalinity of the lake.
There are fewer algae blooms after a heavy rain because the water’s alkalinity drops. Consequently, there may be fewer birds at the lake during periods when they move to other soda lakes, like Lake Bogoria and Lake Elementaita.
Those who come mainly to see or capture photographs of the flamingo sea should go outside during the long and brief rain seasons, usually from January to March or July to October, when there are plenty of birds.
Even if the flamingo population is low, visitors on a Lake Nakuru safari will still see plenty of other wildlife, like as plains animals and birds, thanks to the park’s adaptability.
Animals to see in Lake Nakuru National Park
Amboseli National Park – A Wildlife Photographer’s Guide.
An incredible variety of animals awaits you at Lake Nakuru National Park. Animal lovers will find paradise at the park, which is home to exotic species including flamingos and endangered rhinos. Ten of the most impressive wildlife sightings in Lake Nakuru National Park are as follows:
Rhinos:
The accomplishments of the rhino conservation initiatives at Lake Nakuru National Park are well-known. Here you may see both black and white rhinos, giving you a once in a lifetime chance to get up close and personal with these amazing animals.
Flamingos:
A spectacular sight—huge flocks of flamingos—are a common sight at the park’s glistening lake. A breathtaking pink carpet is created along the shoreline by these lively birds, making for an outstanding display.
Lions:
A thriving pride of lions calls Lake Nakuru National Park home. As you wander the grasslands, be on the lookout for these magnificent carnivores, who will show off their strength and elegance.
Leopards:
Leopards are elusive, yet they are visible in the park’s thick forests. Find these elusive large cats, renowned for their speed and agility, by patiently searching the underbrush and rocky outcrops.
Giraffes:
A great place to see graceful giraffes in their native environment is Lake Nakuru National Park. Be astounded at the deftness with which these massive creatures scuttle among the acacia trees, extending their lengthy necks to pluck leaves.
Buffalo:
Lake Nakuru National Park is a great place to see buffalo herds. The sight of these powerful creatures, distinguished by their distinctive horns, congregating around bodies of water to ruminate and feed is truly awe-inspiring.
Zebras:
You can’t miss the zebras in the park, with their eye-catching black and white stripes. As they leisurely graze or gallop across the vast plains, snap pictures of these stunning animals.
Baboons:
Several baboon troops call the park home, so visitors can observe the social dynamics and amusing antics up close. Be on the lookout for these very educated monkeys as they go about their tree-hopping or ground-foraging adventures.
Waterbucks:
The graceful waterbucks are just one of many antelope species that find refuge at Lake Nakuru National Park. These massive antelopes display their distinctive features when seen near areas of water.
Warthogs:
If you go to Lake Nakuru National Park, you might see some warthogs. These unusual-looking critters, with their warty faces and unique tusks, are a delightful addition to the park’s wildlife.
The experience of seeing these magnificent creatures in their own environment is one that will stay with you forever. Among many other incredible creatures, visiting Lake Nakuru National Park gives visitors the opportunity to meet these ten and make memories that will last a lifetime.
Things to Do in Lake Nakuru National Park
The lake itself is called Lake Nakuru National Park, and the name “Nakuru” is derived from a Masai word meaning “Dust or Dust place.” Its diverse tourist attractions make it one of the best places to visit in Kenya.
Lake Nakuru
Lake Nakuru Safari Experience : Unforgettable Wildlife Encounters
The rivers Njoro, Makalia, and Nderit all drain into the shallow, alkaline Lake Nakuru from the Mau Forest Complex. As “the greatest bird spectacle on earth,” its pink flamingo population has brought it international fame.
The Nakuru Lake The lesser flamingo is the more common of the two kinds of flamingos. Pay great attention to the beaks of the two birds to tell them apart. A deeper red nib characterizes the lesser flamingo, whereas the beak of the greater flamingo is pink with a black tip.
Pelicans, herons, cormorants, glossy ibises, storks, African spoonbills, and more than four hundred and fifty species of birds can be spotted on a safari around Lake Nakuru. White pelicans lay their eggs in the lake’s sand, and flamingos use it as a feeding area for algae.
If you want to see thousands of birds as they forage for algae or fish in the lake at dawn, then you should begin your tour of Lake Nakuru at that time.
Guests lodging within the park should have little trouble making the short trip, but those traveling from Nairobi will need to leave as early as 5 in the morning to ensure they reach in plenty of time. The most of the birds will have departed by 11 a.m., and while a few will remain, the pink sea will not be quite as striking.
Lake Nakuru National Park
The park itself is another major draw for safaris to Lake Nakuru. On a game drive across Lake Nakuru National Park, you can see more than fifty different kinds of wild animals, including four of the five aforementioned species.
Wild cats, cheetahs, jackals, lions, and leopards are among the predators you might encounter. Animals like zebras, giraffes, impalas, baboons, and velvet monkeys roam freely amid the park’s vast herds of grazers.
After the state of Kenya noticed the species’ worrisome decline, it embarked on a conservation campaign and brought Rothschild giraffes from western Kenya to Lake Nakuru National Park. This is why you may find predominantly Rothschild giraffes at the park.
The park also serves as a critical habitat for the endangered black rhino, providing a place for them to breed and stay safe. There are already a good number of black rhinos, which were introduced in the 1980s. They appeared to outgrow the park’s capacity at one point, so the state instituted a program to transfer some to other regions, like the Borana, Solio, and Ol Pajeta Conservancies.
Because of the park’s high concentration of white rhinos, it is the ideal location to easily spot both species. The extremely rare African wild dog may be visible in the park on multiple occasions, although sightings are by no means guaranteed.
Vegetation
In Africa, the largest euphorbia forest is located near Lake Nakuru. Alkaline bogs and marsh make up the landscape surrounding the lake. In the higher elevations, you may spot yellow acacia trees, and the landscape changes to savanna grassland where you can see plains wildlife.
Viewpoints
Views of the lake and its environs are available from many vantage points at Lake Nakuru National Park. Among these vantage points is Baboon Cliff, which offers breathtaking views of the lake below from its elevated position at the park’s far end.
From Baboon Cliff, you may see and photograph the lake’s countless bird species. Because of the abundance of baboons in the area, this lookout point is so named. Out of Africa and Lion Hill are two more vantage locations.
The steeper incline makes Out of Africa a less popular destination. You shouldn’t miss it on a Lake Nakuru Safari, though, because of the breathtaking panoramas it gives and the great photo ops it provides.
Makalia Waterfalls
You can enjoy a short stroll to the Makalia Falls, which are situated at the park’s far southern end. When the Makali River fills up during the rainy season, the 33-foot Makalia Falls become a breathtaking spectacle.
Cycle with the Rhino
The Kenya Wildlife Service organizes a “Cycle with the Rhino” bike race in the park and surrounding areas every September to raise funds for the rhino sanctuary. More and more individuals are taking part in the event each year, indicating its growing popularity.
With nearly 600 attendees, the 2017 “school edition” event primarily aimed to collect cash to fix the electric fence that aids in rhino safety. Those who are passionate about conservation and are planning a September Lake Nakuru Safari are welcome to take part in this incredible cycling event.
Picnic Sites
While on a day safari in Lake Nakuru National Park, stop for lunch at one of the park’s designated picnic spots. One of the most scenic spots is Makalia, which is close to Makalia Falls. Baboons will keep a careful eye on your meal.
Another thrilling spot for a picnic is the Baboon Cliff. You may reach the cliff by a nature route; there are also picnic tables and restrooms. The Acacia and Pelican picnic areas are also available in the park.
