Lake Nakuru National Parks

Lake Nakuru National Park, the famous haunt of flamingos, is a beautiful shallow alkaline lake, just south of Nakuru township.

Surrounded by acacia woodland and rich savannah, this park (368km/142m) is a superb example of conservation at work in the wild.

Originally and still considered one of the finest ornithological sights in the world it is now, with the assistance of the World Wildlife Fund, providing sanctuary for rothschild giraffe, rhino and leopard.

The edge of the lake is frequently a crimson ribbon of greater and lesser flamingos, while pelicans and other water birds swim and fish in majestic flotilla formation. Created in 1961, Lake Nakuru National Park has since been considerably increased in size and now covers an area of some 200 sq km. Like most of the other rift valley lakes, it is a shallow soda lake. the lake is shallow and the level fluctuates by up to 4 metres annually.

Since the park also has area of grassland, bush, forest and rocky cliffs there are many other animals to be seen apart from birds. One species you'll see plenty of are warthogs with their amusing way of running with their tails erect. Right by the water you'll come across waterbuck and buffallo, while further into the bush are Thompson gazelles and reedbuck- there's even an occassional leopard.

The Park entrance is about 6 kms from the city centre of Nakuru. As in most national parks, you must be in a vehicle. Walking is not permitted so you'll either have to hitch a ride with other tourists, rent your own vehicle or go on tour. You can only get out of your vehicle on the lake shore and at cretain viewpoints.

Its a memorable experience being in the proximity of several hundred thousand flamingoes feeding,preening,grunting and honking and even more memorable when several thousands of them decide that you're a little too close for comfort and take off to find a more congenial spot.

Warning! Don't drive too close to the water's edge, the mud is very soft! Take your cue from the tracks of other vehicles

Getting There

The park has a tarmac road from Nairobi of approximately 156 km. The most commonly used route into the park is via the main gate, about 4 km from Nakuru Town. It is also possible to enter the park from the main Nairobi-Nakuru road at Lanet Gate. The Naishi airstrip services the park for tourism and KWS activities.