Lake Nakuru National Park Kenya; Facts and Everything About
Lake Nakuru National Park is truly a spectacular wildlife haven, lying on the scenic floor of the Great Rift Valley and surrounded by lush bushy grassland. At the distance, catch a glimpse of Lake Nakuru seemingly covered in a thin, bright pink blanket and as you draw close, you can clearly spot over 2 million beautiful flamingos.
Location and the size of the park
Lake Nakuru National Park (LNNP) is found in the Southwestern Kenya within the Great Rift Valley. This is one of the compact parks extending over the land area of 188sq.km and at an altitude of 1745sq.km. It is a recognized UNESCO Site and also the most popular birding destination.
In 1957, Lake Nakuru NP was declared as a Conservation Area of the birds, upgraded to Rhino Sanctuary in 1983 and as a park in 1961. It attained its UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 2009 and shelters more than 400 species of birds. Nakuru N. Park is also a popular Ramsar site and in the surrounding, there are cliffs, forest and waterfalls.
Attractions in Lake Lake Nakuru National Park;
Wildlife
The different animals in Lake Nakuru National Park include among others the African cape buffaloes, hippos, warthogs, elands, impalas, giraffes, leopards, lions, zebras, spotted hyenas, waterbucks, baboons, rhinos, and more.
Bird species
Over 400 species of birds survive within Nakuru National Park Kenya. They include the hottentot teal, black tailed godwit, great cormorants, hildebrandt’s francolins, African fish eagles, Sooty falcons, Arrow marked babblers, Northern puff back, Ruppell’s robin chat, Slender billed greenbul, Abyssinian ground thrush, African spoonbills, African fish eagle, Broad-billed rollers, African harrier hawks, grey-headed gull, long-tailed widowbird, to mention but a few.
Lake Nakuru
Lake Nakuru is a tourist site of its own, home to millions of colorful flamingos and several other species. It is the best location to begin your birding expedition on Kenya safari in Nakuru National Park. To enjoy a clear view of flamingos and other avifaunal species, the ideal locations include baboon cliff.
Makalia waterfall
Makalia falls is found along the Southern edge of Lake Nakuru N/Park Kenya and this is one of the most beautiful places that is worth exploring on Kenya safari. It is a special spot in Nakuru NP for you to enjoy the best animal encounters and birds like woodpeckers and common bulbul.
Activities to do Lake Nakuru National Park
Game drives
A game drive in Lake Nakuru NP is a great opportunity for you to search for the park’s abundant wildlife. There are several animals to encounter on a guided game viewing in Nakuru including spotted hyenas, giraffes, leopards, dik-dik, lions, impalas, zebras, cheetahs, buffaloes, and variety of birds.
Birding
Bird watching in Lake Nakuru Park involves spotting bird species such as Hildebrandt’s francolins, African fish eagles, Sooty falcons, Arrow marked babblers, Northern puff back, Ruppell’s robin chat, Slender billed greenbul, Abyssinian ground thrush, African spoonbills, African fish eagle, Broad-billed rollers, African harrier hawks, grey-headed gull, long-tailed widowbird, and others. Birding excursions in this park are done as independent activities or combined with guided game viewing or game drives.
Hiking
Hiking offers incredible opportunity for visitors to immerse themselves into the wilderness of Nakuru NP and excellent for you to unearth the park’s wonders that can’t be explored while on a 4×4 car. The hikes through Nakuru NP aren’t as challenging as those on Mt Kilimanjaro or Rwenzori Mountain peaks. Key areas of interest for hiking excursions on Nakuru National Park safari include the lion hill, baboon and Makalia cliff.
Best time to visit Lake Nakuru National Park;
This park has its gates open to visitors all year round thanks to the conducive weather and climatic patterns. However, the park is best visited from June to October or January to early March. These are the best months of the year to locate numerous wildlife and birdlife. Heavy rains come with disruptions for nature lovers to explore their favorite wildlife and this is especially from April to May and November to December.
Where to stay in Lake Nakuru National Park?
Top lodges to book for a night stay at Nakuru NP include Flamingo Hill Tented Camp, Lake Nakuru Lodge, Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge and Sarova Lion Hill Lodge. Book a Hotel in Lake Nakuru National Park: +256 704538374.
Getting to the park
By road –Getting to Nakuru National Park by road takes 165km of driving, and access the main gate at 4km from Nakuru town centre. You can also get there on Nairobi-Nakuru route to Lanet gate or connect from Maasai Mara Reserve or Lake Elmenteita to Nderit gate. by air, take a chartered or scheduled flight from Nairobi to Naishi airstrip.