Lake Nakuru National Park
Lake Nakuru National Park is best known as a bird haven with more than 400 different bird species among which are large flocks of pink flamingoes plus several types of water birds. It is also the best place to see water loving animals such as waterbucks and hippos.
The park which is managed by Kenya Wildlife Service was established back in 1961 and today covers a total area of 180 square kilometers. it is found within the Great Rift Valley, within Nakuru District, 156 kilometers from the capital city Nairobi. It can be visited in just a single or as a combined visit with the adjacent Aberdare National Park or Lake Naivasha.
Lake Nakuru is a shallow large lake and is surrounded by swamps, grasslands plus forests, and it’s fed by three major rivers which are: River Njoro, River Makalia and River Enderit, plus a number of water springs. There are a number of rocky outcrops within the park, as well as the biggest euphorbia forest within the eastern part of Africa. Something worth mentioning is that there are very good roads within the park together with a number of exceptional viewpoints on Lion Hill and at Baboon Cliff that overlook the lake.
What to see / do in Lake Nakuru National Park
Watching the beautiful Pink Flamingoes
This lake has plenty of blue-green Cyanophyte Spirulina Platensis which is a delicacy to the pink flamingoes and these attract millions of the greater and lesser flamingoes, as well as several other water bird species. the amount of ‘food’ in the lake fluctuates depending on the season and because of that, the presence of the flamingoes is also season depending on the availability of their food.
Game Viewing
The park is home to a number of African wild animals which you can see during the game drives and boat rides such as: hippos, endangered black rhinos, waterbucks, white rhinos, warthogs, occasional leopards, impalas, elands, buffaloes as well as Rothschild giraffes.
Bird watching:
Because of its varied habitants among which is the lake, swamps and forests this park is home to a very fascinating array of bird species. However something worth noting is that the water birds in this park are seasonal therefore always make some research as you plan your safari for the most rewarding views.
Visiting the Viewpoints which include: Out of Africa, Lion Hill and Baboon Cliff and.
Visiting the stunning waterfall found at Makalia.
How to get to Lake Nakuru National Park
The park can be accessed by road and air transport.
By Road: because the park is just 156 kilometers from Nairobi town, you may use your private vehicle or public transport, or reserve your transportation through your tour operator. There are also a number of other access gates such as Nderit Gate andLanet gate
By Air: there are chartered light- aircrafts that land into Naishi airstrip.
Weather / Climate of Lake Nakuru
Generally, the climate around this lake ranges from being cool to hot-and-humid. The average annual rainfall received is 965mm (lower than most parts of the country). it receives the rain from March to May as well as from October to December, even though the amount of rainfall is not as much as the rest of the country.
Accommodation / Where to stay in Lake Nakuru National Park
There are a number of accommodation options available in and around the park varying from budget, mid-range to luxury facilities among which are hotels, lodges, bandas, guesthouses and even capsizes. Among the commonly used are: Lake Nakuru Lodge, Merica Hotel, Sarova Lion Hill Lodge, Naisha Guest Houses,Naisha Banda
There is also accommodation around the nearby Lakes Naivasha and Elmentaita such as: Naivasha Simba Lodge, Lake Elementaita Lodge,Loldia House, Lake Naivasha Country Club andLake NaivashaSopa Lodge
Best Time to Visit Lake Nakuru Park
From June to September as well as from January to March are the best months to visit this park as the park is generally dry and the roads are passable.