The Lake Nakuru National Park lies in the heart of Kenya’s Rift Valley and is famous for its massive flocks of pink flamingos. The alkaline soda lake creates a stunning backdrop for one of the world’s largest bird gatherings.
📍 General Information
Location: Central Kenya, about 160 km northwest of Nairobi
Area: around 188 km²
Established: 1961
Altitude: approximately 1,750 m above sea level
Climate: Mild and pleasant all year round
🦩 Flamingos & Wildlife
Lake Nakuru is one of the world’s most famous flamingo hotspots. At peak times, over a million flamingos gather here, turning the water into a sea of pink. The park is also home to lions, leopards, baboons, giraffes, and buffalo.
🦏 Rhino Sanctuary
Lake Nakuru is one of Kenya’s most important rhino sanctuaries. Both black rhinos and white rhinos have been successfully reintroduced here.
🌅 Landscape & Highlights
- 🦩 Countless flamingos and pelicans along the shores
- 🦏 Safe haven for rhinos
- 🌳 Yellow fever acacia forests surrounding the lake
- ⛰️ Baboon Cliff – spectacular viewpoint
🗓️ Best Time to Visit
The best time for birdwatching is during the dry seasons from January to March and from July to October. After rainfall, water levels fluctuate, changing the appearance of the lake.
🌍 Did You Know?
“Nakuru” means “dusty place” in the Maasai language.
In 1987, the park was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Lake Nakuru is one of the few places where both black and white rhinos can be seen.