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Kenya Rift Valley destination
Lake Nakuru National Park
Rhinos on the shoreline, flamingos on the water and lions in the acacia woodland. Plan a Lake Nakuru safari from Nairobi with a local team.
Location
Nakuru County, Kenya
Size
About 188 sq km
Ideal stay
1 to 2 nights
Best time
June to October
Famous for
Rhinos and flamingos
A rhino sanctuary on the floor of the Rift Valley
Lake Nakuru National Park surrounds a shallow alkaline lake on the floor of the Great Rift Valley, about 160 km northwest of Nairobi. Covering around 188 square kilometres, it is fenced and protected as one of Kenya’s most important rhino sanctuaries, with both black and white rhino often seen grazing close to the shore.
The lake is famous for its flamingos, which feed on algae in the shallow water. Their numbers rise and fall with the lake’s water level and chemistry, so some years bring vast pink flocks and others far fewer. Pelicans, cormorants and fish eagles are present all year, and the park records more than 450 bird species. Together with Lake Bogoria and Lake Elementaita, Nakuru is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Away from the shore, acacia woodland shelters lion, leopard, buffalo and the endangered Rothschild’s giraffe. Lake Nakuru is an easy stop between Nairobi and the Maasai Mara, and pairs well with Lake Naivasha on an overnight Lake Nakuru safari.
Why Lake Nakuru belongs on your Kenya itinerary
Six reasons this compact park is one of the most rewarding stops in the Rift Valley.
Rhino sanctuary
One of the best places in Kenya to see both black and white rhino.
Flamingos and birdlife
Flamingos, pelicans and more than 450 bird species around the lake.
Tree-climbing lions
Lions often rest in the acacia trees and on the open plains near the shore.
Rothschild’s giraffe
A safe home for this endangered giraffe, easy to spot in the woodland.
Baboon Cliff views
Look out over the whole lake and the Rift Valley from this hilltop viewpoint.
Easy from Nairobi
About 3 hours by road, ideal on the way to or from the Maasai Mara.
When to visit Lake Nakuru National Park
Lake Nakuru is good all year. The dry months make wildlife easier to find around the lake shore.
June to October
Long dry season
Animals gather near the water and the tracks are in good condition.
- Peak season rates
January to February
Short dry season
Warm, clear days and good visibility across the lake.
- Mid season rates
March to May
Long rains
Green scenery and fewer visitors. Some tracks can be muddy.
- Lowest rates of the year
November to December
Short rains
Short showers and migrant birds arriving around the lake.
- Great for birding
Wildlife you can expect to see in Lake Nakuru
A small park with a big variety of wildlife. Waterbuck, hyena, impala and warthog are also common.
- Rhino sanctuary
Rhino
Black and white rhino graze in the open grassland and along the lake shore.
- Lake shore and grassland
- Seen all year
- Birdlife
Flamingo
Lesser and greater flamingos feed in the shallow water, in numbers that change each year.
- Lake shore
- Numbers vary
- Big cat
Lion
Prides roam the woodland and are sometimes seen resting in acacia trees.
- Acacia woodland
- Most active at dawn and dusk
- Big Five
Cape buffalo
Large herds graze the grassland around the lake.
- Lake shore plains
- Seen all year
Things to do in Lake Nakuru National Park
A day or two in Lake Nakuru gives you rhinos, birds and some of the best views in the Rift Valley.
Rhino tracking
Follow rhino along the grassland with a guide who knows where they graze each day.
Flamingo shoreline
Drive to the water’s edge to watch flamingos, pelicans and storks feeding.
Game drives on the plains
Spot zebra, buffalo, waterbuck and gazelle on the open grassland.
Baboon Cliff viewpoint
Stop for wide views over the lake and the Rift Valley escarpment.
Makalia Falls
Visit the seasonal waterfall at the southern end of the park.
Planning your Lake Nakuru safari
Practical details to help you decide how to travel and where to stay.
Getting to Lake Nakuru
- From Nairobi: about 160 km, around 3 hours by road with a stop at the Rift Valley viewpoint.
- On a circuit: Nakuru sits between Nairobi, Lake Naivasha and the Maasai Mara.
- Day trips: a full day tour from Nairobi is possible, though an overnight stay is more relaxed.
Where to stay
- Inside the park: lodges with views over the lake and the woodland.
- Nakuru town: hotels just outside the main gate, often at lower prices.
- Lake Naivasha: stay by the lake and visit Nakuru on a day trip.
Good to know
- Park fees: paid to Kenya Wildlife Service. Check whether fees are included in your quote.
- Flamingos: numbers depend on water levels, so ask us about recent sightings before you travel.
- Weather: mornings can be cool, so pack a warm layer.
Lake Nakuru safari packages
Day trips, overnight tours and longer safaris that include Lake Nakuru National Park.
- 2 Days
- Lake Nakuru and Hells Gate
- 7 Days
- MASAI MARA, NAKURU,NAIVASHA AND AMBOSELI
Lake Nakuru safari questions
Answers to the questions travellers ask us most. Still unsure? Send us your question and our team will reply.
How far is Lake Nakuru from Nairobi?
About 160 km, around 3 hours by road. It is a popular stop on the way to the Maasai Mara.
Are there still flamingos at Lake Nakuru?
Yes, but numbers vary. Rising water levels in recent years have changed the lake’s chemistry, so flamingos move between Nakuru, Bogoria and other Rift Valley lakes.
Can you see rhinos in Lake Nakuru?
Yes. Lake Nakuru is one of Kenya’s best rhino sanctuaries, with both black and white rhino often seen near the shore.
Can you do a Lake Nakuru day trip from Nairobi?
Yes. A full day trip leaves Nairobi early and returns in the evening. An overnight stay gives you more time in the park.
How many days do you need in Lake Nakuru?
One full day or one night is enough to see the main highlights. Two nights lets you add Lake Naivasha.
Can Lake Nakuru be combined with other parks?
Lake Nakuru pairs well with Lake Naivasha, Lake Bogoria and the Maasai Mara.
Start planning your Lake Nakuru safari
Tell us your dates, group size and budget, and our Nairobi team will plan a Rift Valley safari that fits.
