Lake Nakuru National Park

Hifadhi ya Taifa ya Ziwa Nakuru

A stunning national park centered on the alkaline lake famous for its masses of flamingos, plus rhinos, lions and abundant birdlife. The combination of scenic beauty and wildlife makes it one of Kenya's premier safari destinations.

Things to do

• Flamingo Viewing — Witness thousands of lesser flamingos feeding on algae in the shallow alkaline waters, creating a striking pink landscape best viewed from the lake viewpoints.
• Black Rhino Spotting — Search for the critically endangered black rhinos that have been successfully reintroduced to the park's protected reserves.
• Lion and Leopard Safari — Drive through the park's savanna and woodland areas to spot lions, leopards, and other predators in their natural habitat.
• Lake Circumnavigation Drive — Follow the scenic loop road around Lake Nakuru to observe diverse wildlife including giraffes, zebras, buffalo, and waterbuck.
• Bird Watching Expeditions — Identify over 450 bird species including eagles, herons, kingfishers, and sunbirds across the park's varied ecosystems.
• Baboon Cliff Hike — Trek to the elevated viewpoint for panoramic views of the lake, surrounding escarpments, and wildlife below.
• Photography Safari — Capture the park's dramatic landscapes, abundant wildlife, and flamingo masses during golden hour photography sessions.

Food to try

• Nyama Choma — Grilled meat skewers, typically beef or goat, served with ugali and sukuma wiki at park lodges and nearby towns.
• Lake Fish (Tilapia and Catfish) — Freshly caught fish from Lake Nakuru, often prepared grilled or fried and served with chapati and vegetables.
• Ugali with Greens — A staple maize flour paste served alongside sautéed spinach (sukuma wiki) and beans, a filling traditional meal.
• Posho and Bean Stew — Cornmeal cooked into a firm loaf served with a hearty legume stew, a common lunch among local workers and guides.
• Chapati Bread — Thin, fried flatbread served fresh throughout the day at lodges and park facilities, perfect for wrapping around grilled meats.
• Fresh Fruit Platters — Local papaya, mango, and passion fruit available at lodges, particularly refreshing after morning game drives.

Local customs & good to know

• Guide Respect and Tipping — Show appreciation to your safari guide with a tip (typically 10-15% or 500-1000 KES per day) as they rely on gratuities and their local knowledge is invaluable.
• Early Morning Departures — Plan game drives for dawn (6-7 AM) when wildlife is most active; this aligns with local park operations and guides' established routines.
• Photography Etiquette — Always ask permission before photographing local staff or community members; respect wildlife by maintaining safe distances and following your guide's instructions.
• Dress Appropriately — Wear neutral-colored, long-sleeved clothing and sturdy boots for game drives to blend with the landscape and protect from sun and insects, following practical safari conventions.

Nearby

• Nakuru — 9 km
• Lake Elementaita (Rift Valley & Lakes) — 51 km
• Tea Plantation Homestays (Southwestern Highlands) — 61 km
• Kericho (Western Region) — 63 km