Lake Nakuru National Park

Lake Nakuru National Park is a protected area in Kenya’s Rift Valley centred on Lake Nakuru, established in the mid-20th century to protect avian life and other wildlife. The park is internationally known for recurring large flocks of flamingos that feed on algae along the lake shore.

Open grassland, acacia woodland and rocky escarpments around the lake support a range of mammals including buffalo, giraffe and both black and white rhinoceros, making the park a destination for birdwatching and broader wildlife viewing.

The site was set aside and expanded in the 20th century as conservation priorities grew to protect bird populations and the surrounding habitat. Management has focused on maintaining both the lake ecosystem and savanna-woodland mosaics.

The park sits in Nakuru County in Kenya’s Rift Valley, adjacent to the town of Nakuru and roughly northwest of Nairobi by road. The lake occupies a shallow basin within the Rift Valley landscape.

• Flamingo counts: Flamingo numbers fluctuate widely with water level and food availability; counts can run from hundreds to many thousands depending on conditions.
• Best viewing times: Early morning and late afternoon game drives concentrate on the lakeshore and wooded areas for best wildlife viewing and photography light.

What to See #

• Lake Nakuru: The alkali lake at the centre of the park that attracts large numbers of wading birds and supports saline-tolerant aquatic life.
• Baboon Cliff: A rocky outcrop and lookout offering panoramic views across the lake basin and frequent wildlife sightings from an elevated position.
• Rhino sanctuary: A protected area inside the park focused on white and black rhinoceros conservation, often a reliable place to find rhinos within the park.