- About
- Kenya
- Kenya + Tanzania
- Tanzania
- Rwanda
- Uganda
- Experiences
- Parks
- Travel Info
- Contacts
Location
Lake Nakuru National Park is located in Kenya’s Rift Valley, south of the town of Nakuru and 98.5 miles north of Nairobi.
Size
Lake Nakuru National Park is 17 square miles in size.
History
Lake Nakuru was declared a conservation area in 1957 with a focus on their flamingo population, then specifically as a bird sanctuary in 1961. The park was initially a bird-watching paradise and a sport shooting location. Today, the park is one of Kenya’s most visited, with the beauty of Lake Nakuru a huge draw card.
Entrance Fees & Permits
The entry fee into Lake Nakuru is USD60 per person.
Hours of Operation
Lake Nakuru National Park is open daily from 6am to 7pm, with no entry into the park allowed after 6.15pm.
By Road
Travel by road from Nairobi will take around three hours (98.5 miles), travelling along the Uhuru Highway/A104. There are three gates into Lake Nakuru National Park, namely: Main Gate, Lenit Gate and the Nderit Gate (not used as often as the other two).
By Air
Lake Nakuru National Park is 81 miles from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport, with flights operating daily into the Naishi Airstrip in the park.
Weather & Climate
January and February are great months to visit Lake Nakuru National Park as the birdlife is prolific with pink flamingos and over 450 bird species to be seen. The air is dry and the weather mild (around 77F during the day) in January and February. The long rains fall in April and May with the short rains falling from late October to the end of December. The dry, winter months of June to August offer dry conditions and optimal game viewing.
Avoiding Crowds
Visiting Lake Nakuru National Park between late May and end of June will see you enjoying the park ahead of the busy winter season, with fewer vehicles traversing the park. Consider visiting during the fall months of September and October to avoid crowds. Or visiting at the end of December will give you the chance to see the flamingos in all their glory with few people around.
Value for Money
Lake Nakuru is a wonderful national park that offers well-priced accommodation and safari options only three and a half hours north of Nairobi. The destination is popular yet not as saturated as other, more prominent parks in Kenya.
Read more on the Best time to visit Kenya.
Popular Wildlife Sightings in Lake Nakuru National Park
Bird life is prolific in Lake Nakuru National Park. Many flamingos call the Lake home. Cape buffalo, zebra, and giraffes graze on the grasslands of the park, while predators such as lions and leopards can be spotted in the bushlands. Hippos are seen lazing in the lake or wandering the shores at night.
The Terrain
The park comprises an expanse of grasslands with euphorbia forested areas scattered in the park and bushlands, along with acacia woodlands adding to the dramatic scenery. The saline lake is a major feature of the region, glistening among the greens and browns of the park.
Game Drives
Game drives are conducted in 4×4 vehicles, mostly conducted by private safari companies or ground handlers, for guests staying in one of the park’s lodges or camps. The vehicles are enclosed with pop-up roofs for optimal game viewing. The park does offer day visitors the option of scheduled game drives, booked with the park services themselves.
Guided Walking Safaris
Guests can take a guided walk to Baboon Hill with a wildlife professional. Capture amazing views over Lake Nakuru National Park and take in the colours and quality of this safari haven.
Accommodation in Lake Nakuru National Park comprises mostly lodges varying in size. Accommodations for safari-seekers as well as those looking for conference or meeting facilities can be found in an idyllic safari setting. From smaller lodges to bigger chain establishments, all accommodation is situated to offer uninterrupted views of Lake Nakuru and the surrounding wildlife.
Lake Nakuru National Park Lodging – Distance from park entrance
| Lodge or Hotel | Distance to park entrance (in miles) |
| Lake Nakuru Lodge | 0.6 miles from the Nderit Gate in the park’s south-east |
| Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge | 230 feet from the Nderit Gate in the park’s south-east |
| Cliff Nakuru Lodge | 10 miles from the Lanet Gate in the park’s north-east |
| Sarova LionHill Game Lodge | 4 miles from the Lanet Gate in the park’s north-east |
| Mbweha Camp | 8.5 miles from the Lanet Gate in the park’s north-east |
| Lake Elementaita Serena Camp | 11 miles from the Lanet Gate in the park’s north-east |
| Flamingo Hill Tented Camp | 6 miles from the Lanet Gate in the park’s north-east |
Walk to Baboon Cliff
Take in the breathtaking, panoramic views of Lake Nakuru National Park as you gaze out in all directions from this popular vantage point.
Splash of Pink on the Lake
The numerous pink flamingos that call Lake Nakuru home is quite a sight to behold. Thousands of flamingos flock to the waters, with one of the best viewing times being early in the year when the birthing season is in full swing.
Step onto a Former Movie Set at the “Out of Africa” Lookout
Setting the scene for one of the most memorable moments in the iconic movie “Out of Africa”. Enjoy the stillness of the spot and gaze out onto the grasslands of the park
Visit the Makalia Falls
A modest waterfall, it is a refreshing sight when enjoying a safari in the Lake Nakuru National Park. It is along the seasonal Makalia River and located in the southern part of the park.
Hyrax Hill (Located in Nakuru Town)
This prehistoric site and museum is a relatively unknown but fascinating visit for guests looking to do something a little different during their stay. The rocky spur is around .3 miles in length.
The most ideal time to visit the park falls between December and the end of February, when the birthing season is in full swing and bird watching is exceptional. And again in the dry, winter season from June to the end of August.
Accommodation mostly consists of safari lodges ranging from intimate establishments with few rooms, offering a more intimate experience, to larger hotel chains which offer facilities such as conferencing and are more suitable for larger groups of visitors. Pricing ranges from USD350 per person sharing per night up to around USD800 per person per night, depending on what time of year you are visiting.
There are two ways of getting to Lake Nakuru National Park from Nairobi. By road, the drive will take around three hours, while a flight from Wilson Airport is just over an hour.
Seeing the thousands of pink flamingos that call Lake Nakuru home is most definitely a highlight when visiting Lake Nakuru National Park. The contrast of the lake against the grasslands and forested areas make this park one of the most scenic in Kenya.
While the prolific birdlife is a wonderful draw, the park boasts a good selection of plains game from zebra to wildebeest, to predators like lions, cheetahs, buffalo and leopards. Hippos can be seen, while noticeably missing are crocodiles and elephants.
The park is open daily and year round from 6am to 7pm.
It is advisable to pre-book your Lake Nakuru National Park experience and consider staying a minimum of two nights to ensure you get the most from the park and its inhabitants.
A guided 4×4 safari is the best way to experience Lake Nakuru National Park. There will be a chance during your game drive to stop and stretch and step onto outlook points such as “Baboon Cliff” and “The Outlook”.
There are several fantastic lodges and camps located within Lake Nakuru National Park. Sopa Lodge is the perfect large group property, while the 10-roomed Cliff Nakuru offers a more intimate stay. Lake Nakuru Lodge is a well-established and favourite when considering where to stay in the park. All accommodation options are ideally located, offering views over the lake and surrounding wilderness.
Lake Nakuru town is located near the park, however visitors will be enjoying their meals while on safari, at their respective lodge or camp.
Guests staying in Lake Nakuru National Park can enjoy a visit to the Makalia Falls located along the Makalia River in the park or visit the nearby Hyrax Hill Prehistoric Site & Museum, located in the town of Nakuru.
Most accessible and yet wild and natural, Nairobi national park is just a breath and sight away from the bustling Kenya capital -Nairobi city
Established in 1946 and Kenya’s first the Nairobi National park is made up of wide open grass savannah plains.Its scattered acacia bush is host to a wide variety of wildlife including the endangered black rhino, lions, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, buffaloes, giraffes,bushbuck,hippopotamus and diverse birdlife with over 400 species recorded.
All these and much more to see at only 7 Kilometres from your city hotel and against the backdrop of Nairobi.
Tour provides insights and offers a great experience from the history of Karen Blixen, human –Elephant care, rehabilitation and conservation at the David Sheldrick orphanage, Giraffe centre and a visit to Kazuri beads centre where you meet Kenyan women at work in a self help bead factory.…a chance to buy yourself a local gift.
A 5-6 hours Nairobi tour visiting the Giraffe center and David Sheldrick to view baby elephants.
Start the day tour by visiting the most accessible and yet wild and natural, Nairobi national park just a breath and sight away from the bustling Kenya capital – Nairobi city.
Stop at the David sheldrick elephant orphanage to watch in close up the nurture and feeding of orphaned elephants.
Feed giraffes at the nearby giraffe center and call at the Karex Blixen Museum
Book for your transfer from Nairobi airport to your hotel or residence.
The Lake Nakuru Lodge is situated in the South Eastern, ecological niche of the Lake Nakuru National park.
The Lake Nakuru Lodge is situated in the South Eastern, ecological niche of the Lake Nakuru National park.
Sarova Woodlands Hotel and Spa is a tranquil retreat for guests, offering the ideal place to break the journey for those passing through Nakuru.
Situated along the shores of Lake Elementaita, The Pelican Lodge is an exclusive, luxurious and outstanding lodge nestled in a pristine environment above Lake Elementaita.
Sentrim Elementaita Lodge is the place for those seeking an exquisite getaway on the shores of Lake Elementaita. The entirely new lodge is spread out in serene surroundings.
Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge/ camp is located on a hill side bordering Lake Nakuru with expansive views of the Lake in the heart of Lake Nakuru National Park in the Rift Valley Province of Kenya.
Located on a range of hills that form the western limits of Africa’s Great Rift Valley, the lodge offers spectacular views over the vastness of Africa.
Flamingo Hill Camp is situated within the famous Lake Nakuru National Park, which lies within the Great Rift Valley of Kenya.
The best time to go gorilla trekking in Uganda is during the dry season (December– February and June - August) when conditions are especially good for trekking to view mountain gorillas. Game drives in the national parks are also fruitful during this time.
Wear neutral colored, lightweight clothing on your Uganda safari. Dress in layers and bring a warm sweater for morning and nighttime game drives. For gorilla trekking, bring a waterproof rain jacket, hiking boots, long socks, hiking pants, bug repellant, and a daypack. A sunhat and gardening gloves are also a good idea; the jungle is dense and thick.
Natural World Kenya Safaris offers Gorilla Trekking Safaris in Uganda with basic accommodations starting at $96 per person, per day, plus the Uganda gorilla trekking permit which costs $700 per person per day (the permits are required, and those fees are non-negotiable.) Costs increase from there.
Natural World Safaris can provide basic, mid-range, and luxury trekking safaris and is eager to work with almost any budget.
Suggested tips range from $10 to $20 per person per day for a private guide and the same amount for your driver if that is a different person than your guide.
If you are on a guided safari or gorilla trek in Uganda, your chances of encountering problems are minimal. However, it is always a good idea to take precautions on your safari, particularly when traveling through urban areas or in regions close to the border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The trek to spot gorillas can be strenuous. It could take anywhere from two to eight hours to find and observe the gorillas, depending on the time of year. Be prepared to hike for multiple hours through uneven terrain at high altitude. It is advisable to train before any gorilla trekking trip by walking uphill, or better yet, by taking day hikes.
When it comes to wildlife viewing, there are never any guarantees. There are no fences in the parks in Uganda and the gorillas are free to roam. However, our expert guides and gorilla trackers have years of experience taking guests to see these magnificent creatures. They know their favorite spots to congregate and work closely with park officials each day to provide the best possible chance of seeing gorillas in the wild.
Most mountain gorillas in Uganda live at between 4,900 to 7,500 feet. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to the country’s mountain gorillas, has a high point of 8,550ft.
The best time to go on a gorilla trek in Rwanda is during the dry season (June - September) when conditions are best for trekking to view the country’s highlight: the fascinating mountain gorillas.
Wear neutral colored, lightweight clothing on your Rwanda gorilla trek. Dress in layers and don’t forget a sweater for chilly morning and nighttime game drives. For gorilla trekking, bring a waterproof rain jacket, broken-in hiking boots, long socks, hiking pants, bug repellant, and a daypack. A sun visor and protective gloves – such as gardening gloves - are also useful.
Natural World Kenya Safaris offers Gorilla Trekking Safaris in Rwanda with basic accommodations starting at $720 per person, per day, plus the Rwanda gorilla trekking permit which costs $1,500 per person per day (the permits are required, and those fees are non-negotiable.) Costs increase from there.
Natural World Safaris can provide basic, mid-range, and luxury trekking safaris and is eager to work with almost any budget.
Suggested tips for your guide are $25 per person, per day for a private guide and the same amount for your driver if that is a different person than your guide.
Rwanda is one of the safest countries in Africa, particularly if you are on a guided safari or gorilla trek. Your chances of encountering problems are minimal. However, it is always a good idea to take precautions on your safari, particularly when traveling through urban areas. Cross-border travel into the Democratic Republic of the Congo or Burundi is not safe, however, so steer clear of this.
The trek to spot gorillas can be strenuous. It could take anywhere from two to eight hours to find and observe the gorillas, depending on the time of year. Be prepared to hike for multiple hours through uneven terrain at high altitude. It is advisable to train before any gorilla trekking trip by walking uphill, or better yet, by taking day hikes.
When it comes to wildlife viewing, there are never any guarantees. There are no fences in the parks in Rwanda and the gorillas are free to roam. However, our expert guides and gorilla trackers have years of experience taking guests to see these magnificent creatures. They know their favorite spots to congregate and work closely with park officials each day to provide the best possible chance of seeing gorillas in the wild.
Most mountain gorillas in Rwanda live at between 8,000 to 13,000 feet. Volcanoes National Park has a high point of 15,000ft.
Contact us for more information
For more information about our safari excursions, or to book your dream safari trip with Natural World Kenya Safaris, simply get in touch with our friendly travel advisors. Give us a call on +254 704 001 122 or leave your details on our contact us page, and we'll reply as quickly as possible.
© Natural World Kenya Safaris. Developed By MonkeyFish Marketing.
Book This Safari
Book This Excursion/Tour
Customize this Excursion
Customize this Safari
We use cookies to improve your experience on our site. By using our site, you consent to cookies.
Manage your cookie preferences below:
Essential cookies enable basic functions and are necessary for the proper function of the website.
Google reCAPTCHA helps protect websites from spam and abuse by verifying user interactions through challenges.
Google Tag Manager simplifies the management of marketing tags on your website without code changes.
Statistics cookies collect information anonymously. This information helps us understand how visitors use our website.
Google Analytics is a powerful tool that tracks and analyzes website traffic for informed marketing decisions.
Service URL: policies.google.com (opens in a new window)
You can find more information in our Cookie Policy.
