Lake Nakuru safari Highlights – Visit Lake Nakuru National Park in Kenya, Birding & Wildlife Safaris in Kenya. Lake Nakuru is one of the Rift Valley soda Lakes at an elevation of 1,754 m above sea level. It lies to the south of Nakuru, in the rift valley of Kenya and is protected by Lake Nakuru National Park.
The Lake’s abundance of algae used to attract a vast quantity of flamingos that famously lined the shore. While in Kenya and interested to visit this park you can do it on your week holiday and for those on few days you can take a day trip from Nairobi.
Drive through the breath taking Rift Valley. View Mt. Longonot, Lake Naivasha, Lake Elementaita and Lake Nakuru, the home of flamingos and a large amount of other bird species.
Lake Nakuru National Park is one of Kenya’s two premium parks, and is a bird lover’s paradise. It surrounds Lake Nakuru, located in the Central Rift Conservation Area in the Southern Rift Valley region of Kenya.
Originally protected as a bird sanctuary, this park hosts over 400 bird species, including 5 globally threatened species, and is an important stop on the African-Eurasian Migratory Flyway. This park was also the first national Rhino sanctuary and hosts one of the world’s highest concentrations of the Black Rhinoceros.
Lake Nakuru National Park is one of Kenya’s 23 National Parks and along with Amboseli National Park. It can be found in Central Kenya, about 90 miles (140km) northwest of Nairobi, in the Nakuru district of the Rift Valley Province.
The ecosystem is comprised of the Lake, surrounded by wooded and bushy grasslands. The park supports a wide ecological diversity including Flamingos (Greater and Lesser) and other water birds, and the Black and White Rhinoceros which are the major attractions of the area.
Visit Lake Nakuru National Park, Kenya
Lake Nakuru National Park, popularly known as the bird paradise, is one of the great safari destinations in Kenya that tourists enjoy visiting while in the country. The park is evidently one of the best in Kenya as it annually records a mammoth number of tourists. The park consists of a unique climate of sub-humid weather.
This kind of weather is not so hot and not so cold all year round. Meanwhile, the park still experiences two seasons; the rainy/wet and sunny/dry season. However, during these seasons, the conditions are not as extreme as other parts of Kenya because of the park’s semi-humid climate.
Location:
Lake Nakuru National Park is perched in the central region of Kenya, in Nakuru County. The park is also located north west of Nairobi city and it’s about 3-4 hours’ drive from the city to the park by road.
What to see and do in Lake Nakuru National Park:
Lake Nakuru National Park inhabits the famous and beautiful Lake Nakuru; one of the soda lakes in the rift valley. Lake Nakuru is an ornithologist’s paradise with over 400 recorded species of birds. Around the Lake one can find flamingos, a wide range of waders including avocet, while large rafts of pelicans can also be seen sweeping the water in unison.
Situated at the heart of the Rift Valley, the Lake Nakuru National Park is home to one of the most amazing ornithological spectacles in the world – the flight of the flamingos! This park is host to over 400 species of birds and it is possible to spot many without moving from your own balcony.
But of all the birds which consider this park their home, none is more spectacular or more awe-inspiring or unforgettable, than the great mass of pink flamingos which ring the Lake, constantly fluttering and flying about, feeding on the algae in these rich alkaline waters. This is home for the largest flamingo population in the world and, every year after the long rains (April/May), the flamingos perform a mating dance – a seemingly orchestrated spectacle which is a truly amazing to watch.
Flamingos are the major draw-card of this amazing Lake Nakuru National Park. The park has a very large quantity of blue-green algae, the most popular food for flamingos, which attracts these colorful birds to the park. The park is home to both the greater and lesser flamingo species.
Meanwhile, besides flamingos the park is home to so many other bird species (over 400 bird species) including; the Dusky Night jar, African Fish Eagle, African Cuckoo, Pink-backed Pelican, Grey-crested Helmet-shrike, Common Green shank, Woolly-necked Stork, White – browed Robin-Chat, among others.
Wildlife in Lake Nakuru National Park:
Besides being a popular Park for birds, especially the pink flamingos, Lake Nakuru National Park inhabits more than 50 mammal species that include; Buffaloes, Hippos, water bucks, Impalas, baboons, Zebras, Warthogs, Colobus monkeys, among others. In addition, the park is also home to certain Pythons. Leopards
The park has a well-established road network within the park that facilitates a great game viewing experience because the road network takes you to all ends of the park where you can find the animals easily.
Furthermore, the park comprises of a Rhino Sanctuary, the first ever Rhino Sanctuary in Kenya and among the biggest Rhino sanctuaries in the entire East Africa. The sanctuary inhabits more than 150 endangered Rhinos – it protects both the black and white Rhinos. 80% of the rhinos here are white rhinos and 20% are black rhinos. On your Kenya safari visit to Lake Nakuru National Park, it’s a guarantee to see all these rhinos together with many more mammals and birds that live in this remarkable national game park.
The Rhino sanctuary is fenced to avert the Rhinos from getting out and also to prevent Poachers from getting to the Rhinos and cause harm to them. The Rhino sanctuary also inhabits the rare and endangered Rothschild’s giraffe.
Lake Nakuru National Park was selected as the first Rhino sanctuary because it was already a bird sanctuary and it had the needed land for the rhinos to be relocated at the time. Also because rhinos need water every day, the presence of the lake made it advantageous for rhinos to make their life in the park; the vegetation in the park is also ideal for both the white and black rhinos.
How Wildlife in the Park is protected:
Lake Nakuru National Park is fenced with an electric fence. This means throughout the year animals in the park don’t get out or migrate to other parks which means any time you visit the park you will be able to view the over 50 mammal species that live in the park.
The Park is endowed with amazing raised ridges that not only compliment the park’s beauty but also offer amazing viewpoints for birding, game viewing and sightseeing. Most people visit these viewpoints for nonpareil picnic experiences and for scenic photography backgrounds among other things.
When to Visit the Park:
Given its unique climate, that is neither too hot nor too cold, Lake Nakuru National Park can definitely be visited any time of the year; even on the sunny days the sun is not as hot as the other parts of Kenya. That aside, the most appropriate time to visit Lake Nakuru National Park is during the dry month; January, February, March, June, July, August and September. The rest of the months are wet with the wettest being April and May, so they might possibly interrupt your game viewing.
The Park in a Nutshell:
Initially, in the 1950s, Lake Nakuru National Park inaugurated as a bird sanctuary and the park by then comprised of Lake Nakuru and a few kilometers of the Lake’s surrounding area. During the 1960s, the park was expanded to include the Savannah part and animals were introduced into the park advancing it from only birds. Exactly in 1968, Lake Nakuru National Park was officially gazetted as a National Park.
Best Safari Lodges and Camps – Accommodations in Lake Nakuru National Park, Kenya.
Lake Nakuru Lodge:
Lake Nakuru Lodge is a beautiful eco – lodge situated inside Lake Nakuru National Park boasting unobstructed views of the lake and wildlife. The lodge comprises of 92 deluxe rooms, the inside of the rooms are 12ft x 17ft in size, whereas the balconies are 13ft x 5ft. All the rooms have spacious, clean, bathrooms that are 145 x 75 inches. It also comprises of 4 handicap rooms to help serve with the special needs guests.
This property also has one of the best-rated locations in Nakuru! It offers accommodation with free WiFi, seating area and flat-screen TV. There is a private bathroom with bath and free toiletries in each unit, along with a hair dryer. A buffet breakfast is served each morning at the property.
There is an in-house restaurant, which serves a variety of Indian, African and American dishes and also offers dairy-free, gluten-free and vegetarian options. The lodge offers an outdoor pool as well as a garden where guests can relax.
Flamingo Hill Tented Camp:
The Flamingo Hill Camp is situated within the famous Lake Nakuru National Park, which lies within the Great Rift Valley of Kenya. The camp is nestled approximately 30 minutes’ flight (by air) or 2 hours’ drive (by road) from Nairobi. Nestled between the “honeymoon hills”, and set in beautifully landscaped grounds with natural foliage and a variety of indigenous African plants and flowers, Flamingo Hill Camp provides superb, tented accommodation.
Flamingo Hill Camp is an eco – friendly establishment. Part of the money earned from the camp is used for environmental restoration and endangered species. Cozy, warm and inviting with a personal touch, Flamingo Hill Camp offers the traveler a home away from home!
The rooms are small and exclusive, comprising 25 tents. The tents are furnished with the understated luxury required by the modern traveler. Decorated in calming safari tones, natural woods, wrought iron and crisp cottons each tent has been meticulously planned to maximize comfort.
All tents have the following facilities: four poster beds & mosquito nets, en-suite with shower, WC and flush toilets, writing desk, a private verandah overlooking the plains, hot and cold running water, and voltage at 240 volts.
Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge:
Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge is nestled along the Lion Hill overlooking the spectacular flamingo pink rimmed Lake Nakuru. Its location affords panoramic views of the lake and the picturesque Lake Nakuru National Park. A short two hours’ drive from Nairobi, Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge is a favorite with residents and visitors to Kenya.
Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge is cleverly laid out in such a way that most rooms and sitting areas afford stunning views of the lake and the park. The Lodge incorporates natural landscaping with tall acacia trees, winding walkways and greens dotted with bird feeds.
Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge accommodation, beautiful scenery, and cozy atmosphere will bring relaxation to your soul immediately. Sit back and enjoy the stunning bedrooms.
Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge has 67 luxury chalets, divided into 64 standard rooms and 3 suites. With so many accommodations options at hand, no wonder why Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge turns out to be the right choice. Choose a chalet, a room, or a suite based on your personal requirement. Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge is presently considered one of the best Great Rift Valley Lodges in Kenya. That makes a great reason for you to check-in, isn’t it?
Kambi Amani Eco Camp, Nakuru:
Kambi Amani Eco Camp is an exquisite camp located in the Njoro area in Nakuru,Kenya. The camp is located in a quiet area away from the noisy city life and ideal place for people who want their own private space either for book writing, artwork or even a family getaway. Guests can enjoy a cliff top view of the whole Lake Nakuru and Nakuru Town with beautiful sunrises and sunsets. The property is also ideal for a group of friends who want a weekend getaway, campers and a couple.
The tents are all widely separated to offer their guests privacy. The tents feature African crafted side wooden tables and bed, floor rags and antique vessels. The tents all have a veranda. The camp has an onsite restaurant serving local and International cuisine. A barbecue area is also available where guests can enjoy outdoor dining. Wine and beer is also available.
Campers can rent camping gears onsite. The place is a great place for bird watching. Ample parking space is available. Laundry service can be done upon request. Kambi Amani Eco Camp is within 20 minutes drive to Nakuru Town Centre and about 17 kilometers drive to Lake Nakuru National Park.
Kambi Amani Eco Camp is within 20 minutes drive to Nakuru Town Centre and about 17 km drive to Lake Nakuru National Park. The camp has an onsite restaurant serving local and International cuisine. A barbecue area is also available where guests can enjoy outdoor dining. Wine and beer is also available.
Ziwa Bush Lodge:
Ziwa bush lodge brings the magic of this coexistence by creating the most beautiful African lodge amidst the green vegetation to make you feel the energy of plants, the bushes and the trees while at the same time enjoying the luxurious accommodation amenities with an African touch. Surrounded by nature itself, you will feel the magic in the air and the power in the breeze letting you calm yourself and relax.
Ziwa Bush Lodge offers a personalized boutique experience to its guests with just six double units, three twin units and one family unit all containing spacious en-suites. Each individual room is made from local stone, canvas and makuti roofing (folded palm leaves) with its beautifully and uniquely handcrafted wooden furniture made on site by Kenyans living in and around Nakuru town.
For the love of nature, Ziwa bush Lodge relies on its natural habitat and surroundings and when guests needs relaxation, meditation, healing and rejuvenation, Ziwa offers the perfect elements of nature combined with comfort and exclusive services to its guests giving them the right environment to connect deeper with oneself.
While maintaining luxury and sophistication, Ziwa holds true to its core value of preserving and upholding nature. Ziwa Bush Lodge takes hospitality to great lengths by giving weary travelers a home of rest and comfort as they transverse the country from the city through the great rift valley to the worlds’ biggest national park Maasai Mara, Lake Bogoria: the home of Flamingos and hot springs, Lake Baringo and the neighboring Lake Nakuru, Menengai crater and Nakuru National Park.
The Lodge’s African inspired architecture, the staff’s focus on impeccable service, and the essence, Ziwa bush lodge is a boutique hotel (Small Stylish and Fashionable lodge with a personal note), making it a very comfortable home for exclusive travelers.
Sarova Woodlands Hotel & Spa Nakuru:
Located in Nakuru, Sarova Woodlands Hotel and Spa is a tranquil retreat for travelers on business or leisure, offering the ideal place to break the journey for those passing through Nakuru Town and Lake Nakuru National Park. The hotel is located off the main Nairobi – Nakuru highway just outside of Nakuru town and is situated on a wooded avenue in the upscale Milimani area adjacent to the State House.
All rooms at Sarova Woodlands are en-suite and feature contemporary guest facilities and services to ensure a tranquil, comfortable and pleasant stay. The amenities include, air-conditioning, black-out curtains, Satellite TV, tea/coffee facilities, mini-bar, safe-deposit box, direct dial telephone with VOIP, wireless internet connectivity, private bath, shower and WC, hair dryers (voltage of 240 volts) and 50 cycle razor outlets operating on both 220 and 240 volts.
Tribu Guesthouse:
Tribu Guest House in Lake View Estate offers accommodation with a garden and a terrace. Among the various facilities of this property are a shared lounge and a bar. The accommodation offers free Wi-Fi. At the guest house, all rooms have a wardrobe and a flat-screen TV.
With a private bathroom fitted with a bath and free toiletries, rooms at Tribu Guest House also feature a lake view. Guests at the accommodation can enjoy a buffet breakfast. At Tribu Guest House you will find a restaurant serving Chinese and Asian cuisine. Vegan, dairy-free and kosher options can also be requested. The guest house offers a hot tub. The reception can offer helpful tips for getting around the area. Nakuru is nestled 6 kilometers from Tribu Guest House.
When you plan a journey to Kenya, especially in Lake Nakuru National Park, remember that booking an accommodation at Tribu Guesthouse is so exciting and memorable. Tribu Guest House is located in Naka off Nakuru – Nairobi Highway and it is a nice place to stay.
Other combined wildlife safaris in Kenya’s National Park.
After your Kenya trip in Nakuru National Park, you can combine your Kenya tour with the visit to other national parks like Maasai Mara, Amboseli, Samburu, Ol Pejeta conservancy, Tsavo East and West and then have holiday at the Mombasa beaches.
Nairobi
Maasai Mara
Amboseli
Samburu
Ol Pejeta conservancy
Tsavo East and West
Laikipia
Lake Naivasha
After Kenya safari expeditions with either land transfers or by air combine the great wildebeest migration with Tanzania parks which include the Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Lake Manyara, Tarangire, Arusha and then have the exotic inclusive Zanzibar resorts. But, with tourists flying to Dar es Salaam can easily experience Tanzania Safari Holidays in other safari parks that are found in the northern pat of the country and among them includes the Ruaha, Selous, Katavi among others.
If we are to compare destinations that are much visited in East and Central Africa, it is Tanzania that receives very tourists every year. Tanzania being a big country in East Africa and with so many tourist destinations it has attracted various international chain lodges and camps that have developed nice and eco – friendly facilities in and at the foot slopes of parks and highly blend with nature.
Some of the sophisticated luxury lodges and camps have set up very nice facilities across East Africa and among them it is the Singita Game Lodges which has got like 06 safari lodges and camps in Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park and then in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park a home of the remaining endangered mountain gorillas. Therefore, with this diversity of lodges in both countries it has enabled the combination Luxury Tanzania Rwanda Gorilla Safaris so much easier and for Eco companies like Eco Tours Rwanda offers such trips and other related luxury safaris in East Africa.
Serengeti
Ngorongoro
Lake Manyara
Tarangire
Arusha
Nyerere
Selous
Ruaha
After visiting the 02 magical great wildebeest migration (Kenya & Tanzania) Africa safari operators have introduced extension to the gorilla world. Uganda is the “Pearl of Africa” with so many safari parks habituating wildlife, primates, birds and insects among others.
After, experiencing the great wildebeest migration in Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya, you can add on the gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda and this is by domestic flight with Aero Link Uganda. This charter operates daily between Maasai Mara and Entebbe Airport or vice versa.
This trips can be customized from 2 people or based on group and charter fly with minimum of 2 travelers and when the number is big there is also big charter to accommodate the group. It can be customized depending on the class of accommodation that the clients will to stay on their safari in Africa.
The Fly-In Safari in Uganda and Kenya is always opted by the luxurious or limited time travelers. But for the adventurous travelers we have also thought about you, where we have customized a very interesting safari itinerary – Uganda Gorilla Kenya Safari – 10 Day that will show you the beautiful winding landscapes and green covers of both countries and interesting stay in some of the historical towns like Jinja, Uganda for Rafting adventure and Kisumu, Kenya.
This expedition is always offered by Uganda tours and further more we have got the promotional and group safaris in Uganda that we are offering to our travelers wishing to join and travel with Michael Schwartz a biological researcher and African Wildlife photographer in Uganda. He has lead so many photography safaris in Uganda and most of them combined with gorilla, wildlife and culture.
Bwindi
Mgahinga
Queen
Murchison
Kibale
Kidepo
Pian Upe
Semliki
Mt. Rwenzori
Mt. Elgon
Lake Mburo
Lake Bunyonyi
Rwanda is among the destination that you can think of while planning for your safari to Africa. It is a very small country in the East African region but much loved by travelers especially interested in gorilla safari experiences. Kigali is the capital city and tourist hub, that every traveler visiting arrive in Kigali unless some one visiting from the neighboring countries enter from any border of the location.
Rwanda, internationally was known by the genocide that took place between the Hutu and Tutsi. A lot of lives was lost and so many people are orphans and today this sad event is being phased out and for some time the country has been marketed by the cultural dances and among them it is the Intore Dance.
The government has today put much emphasis on Eco – tourism and when you visit the country you can witness this from the number of international travelers and new hotels developed in the Kigali city. Though, the Covid-19 has affected the industry but tourism is now seems to be the number one foreign exchange earner to the economy. while planning to visit Rwanda you can opt to either take wildlife safari, primate adventure and then take the vacations along the shores of Lake Kivu that is shared by Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo.
With the security and peace in the region has enabled the country to rebrand from the middle income country to the luxury destination. Various luxury hotels and lodges have been developed in Kigali and safari parks. Among the lodges that have made Rwanda to become the luxury place include the Singita Lodges that has set up nice eco – friendly Singita Kwitonda Lodge and Kataza House. The Wilderness safaris has also set up the exclusive lodge and camp – Bisate Lodge and Magashi Camp and then the One & Only Resorts, Rwanda in the Volcanoes and Nyungwe Forest National Park.
African Wildlife & Gorilla Photography Expeditions
Wildlife and primate photography expeditions are becoming more interesting to travelers wishing to visit Africa and such expeditions are offered by some of tour operators. For travelers looking for gorilla photography in East and Central Africa we have a very reliable 12 Day Primate program to experience and most of the lodges we work with purely blend with nature and among them include the Mikeno Lodge in the Virunga National Park, Congo.
Virunga National Park is found in northern side of Congo at Goma city and bordering with Rwanda and Uganda and this park spans in the 3 countries and in each country with a different name but in general it is the Virunga massifs and all habituate the mountain gorillas. But on the Congo side it habituate the mountain gorillas, lowland gorillas, chimpanzees and the active mount Nyiragongo.
Virunga
Kahuzi Biega
Thereafter, exploring East African safaris in details you can combine it with the Southern Africa and best destinations to add on includes Botswana and Namibia. Here you will encounter the African wildlife and the great desert holidays.