Lake Nakuru National Park
National ParkFeatured Destination

Lake Nakuru National Park

Kenya 188 km² (73 mi²) Est. 1961

About Lake Nakuru National Park

Lake Nakuru National Park is centred around the shallow, alkaline Lake Nakuru, once described as the 'greatest ornithological spectacle on earth' for the millions of flamingos that carpeted its shoreline in pink. While flamingo numbers fluctuate with water levels and algae, the park remains one of Kenya's most reliable destinations for rhino sightings and big game viewing. Covering 188 square kilometres, this compact fenced sanctuary in the Great Rift Valley protects both black and white rhino, making it one of Kenya's most important rhino conservation areas. The park's diverse habitats — lakeshore, woodland, grassland, and rocky escarpment — support over 450 bird species and a full range of plains game including the endangered Rothschild's giraffe.

9

Safari Tours

4.3

Avg Rating

4/5

Big Five

65

Years Protected

Highlights

  • One of Kenya's best parks for rhino sightings (both black and white)
  • Compact size makes it easy to see a lot in half a day
  • Over 450 bird species including flamingos and pelicans
  • Close to Nairobi — ideal for short safari trips
  • Fenced sanctuary ensures reliable Big Five viewing

Considerations

  • Flamingo numbers are unpredictable due to water level changes
  • Small size means it can feel crowded during peak season
  • Limited off-road driving allowed
  • Lake levels have risen significantly, altering shoreline habitat

Wildlife

Big Five Status

🦁

Lion

occasional

🐆

Leopard

occasional

🐘

Elephant

Not present

🦬

Buffalo

common

🦏

Rhino

occasional

Notable Species

Lion

Occasional

Leopard

Occasional

Cape Buffalo

Common

Black Rhino

Occasional

White Rhino

Common

Baboon

Common

Giraffe

Common

Zebra

Common

Waterbuck

Common

Fish Eagle

Common

Common Occasional Rare

Best Time to Visit

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Peak Season Good Time Less Ideal

Climate Overview

Getting There

Lake Nakuru is approximately 160 km (2.5 hours) northwest of Nairobi along the Nairobi-Nakuru highway. The park is en route to the Masai Mara and Lake Baringo, making it a popular add-on. No scheduled flights to the park itself.

Nearest Airport

Naishi Airstrip

Nearest City

Nakuru

Drive Time

2.5 hours

Safari Tours (9)

5-Day Kenya Birding Safari & Wildlife Photography

5-Day Kenya Birding Safari & Wildlife Photography

5.0(2)·Wookar Adventures
5 days•Kenya•Private or group
Mid-Range•Lodge

Visits: Nairobi National Park • Lake Nakuru National Park • Masai Mara National Reserve

From

$2,750 /person

Customizable

Wookar Adventures
10-Day Kenya Wildlife Safari & Uganda Gorilla Trecking

10-Day Kenya Wildlife Safari & Uganda Gorilla Trecking

5.0(2)·Wookar Adventures
10 days•Kenya•Private tour
Mid-Range•Lodge

Visits: Lake Nakuru National Park • Masai Mara National Reserve • Bwindi Impenetrable National Park +1

From

$7,500 /person

Customizable

Wookar Adventures
7-Day Kenya Wildlife Private Safari

7-Day Kenya Wildlife Private Safari

Savannah Wanderlust Expeditions
7 days•Kenya•Private tour
Mid-Range•Tented Camp

Visits: Samburu National Reserve • Aberdare National Park • Lake Nakuru National Park +1

From

$2,200 /person

Customizable

Savannah Wanderlust Expeditions
8-Day Kenya Wildlife Photography & Conservation Safari

8-Day Kenya Wildlife Photography & Conservation Safari

5.0(2)·Wookar Adventures
8 days•Kenya•Private or group
Mid-Range•Lodge

Visits: Laikipia Plateau • Ol Pejeta Conservancy • Samburu National Reserve +1

From

$5,200 /person

Customizable

Wookar Adventures
6-Day Best of Kenya Safari

6-Day Best of Kenya Safari

5.0(2)·Wookar Adventures
6 days•Kenya•Joining group
Mid-Range•Lodge

Visits: Amboseli National Park • Lake Nakuru National Park • Masai Mara National Reserve

From

$2,800 /person

Customizable

Wookar Adventures
8-Day Magical Kenya Luxury Safari

8-Day Magical Kenya Luxury Safari

Signature Safari
9 days•Kenya•Private tour
Luxury•Lodge

Visits: Masai Mara National Reserve • Lake Nakuru National Park • Amboseli National Park

From

$4,000 /person

Customizable

Signature Safari
11-Day Kenya Safari & Diani Beach Escape

11-Day Kenya Safari & Diani Beach Escape

Signature Safari
11 days•Kenya•Private tour
Luxury•Lodge

Visits: Amboseli National Park • Tsavo East National Park • Diani Beach +2

From

$2,910 /person

Customizable

Signature Safari
10-Day Best of Kenya Wildlife & Culture Safari

10-Day Best of Kenya Wildlife & Culture Safari

5.0(2)·Wookar Adventures
10 days•Kenya•Private tour
Mid-Range•Lodge

Visits: Amboseli National Park • Lake Nakuru National Park • Ol Pejeta Conservancy +1

From

$4,890 /person

Customizable

Wookar Adventures
7-Day Nairobi, Lake Nakuru and Ol Pejeta Safari

7-Day Nairobi, Lake Nakuru and Ol Pejeta Safari

5.0(2)·Wookar Adventures
7 days•Kenya•Private tour
Mid-Range•Lodge

Visits: Nairobi National Park • Lake Nakuru National Park • Ol Pejeta Conservancy

From

$3,600 /person

Customizable

Wookar Adventures

Lake Nakuru National Park

9 tours available