5 days
Photo: Syllabub, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia CommonsLake Nakuru National Park
The Masai Mara and the Rift Valley · UNESCO World Heritage
Lake Nakuru National Park surrounds a soda lake on the floor of the Great Rift Valley, about three hours north west of Nairobi. It became Kenya's first rhino sanctuary in the 1980s and is fenced, which makes it one of the most reliable places in the country to see both black and white rhinos.
The lake is part of the Kenya Lake System World Heritage Site. It was once famous for huge flocks of flamingos, but rising water levels in recent years have changed the lake, and flamingo numbers now vary a lot from season to season.
What to see
- Rhinos: White rhinos graze the open grassland near the lake; black rhinos browse in the acacia woodland.
- Rothschild's giraffes: An endangered subspecies, reintroduced here and now thriving.
- Flamingos and birds: Flamingo numbers rise and fall with the water level, but pelicans, fish eagles and hundreds of other species are always present.
- Lions and leopards: Both live in the park; lions are sometimes seen resting in the yellow fever trees.
Viewpoints and stops
- Baboon Cliff: The classic view over the lake and the Rift Valley.
- Lion Hill: Another viewpoint, with lodges on its slopes.
- Makalia Falls: A seasonal waterfall in the south of the park, best after the rains.
Fitting it in
Nakuru sits on the road between Nairobi, Lake Naivasha and the Masai Mara, and a half day game drive fits neatly into that journey. Many safaris spend one night at Nakuru or Naivasha on the way to the Mara. See our Lake Nakuru and Naivasha guide.
Tip: Spend your time in the woodland as well as on the lake shore: black rhinos are easier to miss than the white rhinos on the open grass.
Practical information
| Fee | US$90 a day (non resident adult) |
| Opening hours | About 6am to 6pm |
| Size | About 188 square kilometres, fenced |
| From Nairobi | About 3 hours by road |
| From Naivasha | About 1.5 hours |
| From the Masai Mara | About 5 to 6 hours |
Who it suits
Nakuru is ideal if rhinos are on your list or you only have one or two days near Nairobi. It is less suited to travellers hoping for the vast open plains of the Mara: the park is fenced, roads loop around the lake, and on busy days several vehicles can gather at a sighting. Combine it with a night at Naivasha for a relaxed two day trip, or use it as a stop on the way to the Mara.
Where it is
Multi-day tours that visit Lake Nakuru National Park
Every tour here includes Lake Nakuru National Park in its itinerary. Best rated first.
5 days
4 days
6 daysNairobi
6 Days Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru and Amboseli Budget Group Safari
5.0(95)Free cancellation
from$1,436
5 daysNairobi
5 Days Maasai mara, Lake Nakuru, samburu private lodge safari
5.0(95)Free cancellation
from$4,143
4 days
4 daysCombine it with
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Lake Nakuru National Park: questions
Are there still flamingos at Lake Nakuru?
Sometimes. Numbers change with the water level, and many flocks have moved to other Rift Valley lakes such as Bogoria in recent years.
Can you see rhinos at Lake Nakuru?
Yes. It is one of Kenya's most reliable parks for both white and black rhinos.
How long do you need at Lake Nakuru?
A half day game drive covers the main sights; a full day or overnight stay gives better chances of black rhinos and big cats.