Lake Nakuru National Park is small, green and full of wildlife, a short drive from Nairobi. Its shallow soda lake once drew millions of flamingos, and although numbers shift with water levels, the lake shore, woodland and grassland still hold some of Kenya's most rewarding game viewing in a compact area.
The park is a rhino sanctuary, and it is one of the best places in Kenya to see both black and white rhino. It is also home to Rothschild's giraffe, big herds of buffalo, waterbuck and impala, and lions and leopards that hunt in the acacia woodland. Baboon Cliff and Out of Africa viewpoint look over the lake and the Rift Valley beyond.
It makes a very good first stop on a Kenya journey, or an easy day between Nairobi, Naivasha and the Mara.
Black and white rhino are the park’s flagship animals and are seen regularly. Rothschild’s giraffe, buffalo, waterbuck, impala, Defassa waterbuck, Thomson’s gazelle, zebra and warthog are common, and lions and leopards are present, with lions often found on the plains and in the euphorbia forest. Pythons live in the woodland, and spotted hyena and olive baboon are widespread. Elephants are not resident.
Chance of seeing
Our estimate for a stay of two or three nights with a good guide. Wildlife is wild, so nothing is promised.
The shallow lake lies in the Rift Valley floor, ringed by acacia and a distinctive candelabra euphorbia forest. Sheer cliffs, grassy plains and hills run up the sides, and at the lake edge the water changes colour from pale grey to pink with the light.
Activities here
Lake Nakuru has a mild highland climate, with warm days around 24°C to 27°C and cool nights, sometimes as low as 10°C. The main rains fall from March to May, with a lighter second season in October and November.
| Month | Day °C | Night °C | Rain mm |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 26 | 10 | 45 |
| Feb | 27 | 11 | 55 |
| Mar | 27 | 12 | 80 |
| Apr | 25 | 13 | 150 |
| May | 24 | 13 | 120 |
| Jun | 23 | 12 | 80 |
| Jul | 22 | 11 | 90 |
| Aug | 23 | 11 | 100 |
| Sep | 25 | 11 | 80 |
| Oct | 26 | 12 | 65 |
| Nov | 25 | 12 | 100 |
| Dec | 25 | 11 | 70 |
Approximate long-term averages. Higher ground is cooler, and forests can rain in any month.
December to March and June to September are the drier months, with sunny days and cool mornings. Roads are in the best condition and the animals are easier to see at the lake edge.
The rains from April to May turn the park deep green and bring migrant birds. Some tracks are muddy, but it is rarely wet for long, and the park is quiet.
The park is rewarding all year. The dry months from December to March and June to September make the roads and the viewing easiest, while the rains bring a fresh landscape and fewer visitors. Flamingo numbers change with lake levels, so we treat them as a bonus.
Best time to visit Jan to Feb
Lake Nakuru is about 160 kilometres north-west of Nairobi, a drive of three to four hours. It sits between Lake Naivasha and Lake Bogoria, and on the road to the Mara via Narok. A short flight is possible, but most guests drive.
Park fees are included in our safaris. Most visitors need a Kenya eTA, arranged online before travel, and a passport valid for at least six months.
The lake water is alkaline and not safe to touch, and animals should not be approached on foot. Altitude is moderate. Please take advice about malaria before you travel.
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“Our take”
Lake Nakuru is the best rhino park on the classic circuit and a good first stop on the way to the Mara.
Safaris from
US$1,560 per person
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