Lake Nakuru national park is located just a short distance from the city of Nakuru a transportation hub in the region making the park easily accessible, and accommodation is easily available in the city.
Lake Nakuru is mostly famous for the beautiful display of thousands, sometimes millions of flamingos joined together in a single flock that forms a uniformly shifting pink blanket, over the shores of the lake.
The flamingos move back and forth in Unisom as they feed on algae that form on the base of the alkaline lake. The beauty of the lake is even more breathtaking as the birds take flight forming a pink cloud over the lake.
According to geological history, like most of the lakes in Rift Valley in Kenya, the lake was formed as a result of past tectonic events of faulting, warping, and volcanic eruptions. The park is surrounded by fascinating volcanic sceneries, from the north by the Menengai crater and Bahati hills, east by the Lion hill, south by the Eburu crater and to the west by the Mau escarpment.
Wildlife in Lake Nakuru National Park
Nakuru is not all Flamingos, due to the introduction of a species of salt-tolerant Tilapiagrahami the lake is home to many species of fish-eating birds (Cormorants, pelicans, hammerkop), plus a Prolific birdlife featuring up to 450 species
The lake also is inhabited by water mammals mainly hippopotamus and clawless otters while the terrestrial part of the park supports a large number of other African plain mammals like Thomson’s and Grant’s gazelle, the long-eared leaf-nosed bat, colobus monkey, rock hyrax, leopard, lion, rhino, waterbuck.
Impala, striped hyena, bat-eared fox, wildcat, reedbuck, striped hyena, and golden cat. The park is also a sanctuary of rhinoceros and the Rothschild’s Giraffe.
The lake is mostly ideal for bird lovers; it provides one of the best bird watching sites in the world; plus you will be able to see other big mammals too within the vicinity of the lake.
Things to do in Lake Nakuru National Park
Here are the places to visit and things to do in Lake Nakuru National park.
1. Visit the Out of Africa lookout cliff
There are various vantage points in Lake Nakuru where you can have an amazing view of the lake as well as the town of Nakuru which has a hilly background. Out of Africa lookout is a vantage point in Lake Nakuru National park that gives you a picturesque view of the park.
The out of Africa lookout is the highest point of the park but getting to its crest is steeper. However, ones on the top, the views of the park and the surroundings are sweeping.
2. Visit the Baboon Cliff
The Baboon cliff started a lunch spot where groups visiting the park would enjoy their packed lunch while enjoying the views of the lake. The Baboon cliff is famous for sightings of baboons that snatch people’s lunch.
Apart from the out of Africa lookout, the baboon cliff is another place that you should visit. From the vantage point of the Baboon Cliff, you get to see the superlative views out over the lake, with some fine aerial vistas down onto the flooded lakeshore.
3. Visit the Makalia Falls
This fall is not popular with many visitors in the park. People visiting the park for some few hours do not get to chance to explore the park fully. The Makalia Falls are located to the extreme southern end of the park. If you are in the park for some days, you can camp in a nearby campsite near the falls.
4. Go for Birdwatching
Lake Nakuru is known for the sheer quantity of birds in the Park especially the flamingos that often visit the Lake. Since the introduction of a species of tilapia that is tolerant to salt lakes, the number of fish-eating birds in Lake Nakuru has significantly increased. The best way to interact with the birds is to visit the shores of the lake where you can see them up-close.
Accommodation in Lake Nakuru
These are some of the most exclusive and the most popular places to stay while visiting Lake Nakuru National Park.
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Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge
Located in Lake Nakuru National Park with views of Lake Nakuru, Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge is located in the Rift Valley Province and 160 km away from Nairobi. It offers a restaurant and outdoor experience with sweeping views of the Park
2. Kambi Amani
The Kambi Amani is one of the best places to stay while visiting Lake Nakuru National Park. The facility includes a sun terrace with panoramic views of Nakuru town, the park, Lake Nakuru and the local mountain ranges.
3. Sarova Woodlands Hotel and Spa
This is one of the newest and one of the best facilities to stay in while visiting Lake Nakuru. It is located 2.9 KM from Westside Mall on your way to Nakuru from Naivasha.
4. Eagle Palace Hotel
The Eagle Palace Hotel is close to Nakuru National park and is 2.2KM from Westside mall. The driving distance to Nakuru national park is approximately 11KM hence it’s one of the best places you can stay in while visiting Lake Nakuru. Featuring a 24-hour front desk, this property also has a restaurant and a terrace.
5. The Kivu resort
Kivu resort is one of the most booked facilities popular with visitors who visit Lake Nakuru National park. The resort offers executive service to their clients and exclusive levels of hospitality.
