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Rift Valley destination
Lake Nakuru, rhinos and flamingo shores
A compact Rift Valley park famous for its rhinos, flamingos and lakeside views.
Quick facts
Park at a glance
Location
Nakuru County, Kenya
Park size
About 188 sq km
Ideal stay
1 to 2 nights
Best time
June to October
Park overview
A Rift Valley gem for rhinos
Lake Nakuru National Park surrounds a soda lake on the floor of the Great Rift Valley. Its fenced boundary has made it one of Kenya’s most important rhino sanctuaries, and it is one of the best places in the country to see both black and white rhinos.
Flamingos still gather along the shore when water levels suit them, alongside pelicans and hundreds of other birds. Woodland, cliffs and grassland support Rothschild’s giraffe, buffalo, lions and leopards, all within a park that is easy to explore in a day or two.
- About 160 km from Nairobi
- Black and white rhino sanctuary
- Easy stop between Nairobi and the Maasai Mara
Why go
Six reasons to visit Lake Nakuru
A small park that packs in a remarkable variety of wildlife.
Rhino sanctuary
Excellent chances of seeing both black and white rhinos.
Flamingos and pelicans
Birdlife gathers along the shores of the lake.
Rothschild’s giraffe
A rare giraffe subspecies thriving in the park.
Baboon Cliff
A viewpoint with sweeping views over the lake.
Makalia Falls
A seasonal waterfall in the south of the park.
Easy to combine
A natural stop on the way to the Maasai Mara or Lake Naivasha.
Wildlife
Who you will meet on a game drive
Lake Nakuru’s variety is remarkable for such a compact park.
Rhinos
Black and white rhinos, often seen grazing near the lake shore.
Flamingos
Pink flocks feeding in the shallows when conditions are right.
Rothschild’s giraffe
Tall, pale-legged giraffes browsing the acacia woodland.
Lions
Sometimes seen resting in the trees or on fallen logs.
Buffalo
Large herds grazing the open grassland by the lake.
Waterbuck
Common around the lake edges and woodland.
When to visit
Lake Nakuru through the year
Every season has its own rewards. Pick the one that matches what you most want to see.
Peak season
June to October
Long dry season
Dry weather and short grass make the park’s wildlife easy to spot.
Great time
January to February
Short dry season
Warm, settled days and good game viewing between the rains.
Quiet season
March to May
Long rains
Green scenery and quieter roads, with some tracks becoming muddy.
Good value
November to December
Short rains
Fresh grass, migrant birds and fewer vehicles.
Things to do
More than game drives
Viewpoints, waterfalls and some of the Rift Valley’s best birding.
Game drives
Track rhinos, lions and giraffes around the lake.
Baboon Cliff
Enjoy panoramic views over the lake and park.
Flamingo watching
Watch the flocks feeding in the shallows.
Rhino tracking
Search the grasslands for black and white rhinos.
Birdwatching
Hundreds of species, from pelicans to fish eagles.
Makalia Falls
Visit the waterfall in the quiet south of the park.
Plan your visit
Getting there and staying over
The practical details, so you can focus on the wildlife.
By road
About three hours from Nairobi, and a convenient stop on the way to the Maasai Mara.
By air
Light-aircraft charters can reach the Naishi airstrip inside the park.
Where to stay
Lodges inside the park or hotels in nearby Nakuru town.
Lake Nakuru safaris
Trips that include Lake Nakuru
Safaris that pair Lake Nakuru with the Mara, Naivasha and more. Every itinerary can be tailored to you.
- Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Samburu, Lake Nakuru, Maasai Mara
- 7 Days 6 Nights
- Maasai Mara, Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha, Hell's Gate, Amboseli
- 8 Days 7 Nights
- Maasai Mara, Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha, Hell's Gate, Amboseli
- 7 Days 6 Nights
- Maasai Mara, Lake Nakuru, Amboseli
- 6 Days 5 Nights
- Maasai Mara, Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha, Hell's Gate
- 5 Days 4 Nights
- Maasai Mara, Lake Nakuru
- 4 Days 3 Nights
Good to know
Lake Nakuru questions, answered
The things travellers most often ask before visiting. Anything else, our Nairobi team is happy to help.
Flamingo numbers rise and fall with the lake’s water levels. They are often present, but numbers are never guaranteed.
Yes. The park is one of the best places in Kenya to see both black and white rhinos.
One or two nights is ideal, or a full day on the way to the Maasai Mara.
The Maasai Mara, Lake Naivasha and Lake Bogoria all pair well.
Yes. Lions and leopards live in the park, and lions are sometimes seen resting in trees.
Yes. It is compact, with short drives and plenty to see.
Ready for Lake Nakuru?
Tell us your dates and which parks you would like to combine, and we will plan your Rift Valley safari around you.
