Located in the Great Rift Valley, Lake Nakuru sits at an elevation of 1,745m, famous for the vast numbers of flamingoes that feed off its algae. Lake Nakuru National Park lies South of Nakuru County, this beautiful park is also home to a large rhino population (both white and black rhinos). These endangered beasts are often seen lazing under the shade of the acacia trees that surround the lake.
Despite its small size, the park is a true haven of wildlife with array of fauna and flora. Lake Nakuru National Park supports an incredible array of wildlife including 400 bird species, over 50 mammal species, and over 50 species of flora.
If you are planning to visit Kenya on your Africa safari, here are the reasons to why visit Lake Nakuru.
- Lake Nakuru – a soda Lake
Lake Nakuru is one of the most famous soda lakes in East Africa’s Great Rift Valley Lake system and is the heart of Lake Nakuru National Park,
- The Endangered Rhinos
Among the diverse wildlife in Lake Nakuru National Park are the endangered rhinos, the park is a great destination to see black and white rhinos.
Lake Nakuru is a designated rhino sanctuary hosting a huge population of rhinos, 80% of them being white rhinos and 20% being black rhinos, and during your Lake Nakuru safari you will see these enormous mammals that are only second in size to elephants.
Black and white rhinos seem to look similar but they are very different. Scientifically known as Diceros bicornis, the black rhinos are browsers, feeding on bushes and trees, which is why the park’s woodland areas, particularly around the acacia trees are critical to their survival. Black rhinos are critically endangered and Lake Nakuru National Park hosts a significant population of them.
The white rhinos (Ceratotherium simum) on the other hand are grazers, feeding primarily on grass and can often be spotted in the park’s open savannah grasslands. White rhinos are less critically endangered than black rhinos, though they still face severe threats from poaching.
In 1987, Lake Nakuru National Park was declared a rhino sanctuary, and the park’s white and black rhinos have thrived in recent year. In 2009, the park was home to over 25 eastern black rhinoceroses and around 70 southern white rhinoceroses.
- Flocks of Flamingoes
Lake Nakuru – one of the popular soda lakes in the Great Rift Valley is home to a huge population of flamingoes and one of the best places in Africa to see these spectacular birds, dressed in pink feathery coats.
The alkalinity of the lake attracts massive flocks of flamingoes from all over the world. The flamingo birds feed on the blue algae found in the lake, which makes flamingoes found along the Lake Nakuru appear pink. Flamingoes mostly feed on the blue-green algae, the prawns, and some aquatic insects.
The abundant blue-green algae in Lake Nakuru makes it an ideal home for flamingoes. Sadly the recent heavy rains have flooded these rift valley lakes in the surrounding area, forcing flamingoes into Lake Nakuru National Park.
Lake Nakuru National Park is a famous bird haven for the flocks of up to 2 million greater and lesser flamingoes that nest on the shores of Lake Nakuru.
- Out of Africa Viewpoint
The Out of Africa is the most impressive viewpoint in Lake Nakuru National Park. To reach this view point, you embark on a short hike through some steep sections up the rocky path and the trail is significantly steeper than the one that leads to Baboon Cliff.
This viewpoint was made famous by the 1985 film “Out of Africa”, and it derives its name from this Hollywood appearance.
- The Baboon Cliff
The baboon cliff in Lake Nakuru National Park is an excellent viewpoint and it overlooks the entire valley. The cliff gets its name from the groups of baboons that are known to roan in the area.
The Baboon Cliff is a great spot for a scenic picnic and there are several picnic benches at the top. However, when you are eating, you should be attentive as the baboons have been known to steal food.
At the Baboon Cliff, the best views are in the morning, with crisp clear skies and the haze from the morning sun lighting up the panoramic view. There are several great hiking trails running Baboon Cliff for those wanting to stretch their legs, and the cliff itself is easily accessible by car.
- Makalia Falls
The Makalia Falls is a small but beautiful waterfall in the southern part of Lake Nakuru National Park, and they are easily accessible via a short drive from the park’s gates. The falls have a seasonal flow, and it can grind to a halt during the dry season. 
Makalia Falls has a height of around 10m, and they are fed by the Makalia River. Although are as dramatic as other falls like Murchison Falls in Uganda and Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe and Zambia, it is a great spot for a light hike or an afternoon picnic.
- Cycle with Rhinos
In Lake Nakuru is an opportunity to cycle with the rhinos in an annual event at Lake Nakuru National Park. Every year, hundreds of people come together to cycle around the entire park to raise money for community-based conservation projects in the park.
Despite its name, the event raises money for a range of conservation efforts, such as the construction of a perimeter fence to reduce poaching and human – wildlife contact.
Since the fundraising began in 2003, a 18 km of the baboon-proof fence have been erected.
- Birding Paradise
In addition to flocks of pink lesser and greater flamingoes. Lake Nakuru is a haven for bird enthusiasts. With over bird species, the lake and the park offers some of the exceptional birding safaris in Kenya, and is listed among the Important Birding Areas in the region.
- Abundant Wildlife and Exceptional Game Viewing
With over 50 mammal species calling Lake Nakuru home, the park is one of the great game viewing destinations in Kenya.
Lake Nakuru is home to a huge population of some critically endangered wildlife species in Africa including the endangered black and white rhinos and Rothschild giraffe. Other animals you will see on a game viewing safari in Lake Nakuru include baboons, impalas, lions, leopards, hyenas, zebras, gazelles, pythons, Africa wild dogs, zebras, elands and waterbucks among others.
Lake Nakuru National Park is one of the best places in Kenya to see rhinos in the wild.
- Easily Combined with Other Destinations
For longer Kenya safari itinerary, it is easy to combine Lake Nakuru with other Kenya safari destination such as the other Great Rift Valley lakes, the nearby Aberdare National Park and famous Masai Mara National Reserve.
