Lake Nakuru National Park: Flamingos, Rhinos and Rift Valley Scenery
A soda lake in the Rift Valley, ringed by woodland and grassland that shelter rhinos, giraffes and hundreds of bird species.
Lake Nakuru is a shallow, alkaline lake in Kenya's Rift Valley, and the national park around it is small enough to see in a day. Flamingos have been the park's emblem for years, although numbers vary with water levels, so there is no guarantee of a pink shoreline.
The park is also a rhino sanctuary and has populations of both white and black rhinos. Rothschild's giraffes, buffalo, waterbucks and lions live in the woodland and grassland, and more than four hundred species of birds have been recorded. See Lake Naivasha and Hell's Gate nearby.
This guide is part of our East Africa travel guides. When you are ready to plan, see our Uganda safari packages or the Ameera Africa Safaris Uganda tours homepage.
At a glance
- Location: Rift Valley, Kenya
- Famous for: Flamingos and rhinos
- Drive from Nairobi: Roughly three to four hours
- Best for: Birds and compact game viewing
Wildlife and Birds
Besides flamingos, look for pelicans, fish eagles and migratory waders in season. Rhinos graze on open grassland, and leopards live in the forested areas. Baboons are common near viewpoints.
Viewpoints
Baboon Cliff and Out of Africa are favourite lookout points for sunrise and sunset photography. A day trip can easily include both and a picnic lunch.
Combining With Other Stops
Lake Nakuru is often the first stop between Nairobi and the Mara. It pairs well with Naivasha and our Mara and Elementaita safari.
Adding Kenya to a Uganda safari? Tell us your dates and we will build one itinerary with flights, transfers and lodges arranged for both countries.
Related Tours, Guides and Resources
- Ameera Africa Safaris homepage: Uganda safaris, tours and holidays
- Uganda safari packages
- Uganda travel guide
- How to book a Uganda safari
- Plan your safari with our team
Itineraries That Include This Experience
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Uganda Safari Pages
- Kenya Travel Guide: Location, Map, Facts, Safety and Top Attractions
- Lake Naivasha and Hell's Gate National Park: Boats, Cycling and Walking Safaris
- Best Time to Visit Kenya: Dry Seasons, Migration Months and Coast Weather
- Samburu National Reserve and the Special Five: Northern Kenya's Dry-Country Wildlife
- Laikipia and Ol Pejeta Conservancy: Rhinos, Chimpanzees and Private Wildlife Conservancies
- Kenya Safari and Travel Guides: Masai Mara, Amboseli, Tsavo, Samburu and the Coast
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