Plizio Visual Lab

Lake Nakuru National Park

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Animal habitat

Weather…

Lake Nakuru National Park is located in the Great Rift Valley of central Kenya, surrounding the shallow alkaline lake of the same name. Originally established as a bird sanctuary in 1961, it was upgraded to national park status in 1968 to protect the unique ecological balance of the area. The park is world-renowned for the vast flocks of lesser flamingos that gather to feed on the abundant algae in the soda waters. Beyond its avian inhabitants, the park serves as a vital rhino sanctuary, playing a leading role in the recovery of both black and white rhinoceros populations in Kenya. The topography is diverse, featuring steep escarpments, dense yellow-barked acacia forests, and open grasslands along the shoreline. Due to its proximity to Nakuru city, the entire 188-square-kilometer area is fenced to protect wildlife from poaching and human encroachment.

Location: Kenya
Top sights: Baboon Cliff View Point · Lion HIíll Viewpoint · Nderit Gate Lake Nakuru National Park
Nearby: Nakuru (6 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan–Mar.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	16	17	17	16	15	15	14	14	15	16	16	16
Rain mm	54	39	105	206	149	83	68	89	85	115	146	95

📋 Practical info

📅

Best season

The best time for the famous flamingo flocks is the dry season from July to October and January to February, when water levels are low. During rainy periods, flamingos disperse over larger areas but are still commonly seen.

🌅

Best time of day

Early morning at sunrise sees flamingos most active, and the light is well-suited for photography. Late afternoon, when the sun is lower, the colors create a memorable backdrop for the lake.

📜

Etiquette

Stay strictly on roads and viewpoints - entering the lake or shoreline is prohibited to avoid disturbing the flamingos. Feeding the birds and flying drones are strictly forbidden.

🎒

What to bring

A spotting scope with high magnification is good for detailed views of flamingos from a safe distance. As the sun is intense, bring sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water.

🧭

Getting there

Lake Nakuru is about 160 kilometers northwest of Nairobi, reached via the well-maintained A104 highway. The park's main gate is in Nakuru town; park fees are paid at the entrance.

🦌

What to expect

Flamingos can move quickly across the lake - find a good spot and wait for a group to come closer. It is worth scanning the entire shoreline, as the flocks shift constantly.

Geography

Coordinates

-0.36670, 36.08330

Facts

The lake sits at an elevation of approximately 1,754 meters above sea level.
UNESCO designated the park a World Heritage Site in 2011.
About 450 different bird species have been recorded within the park.
The park covers a total area of approximately 188 square kilometers.
The Makalia Falls are located at the southern tip of the national park.
Baboon Cliff is a popular lookout point offering views of the entire lake.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Nakuru6 km · EExplore →

Hyrax Hill8 km · EExplore →

Rift Valley – Vegetable Growing15 km · SWExplore →

Menengai Crater15 km · EExplore →

Lake Elementaita20 km · NExplore →

Kariandusi23 km · NExplore →

Arzew26 km · SExplore →

Gilgil29 km · NWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Start Destination Via (optional)

Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Lake Nakuru National Park (4)

Baboon Cliff View Point 🌿 nature

An elevated cliff viewpoint in Lake Nakuru National Park known for the many baboons living there.

Lion HIíll Viewpoint🌿 nature

A wooded hill viewing platform in Lake Nakuru National Park offering a wide view over the alkaline water.

Nderit Gate Lake Nakuru National Park 📍 landmark

A southern checkpoint and entrance to Lake Nakuru National Park surrounded by dry savanna vegetation.

Causeway Viewpoint 🌿 nature

An observation point on a man-made causeway at the edge of Lake Nakuru, convenient for spotting countless water birds.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Are there still flamingos at Lake Nakuru?

Yes, but populations fluctuate based on water levels and algae. They often move to other Rift Valley lakes.

Which rhinos can be seen there?

The park is a key sanctuary for white and black rhinos; sighting chances are very high.

Are there Rothschild giraffes there too?

Yes, the park is one of the few places in Kenya where this endangered giraffe species is protected.

Is walking allowed on the lakeshore?

Only at designated spots like the 'Out of Africa' Lookout or picnic areas are you allowed to exit your vehicle.

How far is the park from Nairobi?

About 160 km northwest of Nairobi, which is roughly a 3-hour drive.

Lake Nakuru National Park: where is it located?

Lake Nakuru National Park is located in Kenya.

Lake Nakuru National Park: what is there to see?

Highlights include Baboon Cliff View Point, Lion HIíll Viewpoint, Nderit Gate Lake Nakuru National Park.

Lake Nakuru National Park: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Mar.

Lake Nakuru National Park: why is it worth visiting?

Lake Nakuru National Park is located in the Great Rift Valley of central Kenya, surrounding the shallow alkaline lake of the same name.

View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →

Lake Nakuru National Park

Best time to visit & climate