As you approach Nakuru town, a glistening lake appears —one home to many species, including the famous flamingos.
This lake has been considered one of the greatest tourist attractions in the Kenyan Rift Valley, one of the seven Rift Valley lakes, and has a unique saline nature that attracts the fauna that depends on it.
Lake Nakuru is perfect for a day trip, allowing you to enjoy wildlife and beautiful scenery in one place. This guide helps you plan the perfect day trip to Lake Nakuru.
Here’s an overview:
About Lake Nakuru
- Lake Nakuru is one of the seven Rift Valley Lakes, which were formed during prehistoric tectonic plate movement. It is found in Nakuru town and makes up a big part of the Lake Nakuru National Park, which was named after the lake.
- This lake is famous for its flamingo population, and is one of the three saline lakes that the flamingoes move between at different times of the year, depending on the algal bloom.
- Other than having a high number of flamingoes, the park in which it is found is also home to many other species of flora and fauna. You can find animals like impalas, rock hyrax, waterbucks and bushbucks, and also get well-known carnivores like the lion, leopards, hyena, jackals and more. Giraffes, zebras, and buffalo are also present, and the park boasts a good population of primates. It is also considered an important bird area, making it a great spot for birdwatching.
- The Lake covers a total of between 5 and 45 Square Kilometers, depending on the season, while the park is a total of 1888 square kilometers.
How to Plan Your Day Trip to Lake Nakuru
- One of the easiest places to reach and explore for any visiting tourist or traveler in Kenya is Lake Nakuru. This is because it is a few hours away from the capital city, and can be explored in a day. You can also decide to spend a night in Nakuru town and leave the next day while having experienced all the park has to offer in just a day.
- Getting to Lake Nakuru is easy. The lake is 3 hours away from Nairobi, and can be accessed by either driving down using your favorite travel company, or by flying into the Naishi airstrip, which is found within Lake Nakuru National Park.
- The park is accessible through three gates and can be driven through in a four-wheel-drive vehicle to avoid getting stuck in any area. We recommend dressing comfortably and wearing comfortable shoes while traveling, to give you the best experience and help you explore comfortably.
- Let’s look at some of the things you can do while at Lake Nakuru.
What to Do at Lake Nakuru
Lake Nakuru National Park offers a mix of adventure, nature, and serenity. Whether you’re a wildlife lover, photographer, or casual traveler, here are some must-do activities in Lake Nakuru that you can explore in a day.
Related read: Kenya Attractions: A Guide to Experiencing Kenya
Go on a Game Drive
The highlight of any visit to Lake Nakuru is a game drive through the national park. The park is home to over 50 mammal species, including buffalo, waterbucks, lions, leopards, and Rothschild’s giraffes. It’s also one of the few places in Kenya where you can spot both the black and white rhino, making it a top destination for the Big Five seekers.
Early morning and late afternoon game drives are the best times to catch animals when they are most active. The park’s roads are well-maintained, making it accessible even in a standard 4WD.
Spot Thousands of Flamingos and Other Birds
Lake Nakuru was once dubbed the flamingo capital of the world, and though numbers vary depending on water levels, you’ll still find thousands of these graceful birds along the lake’s shores. In total, the park boasts over 450 bird species, making it a paradise for birdwatchers.
Aside from flamingos, look out for pelicans, African fish eagles, herons, and the rare maccoa duck. Bring binoculars and a good zoom lens if you’re a photography enthusiast; you won’t be disappointed.
Visit Baboon Cliff for Panoramic Views
For one of the best views of Lake Nakuru and its surroundings, head up to Baboon Cliff. It’s a popular lookout point located on the eastern side of the park. From here, you can get a stunning panoramic view of the lake, the vast grasslands, and even wildlife in the distance.
Keep an eye out for the baboons that frequent the area (hence the name). They’re curious and sometimes cheeky, so don’t leave food or belongings unattended!
Explore the Makalia Waterfalls
Located in the southern section of the park, the Makalia Waterfalls are a hidden gem often missed by rushed visitors. During the rainy season, the waterfall is especially beautiful, tumbling over rocky cliffs into a shallow pool below. It’s a great spot for a quiet picnic or a photo session.
The drive to Makalia is scenic and may offer unexpected animal sightings along the way. It’s also one of the quieter areas of the park, perfect for those looking to escape the crowds.
Lake Nakuru is more than just a stopover on a Kenyan safari; it’s a destination full of rich biodiversity, stunning views, and peaceful nature. Whether you’re there for the flamingos or the rhinos, or just to unwind in nature, Lake Nakuru will leave you inspired.
And the best part is, you can do all these in just one day!
