Lake Nakuru National Park
Lake Nakuru National Park is Kenya’s National park which lies in the south of Nakuru, 170 km (105 m) northwest of Nairobi the capital city. This beautiful park is found on the floor of the Great Rift Valley and one of the soda lakes with a higher elevation at 1,756 m (5757 ft.) above sea level. Its altitude has a cooling effect even though it’s near the equator, it is rarely too wet or too dry. The climate here is quite favorable. However, there are intermittent late afternoon rains, but these tend to be more refreshing than an obstacle.
The park can be visited all year round, however, in many parks the wet season can put an end to game viewing but that’s not the case at Lake Nakuru. The roads are good and since the park is fenced, the animals won’t disperse.
ATTRACTIONS IN THE PARK
LAKE NAKURU
This is a significant most visible feature in the park, the park was named after the lake. This soda lake below the base of the Rift Valley of Kenya. It is a sanctuary of many water birds and the abundance of algae used to attract numerous flamingos that filled the lake.
FLAMINGO (GREATER AND LESSER)
Lake Nakuru National Park is best known for its thousands, sometimes millions of flamingos nesting along the shores. There are two types of flamingo species: the lesser flamingo can be distinguished by its deep red carmine bill and pink plumage unlike the greater, which has a bill with a black tip. The lesser flamingos are ones that are commonly pictured in documentaries mainly because they are large in number. Besides the Flamingoes there are other birds that inhabit the lake and the area surrounding it, such as African fish eagle, Goliath heron, hamerkop, pied kingfisher and Verreaux’s eagle among others of their kind.
MAMMALS:
The park is home to about 56 different species including white rhinos, waterbucks, warthogs, impalas, buffalo, Rothschild giraffes, elands, endangered black rhinos, white rhinos and, occasionally, leopards.
SCENIC LANDSCAPES:
The national park is surrounded by hills such as Enasoit, Lion hill, Baboon cliff and Out of Africa the Rift Valley beyond and the wildlife below are all richly enjoyed from the hilltop vantages of Lion Hill, Out of Africa Lookout or Baboon Cliff. About 550 different plant species including the unique and biggest euphorbia forest in Africa, Picturesque landscape and yellow acacia woodlands which give a perfect feeling of nature.
MAKALIA WATERFALLS:
These splendid waterfalls are found in the south end of the park. This is a wonderful spot for picnicking and hiking. The surrounding have beautiful sceneries which are attracting to look at.
ACTIVITIES DONE WHILE AT LAKE NAKURU NATIONAL PARK
BIRD WATCHING.
Lake Nakuru National Park is renowned as a bird sanctuary with over 400 bird species, including huge flocks of flamingoes and other water birds including a variety of terrestrial birds numbering about 450 species in total. Enjoy the fabulous water, savannah, and forest birds while in Lake Nakuru National Park. The best place to see the birds is from the baboon cliff, where you get an excellent view over the lake and the wonderful spectacle pink flamingoes along the shores.
GAME DRIVE
A game drive through Nakuru National Park rewards you with wildlife spotting, bird sanctuary, hippo territory, rhino sanctuary and a number of water animals. See the endangered white rhinos and other animals including waterbucks, warthogs, hippos, impalas, buffalo, Rothschild giraffes and more. Driving through the unique vegetation and the biggest euphorbia forest in Africa.
VISIT THE BEAUTIFUL WATERFALL AT MAKALIA.
A visit to these falls gives you a glance at the quite amazing surroundings as you hear the sound of water falling when they swell after the rains they are at their best. The visit is favorable for people who are doing picnics and hiking.
HOW TO GET THERE?
By Road:
A distance of 156 km North West of Nairobi on the main A104 road. The most commonly used route into the park is via the main gate, 4 km from Nakuru Town Centre. It is also possible to enter the park from the main Nairobi Nakuru road at Lanet Gate. The Nderit Gate is used by people accessing the park from Masai Mara or Elementaita. The park has a tarmac road connection with Nairobi. The park has adequate and well-serviced roads that make most parts of the park accessible.
By Air:
The park can be accessed using air transport, the Naishi airstrip services the park for tourism.
ACCOMMODATION
The park has a variety of accommodation, this should be the least of your worries. Some of them include: Privately Owned Lodges: Lake Nakuru Lodge, Sarova Lion Hill Lodge
Rhino Campsite, Chui Campsite, Soysambu Campsite, Kambi Nyuki Campsite, Kambi Nyati Campsite, Acacia Picnic Site, Baboon Cliff, Out of Africa, Pelican Picnic Site.
Lake Nakuru is a special place for color, variety, the richness of the landscape and accessibility to the wildlife when you add in the millions of dazzling flamingos overwhelming the vistas with their incredible displays, the park is a must-see on your safari journey in Kenya.
Engagi Safaris is a reliable tour operator, with professional staff. Our tour consultants are well trained with a passion, to help you understand all the details about the safaris you wish to inquire about.We have the best drivers and guides who are very highly skilled and knowledgeable about all aspects of tourism, and you can be rest assured that you will have a wonderful experience.
