Discover the Pink Shores of Lake Nakuru
Lake Nakuru, the jewel of Kenya's Rift Valley, is a shallow soda lake nestled within Lake Nakuru National Park, just a short drive from Nakuru town. The park is world-famous for its spectacular flocks of lesser flamingos, which at times cloak the shoreline in a breathtaking blanket of pink.
Beyond the flamingos, the park is a thriving rhino sanctuary, home to both the endangered black rhino and the southern white rhino, as well as Rothschild's giraffe, lions, leopards, buffalo and over 450 recorded bird species. The surrounding acacia woodland offers superb wildlife viewing year-round.
Basic Information
With the dramatic escarpment of the Rift Valley as a backdrop, Lake Nakuru's landscapes are as striking as its wildlife, making it an essential stop on any central Kenya safari circuit.
- Destination
- Country
- Best Time to Visit
- Park Area
- Main Wildlife
- Nearest Town
- Lake Type
- Lake Nakuru National Park
- Kenya
- Jun-Mar for wildlife
- 188 sq km
- Rhinos, flamingos & giraffes
- Nakuru
- Shallow soda lake
Few sights in Africa rival the shimmering pink of thousands of flamingos gathered along Lake Nakuru's alkaline shores - a scene framed by Rift Valley cliffs and the slow progress of rhinos through the woodlands beyond.
The Gorge Tours Safari Guide
The best time to visit Lake Nakuru is from June to March, when long dry spells concentrate wildlife and birds around the shrinking lake for superb viewing. The green season from April to June brings lush scenery and abundant birdlife at good value.
From the flamingo-fringed lakeshore and its precious rhino sanctuary to panoramic Baboon Cliff viewpoints and leopard-spotting in the acacia woodland, Lake Nakuru delivers a compact and rewarding safari experience.
Sample 2-Day Lake Nakuru Itinerary
Depart Nairobi and drive through the Rift Valley to Lake Nakuru National Park, arriving for a morning game drive along the lake shore. Look out for flamingos, rhinos, giraffes and lions. After lunch at a lodge, continue with an afternoon game drive to Baboon Cliff for panoramic views before dinner and overnight at your accommodation.
Take an early morning game drive for the best wildlife activity and lake light. Return for breakfast and explore the park's northern woodlands in search of the resident leopards. After lunch, transfer back to Nairobi, arriving in the late afternoon.
This is a sample itinerary and can be fully customized to suit your dates, budget and interests.
Highlights
- Flamingo & bird watching along the lake shore
- Spot black & white rhinos in the sanctuary
- Guided game drives for lions, buffalo & giraffes
- Panoramic views from Baboon Cliff
- Leopard spotting in the acacia woodland
- Guided nature walks & scenic park trails
- Stunning Rift Valley escarpment landscapes
