Destination

LAKE NAKURU NATIONAL PARK

The Ultimate Guide + Safaris | Flamingos, Rhinos & Rift Valley Wonders

Welcome to Lake Nakuru National Park – Kenya’s Flamingo Paradise & Rhino Sanctuary

Lake Nakuru National Park is one of Kenya’s most photogenic parks—known for its shimmering soda lake, sweeping Rift Valley cliffs, rare rhinos, and iconic flocks of pink flamingos that turn the shoreline into a living watercolor.

If you’re dreaming of a safari that combines Big Five sightings, birdlife spectacle, and incredible photography, Lake Nakuru delivers an unforgettable experience for all travelers—first-timers, families, birders, honeymoon couples, and wildlife lovers.

 

At Annest Kenya Safaris, we operate daily departures from Nairobi, Nakuru, Naivasha ,  offering private, luxury, and tailor-made Lake Nakuru safari experiences.

 

Lakes Nakuru and Naivasha Day Safari Tour

Why Visit Lake Nakuru National Park?

Lake Nakuru stands out for its:

Lake Nakuru is compact, incredibly rich in wildlife, and perfect for short safaris or combined itineraries.

World-famous flamingo flocks

When conditions are right, the lake becomes a sea of pink—an unforgettable spectacle.

Best place in Kenya to see rhinos

Home to both black and white rhinoceroses, Nakuru is the most reliable place to spot these endangered giants.

Tree-climbing lions

While rare, sightings happen in this park—your guide will know the hot zones.

Leopards and lions in stunning forest landscapes

Unlike open savannah parks, Nakuru’s mix of forest, cliffs, swamps, and grasslands makes wildlife photography incredibly dynamic.

Epic Rift Valley Lookouts

Baboon Cliff & Lion Hill provide some of the most stunning views in Kenya.

Where Is Lake Nakuru National Park Located?

Meru National Park

Lake Nakuru lies in the heart of Kenya’s Great Rift Valley, only:

 2.5–3 hours from Nairobi

 1 hour from Naivasha

 3–4 hours from Maasai Mara (via Narok)

This makes it one of the easiest parks to access from major safari hubs.

Best Time to Visit Lake Nakuru National Park

Lake Nakuru is an all-year safari destination, but the experience changes with seasons.

Dry Season (June–October, January–February)

Best wildlife viewing, easier sightings, stunning overlooks.

Green Season (November–May)

Great for birding, landscape photography, and fewer crowds.
Flamingos often peak after rains when lake water becomes more alkaline.

 Flamingo viewing varies

It depends on water levels → Our guides know the best current spots.

Wildlife of Lake Nakuru National Park

Nakuru’s compact terrain means dense, reliable wildlife sightings.

Nairobi day trips

Guaranteed wildlife highlights

  • White rhinos (very common)

  • Black rhinos

  • Rothschild giraffes

  • Buffalos

  • Zebras

  • Waterbucks

 Common predators

  • Lions

  • Leopards

  • Hyenas

 Birdlife paradise

Over 400 species, including:

  • Pelicans

  • Flamingos

  • African fish eagle

  • Verreaux eagle

  • Hammerkop

  • Goliath heron

Nakuru is perfect for birders, photographers, and family safaris.

 

How to Get to Lake Nakuru National Park

By Road – Most Common

  • Nairobi → Nakuru (160 km, 2.5–3 hrs)

  • Fully paved highway

✔ From Naivasha

1 hr via scenic Rift Valley zones.

✔ From Maasai Mara

4–5 hours depending on route.

✔ Fly-In Option

Available on request (private charter).

Annest Kenya Safaris provides:

  • Private 4×4 Land Cruisers

  • Safari vans (budget-friendly)

  • Hotel pick-up and drop-off

Masai Mara safari

Best Lodges & Camps in Lake Nakuru National Park

Kenya safari

Economy Level

Lake Nakuru Lodge

Kenya safari lodges and tented camps

Comfort Level

Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge
Sarova Woodlands
Mbweha Camp

Customized Kenya safaris

Luxury Level

Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge
Flamingo Hill Tented Camp
Lake Elementaita Serena Camp
Cliff Nakuru Lodge

Best Safaris to Lake Nakuru National Park

L. Nakuru, Naivasha day tour

2 days L. Nakuru, Naivasha safari tour

4 Days Lake Nakuru & Naivasha Masai Mara Safari

5-Day Lake Nakuru & Masai Mara Safari

7 Days Amboseli, Lakes Naivasha and Nakuru, and the Masai Mara One week safari

7 Days Samburu, Aberdares, Lakes Nakuru & Naivasha, and Masai Mara safari tour

8-Day Family Safari in Kenya

8 Days Discover Kenya Safari

8 days Family Safari in Kenya

9 Days Samburu, Ol Pejeta, Masai Mara & Amboseli Safari

10 days Hakuna Matata safari

10 days circuit Around Kilimanjaro: safari, nature & culture in Kenya and Tanzania

14 Beach holiday in Mombasa & safari in 3 national parks

Why Choose Annest Kenya Safaris for Lake Nakuru Tours?

kenya safaris packages

✔ Local experts based in Nairobi & Diani

✔ Private 4×4 safari jeeps

✔ Flexible, customizable safaris

✔ Fair pricing (no middlemen)

✔ 24/7 support

✔ Certified Kenya tour operator

✔ Daily departures, even last-minute

Book Your Lake Nakuru Safari Today

Daily departures available
Customizable safari packages
Lodge or camp stays included
Private and group safaris available

Call or WhatsApp Us Now: +254-112458884 Request a Free Quote →

FAQs-Lake Nakuru National Park

Absolutely — it’s the best place in Kenya to see rhinos, flamingos (seasonally), and incredible Rift Valley landscapes. It’s perfect for 1–2 day safaris and families.

 

Most travelers spend 1–2 days.
1 day = great for rhinos & flamingos
2 days = deeper exploration & photography

 

  • Flamingos

  • Rhinoceroses

  • Rothschild giraffes

  • Scenic cliffs & waterfalls

Flamingo presence varies due to lake water alkalinity. Our team gives real-time updates to plan the best day.

Yes — except elephants.
You’ll see rhinos, lions, leopards, buffalo, and abundant plains wildlife.

Yes — extremely popular 3–5 day combination.
We offer daily departures.

Yes — short distances, lush scenery, predictable wildlife, and no long drives.

Dry season offers clear views, while green season provides dramatic skies. Sunrise at Baboon Cliff is spectacular year-round.

KWS rates vary each year — we provide updated park fees during booking.

All our Lake Nakuru safaris are 100% private, ideal for couples, families & photographers.