Flamingoes at Lake Nakuru National Park

The Lake Nakuru National Park is one of the top tourist destinations in Africa, famed for the Flamingos that flock to its shores to feed on the Cyanophyte Spirulina Platensis that live in its alkaline waters. It is a very important breeding ground and stop over for many species of birds, and has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The park has very good roads and some excellent viewpoints overlooking the lake from Baboon Cliff and Lion Hill. The lake supports the blue-green Cyanophyte Spirulina Platensis, which is the main food source for the brilliant pink flamingoes that can be found wading on the lake’s edge. At times, there can be up to two million greater and lesser flamingoes and tens of thousands of other birds. Food conditions change periodically, and the number of birds fluctuates at times so, if possible, you should check with the national park before making a long journey to view the birds. It is also a good idea to carry a spotter’s guide to identify the many animals and Kenya birds you will see here.Lake Nakuru National Park also offers sanctuary to huge numbers of native African animals including waterbucks, warthogs, impalas, buffalo, Rothschild giraffes, elands, endangered black rhinos, white rhinos and, occasionally, leopards. A large herd of hippos have a territory in the northern part of the lake, making for interesting game viewing.

Activities

The main way to experience the Lake Nakuru National Park is on a game drive. This is best done in the company of an expert guide who knows their birds, as they really are the main attraction in this Park.  It is one of the only parks in Kenya where you can drive up close to White Rhino and may even snap a shot of them with flocks of flamingos on the Lake in the background. The best place to view the birds is from Baboon Cliff, where you get an excellent view over the lake, and the wonderful spectacle of pink flamingoes along its edge. However, the number of birds in the park fluctuates as food conditions change, so check the bird population with the national park before making the journey.

Accommodation

The park has several accommodation facilities ranging from lodges to camps. They are comfortable and outstanding. The Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge is situated on a hill overlooking Lake Nakuru. Accommodation is offered in chalet style rooms that are comfortably furnished.

When to visit

The area has two main wet seasons, from March to May and October to December. The rain is usually in the form of short heavy downpours in the early afternoon, otherwise the weather is generally fine.

Getting there

The Lake Nakuru National Park is situated in central Kenya about 150 km (87 miles) north-west of Nairobi. The main entrance gate is situated 4km (2.4miles) from Nakuru town. Tourists travelling from the Masai Mara will enter the Lake Nakuru National Park through the Nderit Gate. Airport - The Lake Nakuru National Park is serviced by the Naishi Airstrip.