Lake Nakuru National Park

“A beautiful wildlife haven” On the floor of the Great Rift Valley, surrounded by wooded and bushy grassland, lies the beautiful Lake Nakuru National Park. Visitors can enjoy the wide ecological diversity and varied habitats that range from Lake Nakuru itself to the surrounding escarpment and picturesque ridges. Lake Nakuru National Park is ideal for bird watching, hiking, picnic and game drives

Park Activities

  • Camping

  • Game Viewing

How to Get There

  • Roads: The park is connected by a tarmac road to Nairobi, 156 km northwest on the main A104 road. The most common entry is via the Main Gate, 4 km from Nakuru Town Centre. Alternative entries include Lanet Gate off the Nairobi-Nakuru highway and Nderit Gate for visitors from Masai Mara or Elementaita.

  • Airstrips: Naishi airstrip serves the park for tourism and Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) activities.

  • Park Roads: Well-maintained motorable roads provide access to most parts of the park.

  • Park Gates: Main Gate, Lanet Gate (linked to the Nairobi-Nakuru highway), and the less-used Nderit Gate.

Attractions

  • Flamingos (Greater and Lesser) and other water birds, with about 450 bird species in total

  • 56 mammal species, including white rhinos and waterbuck

  • Viewpoints: Lion Hill, Baboon Cliff, and Out of Africa

  • Hills: Enasoit, Honeymoon, and Lion Hill Ridge

  • Waterfalls: Makalia

  • Unique vegetation: Approximately 550 plant species, including Africa’s largest euphorbia forest

  • Picturesque landscape with yellow acacia woodlands

  • Annual “Cycle with Rhino” event every September

Accommodation

  • Lake Nakuru Lodge

  • Elementaita Lodge

What to Bring

  • Drinking water, picnic items, and camping equipment for overnight stays

  • Recommended: binoculars, camera, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, and guidebooks

Highlights

  • Located in the Great Rift Valley with scenic woodlands and grasslands
  • Offers bird watching, hiking, picnics, and game drives
  • Home to over 450 bird species including flamingos
  • Hosts 56 mammal species such as white rhinos and waterbucks
  • Features stunning viewpoints: Lion Hill, Baboon Cliff, Out of Africa
  • Notable landmarks: Makalia Waterfalls, Enasoit & Honeymoon Hills
  • Unique vegetation including the largest euphorbia forest in Africa
  • Annual “Cycle with Rhino” event every September
  • Easily accessible by road (156 km from Nairobi) and air (Naishi Airstrip)
  • Three main gates: Main Gate, Lanet Gate, Nderit Gate
  • Accommodation options include Lake Nakuru Lodge and Elementaita Lodge
  • Recommended items: water, picnic/camping gear, binoculars, camera, sun protection