Lake Nakuru National Park Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Lake Nakuru National Park with this comprehensive travel guide. Learn about places to visit, hiking trails, activities, food and drink scene, where to stay, local culture and customs, safety and health, and transportation options.


Introduction to Lake Nakuru National Park

Located in Southern Rift Valley, Kenya, Lake Nakuru National Park is a must-visit destination for any traveler coming to East Africa. The park is renowned for its vibrant flamingos, which flock to the lake in thousands. Besides birdwatching, there are many attractions and activities that make this park worth visiting. In this guide, we will help you plan your visit to Lake Nakuru National Park by providing comprehensive information on places to visit, things to do, food and drink scene, where to stay, how to get there, and more.

List of Places to Visit in Lake Nakuru National Park

When planning your visit to Lake Nakuru National Park, make sure to include the following places in your itinerary:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Lake Nakuru Museum: Learn about the park’s history and wildlife at this museum.

Natural Attractions of Lake Nakuru National Park: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Lake Nakuru: Admire the beautiful hues of pink from the flamingos in the sunset at the lake that the park is named after.
  • Makalia Waterfall: Take a hike to this stunning waterfall, which can be challenging in spots, but offers a rewarding view at the end.
  • Viewpoints: Baboon Cliff and Lion Hill offer stunning panoramic views of the park.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Lake Nakuru National Park

To hike or bike through Lake Nakuru National Park offers a great way to embrace the park’s nature and wildlife. Here are some of the park’s notable routes:

  • Honeymoon Hills Trail: This easy trail offers a great view of the park’s wildlife and lake.
  • Walking Safari Trail: Accompanied by a ranger, this route takes you on a guided walking safari to view rhinos.
  • Nyuki Hiking Trail: This trail spotlights different tree species, and you have the potential to run into various birds and primates.

Best Things to Do in Lake Nakuru National Park: Activities and Tours

Here are some of the must-do activities and tours when visiting Lake Nakuru National Park:

  • Game Drives: The main attraction is viewing the park’s wildlife, particularly the black and white rhinos.
  • Bird Watching: Pink flamingos flock to the park in the thousands, creating a spectacle of color.
  • Nature Walks: Hiking with a ranger through the beautiful landscape can introduce visitors to tree species, medicinal plants, wildlife, and beautiful landscapes.
  • Cultural Visits: A visit to a nearby community can give you a glimpse of authentic Kenyan culture and hospitality.

Week-Long Itinerary for Lake Nakuru National Park

With a week to spare, visitors can enjoy all the activities that Lake Nakuru National Park has to offer, along with exploring the nearby attractions:

Day 1: Arrival and Check-in

Day 2: Game Drive

Day 3: Bird Watching in the Park

Day 4: Hiking at Makalia Waterfall

Day 5: Cultural Visit to Nearby Community

Day 6: Guided Walking Safari to View Rhinos

Day 7: Departure from Lake Nakuru National Park

Food and Drink Scene of Lake Nakuru National Park

For those visiting Lake Nakuru National Park, there are many food and drink options to experience. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Nyama Choma (Roast Meat): A Kenyan staple, made of grilled or roasted meat, usually served with sauce and vegetables.

Local Beverages

  • Tusker Beer: The most popular beer in Kenya.
  • Dawa: A cocktail made of vodka, honey, lemon, and hot water.

Where to Stay in Lake Nakuru National Park: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Lake Nakuru National Park has an array of accommodations from Campsites, lodges, hotels and even tented camps, to cater for different visitors’ needs. Some popular stay options include:

  • Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge
  • Lake Nakuru Lodge
  • Flamingo Hill Tented Camp

What to Buy in Lake Nakuru National Park: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Lake Nakuru has some souvenirs and products to take back home:

  • Beaded Jewelry and Craftwork: The Maasai women craft beaded jewelry that is unique to the region.
  • Kenyan Coffee: Kenyan coffee is renowned for its quality and is a perfect gift for coffee lovers.
  • Custom Carvings: Wooden carvings are a popular souvenir among tourists.

Local Culture and Customs of Lake Nakuru National Park

The Maasai people are well known for their welcoming nature and are one of the tribes living near Lake Nakuru National Park. Visitors have the chance to interact with the Maasai people to learn about their unique customs and traditions.

Best Time to Visit Lake Nakuru National Park

The best time to visit Lake Nakuru National Park is during the dry seasons: January to March, and July to October. Visitors are recommended to avoid visiting during the rainy season (April to June) since the roads can be inaccessible and the wildlife less visible.

Do’s and Don’ts of Lake Nakuru National Park

Do:

  • Carry your binoculars, as this can make spotting wildlife easier during game drives.
  • Take a guided tour or a ranger with you when walking in the park.
  • Respect the wildlife and keep your distance.

Don’t:

  • Approach the wildlife close enough to disturb them.
  • Feed the animals in the park.
  • Remove any natural material from the park, such as branches and stones.

Safety and Health

Safety in Lake Nakuru National Park

Lake Nakuru National Park is generally safe for visitors. However, visitors are advised to:

  • Monitor weather reports, as flooding can make the park’s roads impassable in rainy seasons.
  • Always use a guide or ranger when hiking.
  • Be vigilant when walking around the park, and avoid risky behaviour.

Health in Lake Nakuru National Park

Visitors are advised to:

  • Get vaccinated for yellow fever and malaria.
  • Drink bottled water.
  • Protect themselves from mosquito bites with long-sleeved shirts and pants and insect repellent.

Getting to Lake Nakuru National Park: Transportation Options and Logistics

Lake Nakuru National Park is 160 km northwest of Nairobi and can be reached using the following transportation options:

Airports Near Lake Nakuru National Park

  • Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) in Nairobi.
  • Wilson Airport (WIL) in Nairobi.

Bus Stations Near Lake Nakuru National Park

  • Nairobi Bus Station
  • Easy Coach

Other Options

  • Private Car
  • Taxi

How to Get Around in Lake Nakuru National Park

Visitors can self-drive or use a safari vehicle to get around the park. There are also options for guided tours and walking safaris.

Where to Go Next from Lake Nakuru National Park: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Visitors can extend their adventure and explore the following nearby destinations:

  • Mount Longonot National Park: Hike the dormant volcano from the Rift Valley floor to get stunning views of the surrounding.
  • Lake Naivasha: Explore this beautiful freshwater lake and its surroundings that have abundant wildlife and bird species.
  • Hell’s Gate National Park: An excellent spot for rock climbing, which features a scenic gorge that descends down to hot springs and geysers.
  • Masai Mara National Reserve: Explore this world-renowned park to view the Wildebeest Migration and the Big Five game animals

Conclusion

Lake Nakuru National Park is a haven for wildlife and nature lovers. With stunning views, activities to suit everyone, beautiful wildlife, cultural experiences, and nearby excursions, it’s a truly unique and must-visit destination. Visit when the weather is dry, and enjoy all that the park has to offer, from the flamingos at the lake to the rhinos on a walking safari, while engaging with and supporting the local communities around the park.

Flamingos on Lake Nakuru Flamingos on Lake Nakuru A family of White Rhinoceros near the lake A family of White Rhinoceros near the lake View from Baboon Cliff View from Baboon Cliff