BACKGROUND
Lake Nakuru appears covered in a thin, bright pink blanket. As you get closer, Lake Nakuru gives you the opportunity to observe the world renowned vast flock of brightly colored flamingoes in thousands among hundreds other iconic birds that calls the lake's shores their home.
Lake Nakuru is located in the Great Rift Valley, siting at an elevation of 1,745 m, and it is famous for the vast numbers of flamingos that feed off its algae. Lake Nakuru varies in size according to rainfall, and its surface area varies between 5-45 km².
The park lies south of Nakuru town, the fourth-largest settlement in Kenya. Flamingo population has reduced in the past due to feeding pressures and pollution, however there are now signs of recovery.
Of greater interest to watch are the large rhino which consider the Lake Nakuru National Park as their home to a large rhino population. You will find them lazing under the shade of the luscious acacia trees that surround the lake.
Surrounded by waterfalls, cliffs, and forests, the lake is a vital water source for zebra, buffalo, and the endangered Rothschild giraffe.
Scenery
The scenery of Lake Nakuru NP is breathtaking. The Rift Valley escarpment, dotted with euphorbia trees, rises up from the lakeshore. Heavy mist usually shrouds the lake and surrounding yellow fever trees in the early morning.
Ideas of Adventure In Lake Nakuru National Park.
The primary attraction in Lake Nakuru National park is the flamingos. This is not all because you also have the chance of spoting a broader variety of species, including rhinos, giraffes, and leopards.
Lake Nakuru is a great standalone day trip if you don't have enough time to visit Kenya’s more popular national parks like the Maasai Mara or Amboseli.
Just a 3.5-hour drive from Nairobi along the Nairobi-Nakuru Highway, Lake Nakuru National Park is easily accessible from the capital.
Wildlife In Lake Nakuru National Park.
The Park has a spectacular array of wildlife which you will spot in your visit.
These are over 400 bird species, 50 mammal species, and over 50 species of flora.
In 1977, the endangered Rothschild Giraffe was introduced to the park, a relocated from western Kenya for their protection.
Having been declared as a rhino sanctuary in 1987, the park has seen the growth in number of both white and black rhinos in the recent years.
Other animals you may expect to see waterbuck includes the Cape buffalo, hyenas, and hippos. Should you among the lucky adventurers a chance to get a glimpse of lions, cheetahs, and leopards. Leopard sightings have increased in recent years.
Come the year 2009, the park has since been also a home to over 25 eastern black rhinoceroses and around 70 southern white rhinoceroses.
Large pythons inhabit the park’s woodland, and you may see them hanging from trees.
Bird Life: Lake Nakuru is most famous for the flocks of up to 2 million greater and lesser flamingos that nest on its shores.
Weather & Climate – Lake Nakuru NP.
Lake Nakuru’s climate is mild and temperatures are consistent year-round. Daytime temperatures are pleasant in the mid to upper twenties, although it is much cooler at nights. Warm clothing for early morning game drives is a necessity. The wettest months are April and May. The rest of the year is relatively dry with some rain throughout.
Dry season
–June to February
The pleasant days are usually sunny, but do not get too hot. It rarely rains, although don’t be surprised if there is an occasional shower at any time. It is recommended to wear warm clothing on early morning game drives.
Wet season–March to May
There are many overcast, cloudy days in the Wet season, but it rarely rains all day. Temperatures in the afternoon are pleasant at around 27°C/81°F. Early mornings are a bit milder at 11°C/52°F. April is the wettest month.
