Lake Nakuru

If you have enough time, don't leave Kenya without visiting Lake Nakuru one of Kenya lake sin Kenya rift valley.

Nakuru provides the visitor with one of Kenya’s best known images. Thousands of flamingo, joined into a massive flock, fringe the shores of this soda lake. A pulsing pink swathe of life that carpets the water, the flamingo are a breathtaking sight.

More about Lake Nakuru in Kenya

The lake has become world famous for these birds, who visit the lake to feed on algae that forms on the lake bed.

They move back and forth, feeding and occasionally and spectacularly taking to flight, filling the sky over the lake with colour.

The lake is extremely variable in size- changing from 5 up to 30 sq kms in area. Nakuru has more than just flamingos.

This is a major National Park and an important sanctuary for Rhino. Both Black and White Rhino are found here, and are often seen resting under acacias by the Lake shore.

The park abounds with game. There are huge herds of waterbuck, zebra, buffalo, the endangered Rothschild Giraffe and more.

This is one of your best chances of seeing Leopard in Kenya, and there are several large prides of Lion.

Exploring beyond the lake is always rewarding and there are forests, cliffs, waterfalls and more to be found here. Nearby Nakuru town is a busy and thriving local centre with a bustling market. The town is a hub for local transport and travel.

Getting Around - Main road access to Nakuru is directly from Nairobi by bus/matatu or private transport.

The main highway passes by Naivasha and GilGil/Elmenteita on the way. Nakuru is a 2 hour drive from Nairobi.

There is an airstrip in Nakuru which charter flights can use. Many of the hotel and lodges here can arrange transfers to Nairobi.

Getting to the lake itself is difficult without private transport. The lodges and camps here both organize local excursions.