Lake Nakuru National Park

Kenya · National park

Lake Nakuru National Park

About Lake Nakuru

Lake Nakuru National Park at a glance

Lake Nakuru National Park is located in central Kenya’s Rift Valley, about 160 km northwest of Nairobi. The park centers around Lake Nakuru, a shallow alkaline lake famous for its birdlife.

Animals Found:
It is renowned for its flamingos, pelicans, and many other water birds. The park also hosts rhinos (both black and white), lions, leopards, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, and baboons.

Best Time to Visit:
The best time is June to March, as the lake level is more stable and wildlife viewing is consistent. Flamingo numbers vary with water conditions but are most common during dry seasons.

Weather Conditions:
Nakuru has mild weather, with temperatures around 18–26°C. The rainy seasons occur in April–May and November, sometimes causing temporary flooding around the lake.

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Kenya safari guides

Straight answers from our team on seasons, costs, visas and what to pack — read before you book.

All 16 guides
Best Time to Visit Kenya Dry seasons, the rains and when the migration reaches the Mara. Read the guide Kenya Safari Cost Our prices, Maasai Mara fees, inclusions and extras. Read the guide Kenya eTA: Visa Rules for Visitors Who needs an eTA, how to apply, cost and timing. Read the guide Kenya Travel Requirements Passport, eTA, yellow fever, the plastic ban and arrival. Read the guide Kenya Safari Packing List Layers, gear, documents and luggage limits. Read the guide Kenya and Tanzania Safari Together Mara and Serengeti, the border, visas and yellow fever. Read the guide Kenya National Parks and Reserves The Mara, Amboseli, Tsavo, Samburu, the Rift Valley lakes and more. Read the guide Maasai Mara Safari Guide Reserve and conservancies, wildlife, fees and how to get there. Read the guide The Great Migration in the Maasai Mara When the herds arrive, the river crossings and how to see them. Read the guide Things to Do in Kenya Balloon flights, lakes, cycling with zebras, tree hotels and more. Read the guide Climbing Mount Kenya The peaks, the routes, the season and our 6-day trek. Read the guide Nairobi Travel Guide for Safari Travellers Airports, Nairobi National Park, the elephant orphanage and tips. Read the guide Is Kenya Safe for Tourists? On safari, in Nairobi, health, roads and official advice. Read the guide Kenya Travel Advice Money and M-Pesa, SIM cards, plugs and etiquette. Read the guide Kenyan Culture and People The peoples, the Swahili coast, greetings and respectful visits. Read the guide Kenyan Food: What to Eat Nyama choma, ugali, chapati, coastal dishes, tea and coffee. Read the guide
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