Lake Nakuru National
park lies in the
Great Rift valley, 140km north-west of Nairobi. The ecosystem comprises
of the lake, surrounded by mainly wooded and bushy grasslands. The park
supports a wide ecological diversity with Flamingos (Greater and Lesser)
and other water birds being the major attractions of the area. The
ecosystem provides for about 56 different species of mammals including
the white rhino and buffaloes and a variety of terrestrial birds
numbering nearly 450 species. Only 2 hours drive away from Nairobi, Lake Nakuru National park can be an ideal destinations for visitors seeking
to take a day off from the busy Nairobi life.
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.
The lake has become world famous for flamingos, who visit the lake to
feed on algae that forms on the lake bed. They move back and forth,
feeding and occasionally and in unison taking to flight, filling the sky
over the lake with the color pink. The lake is extremely variable in
size- changing from 5 up to 30 sq kilometers 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.
ACCESS
* By Road: Distance: 156 km Northwest of Nairobi on the main A104 Road.
The main gate is 4km from Nakuru Town Centre.
* By Air: Via the 12 km long ‘Naishi’ airstrip located in the southern
part of the park.
PARK GATES:
* Lanet gate (links the Park with the Nairobi - Nakuru highway), Nderit Gate, The Main Gate
SIZE / LOCATION
188 Km2 - and 160 KM north-west of Nairobi
CLIMATE
* Temperature ranges from 20-300 c and rainfall from 200mm – 700 mm
* Two rain seasons: Long rains – March & April & short rains – Nov/
December
SAFARI CARD REQUIRED?
Entry is by Safari Card only. Safari cards may be loaded –
but not obtained at Mtito Andei Gate. Proof of identification will be
required
* Citizens – Valid Passport or National ID
* Residents – Valid Passport & re entry pass
* Non Residents – Valid Passport
MAJOR ATTRACTIONS
* The fabulous flamingo, An anthologist's paradise with 450 species of birds, Kenya’s first rhino sanctuary, Waterfall : Malaika
* View –points: Lion hill, baboon cliffs and Out of Africa
* Hills : Enasoit , lion hill, honeymoon e.t.c
WILDLIFE
* Thomson’s and Grant gazelle, the long-eared leaf-nosed bat, Columbus
monkey, rock hyrax, hippo, leopard, lion, rhino, waterbuck. Impala,
gazelle, striped hyena, bat-eared fox, wildcat, reedbuck, impala,
gazelle, striped hyena, golden cat, black and white rhinos
* Prolific birdlife features 450 species and up to 1.5 million flamingos
WHERE TO STAY
* Lodges
Lake Nakuru lodge, Sarova Lion Hill Lodge and KWS Self – Catering Accommodation: Naishi House
* Camping Facilities
o Special campsites include Naishi, Rhino, Soysambu, Nyati, Chui,
reedbuck( Public campsites include Malaika and reedbubk)
ACTIVITY OPTIONS
* Game viewing, Bird watching, Camping
WHAT TO TAKE WITH
YOU
* Drinking water, picnic items and camping equipment if you intend to
stay overnight. Also useful are: binoculars, camera, hat, sunscreen,
sunglasses and guidebooks
and Master Cards
