Lake Nakuru

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Lake Nakuru is a very shallow soda lake in central Kenya stretching over 62 kilometres. It is set in a picturesque landscape of surrounding woodland and grassland next to Nakuru town. The landscape includes areas of marsh and grassland alternating with rocky cliffs and outcrops, stretches of acacia woodland and rocky hillsides covered with a Euphoria forest on the eastern perimeter. The lake catchment area is bounded by Menengai crater to the north, the Bahati River to the north east, the lion hill ranges to the east, eburu crater to the south and the mau escapement to the west.

Lake Nakuru provides visitors with one of Kenya’s best known images; thousands of flamingos joined into a massive flock fringe the shores of this soda lake. A pulsing pink swathe of life that carpets the water, the flamingo is a breathtaking sight. The lake has become world famous for these birds, who visit the lake to feed on algae that forms on the lake bed.

Nakuru has more than just flamingos. This is a major National Park and an important sanctuary for Rhino. Both the black and white rhino can be 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. Nakuru Park now has more than 25 rhinos, one of the largest concentrations in the country, so the chances of spotting these survivors are good. The park also has large sized pythons that inhabit the dense woodlands, and can often be seen crossing the roads or dangling from trees.

Nearby Nakuru town is a busy and thriving local centre with a bustling market. The town is a hub for local transport and travel. Nakuru is just 2 hours drive from Nairobi and there is an airstrip in Nakuru which charter flights can use. Many of the hotels and lodges in Nakuru can arrange transfers to Nairobi.