Wildlife in Lake Nakuru
Lake Nakuru National Park is one of the best places in Kenya to see rhinos. It is a vital sanctuary for both the endangered black rhino and the white rhino. The park also hosts a stable population of the rare Rothschild’s giraffe. Four of the “Big Five” are present, including lions, leopards, rhinos, and Cape buffalo. You can also see waterbucks, which are very common along the lake shore, as well as zebras, elands, and hippos. The park’s acacia forests are a good place to look for tree-climbing lions.
A Paradise for Birds
While Lake Nakuru was once famous for its vast flocks of flamingos, their numbers can change depending on the lake’s water levels. The park is still a phenomenal destination for bird watching. It has over 450 species of birds recorded. Besides flamingos, you can see large numbers of pelicans, cormorants, and a wide variety of terrestrial birds in the surrounding woodlands and grasslands.
Things to Do in Lake Nakuru
- Game Drives: Drive along the lake shore and through the woodlands to find the park’s rich wildlife, especially the rhinos.
- Viewpoints: Visit Baboon Cliff and Lion Hill for breathtaking panoramic views of the lake and the surrounding park.
- Bird Watching: Spend time observing the incredible diversity of birdlife both on the lake and in the forests.
- Makalia Falls: Discover this small but scenic waterfall located in the southern part of the park.
- Photography: Capture stunning images of wildlife against the backdrop of the unique lake and dramatic escarpments.
Best Time to Visit Lake Nakuru
| Month | Climate | Wildlife Viewing |
| January – March | The weather is hot and dry, with plenty of sunshine. | This is a fantastic time for wildlife viewing. Animals are easy to spot near the lake shore and other water sources. |
| April – June | This is the season of long rains, which brings greener landscapes. | Bird watching is excellent. Wildlife is still abundant, but spotting can be harder with thicker vegetation. |
| July – October | This is a drier and cooler period. | This is an excellent time to visit. Wildlife is easy to see, and the weather is pleasant. |
| November – December | The short rains occur during this time, often in the afternoons. | The park is lush, and it’s a great time for bird watching, with migratory species present. Wildlife viewing remains very good. |
Guide Tip
For the best photographs of the lake, use the viewpoints like Baboon Cliff in the morning. The light will be behind you, illuminating the landscape and making the colors of the lake stand out. This is also a great place to spot rhinos from a high vantage point.
