Lake Nakuru is a shallow soda-lake nestled in the Great Rift Valley of Kenya. Lake Nakuru National Park protects it. There are much other diversity in the park which range from animal and bird habitats from the lake to the escarpment and the beautiful scenery.
Lake Nakuru is renowned for its huge concentration of brilliant pink flamingos, over 460 species of birds and a wealth of other wildlife. The alkaline lake’s abundance of algae attracts the large quantity of flamingos (estimated as millions) that famously line the shore. Alongside the flamingoes the park provides sanctuary for the black and white rhino. The Nakuru eco-system comprises of the lake, surrounded by wooded areas and grasslands which support a number of Rothschild Giraffes, Zebra, Impala, Gazelle, Waterbuck, Lion, Warthog, Bushbuck, Buffalo, plus the elusive Leopard.
Best time to visit Lake Nakuru
Lake Nakuru offers good wildlife viewing throughout the year, but the rains might interfere with your game drives in the wettest months, April and May. Although there is great birdlife at the lake, conditions in recent years have become unfavorable for flamingos, which used to be a real attraction here. As a result, the flamingos have moved to other lakes in the Rift Valley.
Weather and climate in Lake Nakuru
Lake Nakuru’s climate is mild and temperatures are consistent year-round. Daytime temperatures are pleasant in the mid to upper twenties, although it is much cooler at nights. Warm clothing for early morning game drives is a necessity. The wettest months are April and May. The rest of the year is relatively dry with some rain throughout.
Dry season June to February, the pleasant days are usually sunny, but do not get too hot. It rarely rains, although don’t be surprised if there is an occasional shower at any time. It is recommended to wear warm clothing on early morning game drives.
Wet season March to May there are many overcast, cloudy days in the Wet season, but it rarely rains all day. Temperatures in the afternoon are pleasant at around 27°C/81°F. Early mornings are a bit milder at 11°C/52°F. April is the wettest month.
How to get to Lake Nakuru
Lake Nakuru is located 155km/96mi northwest of Nairobi and 5km/3mi from Nakuru town. Nakuru is an easy destination by car via a tar road from Nairobi.
International flights arrive in Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO), 15km/9mi southeast of Nairobi. Lake Nakuru can also be reached from several other parks. The distance from the Masai Mara is 235km/150mi and the driving time is about six hours. The distance from Samburu in the north is 300km/190mi and the drive takes about five and a half hours. Driving time from Laikipia Plateau hugely depends on which reserve you are coming from, but should be between three to seven hours.