Things to Do in Lake Nakuru National Park : Visitors to Lake Nakuru National Park can enjoy a wide range of activities, from driving through the park in the comfort of their vehicles while soaking in the stunning scenery to experiencing the thrill of camping in the wild. The park is a fantastic destination for relaxation and rejuvenation. Lake Nakuru National Park is one of Kenya’s ‘Premium Parks’ due to its iconic sites that draw international tourists to visit Kenya and is part of the country’s tourism brand. Lake Nakuru National Park is within the Great Rift Valley and it encompasses Lake Nakuru. It is one of the five soda lakes in the Rift Valley. The park is home to around 50 mammal species that one can see during a visit to the park.
Lake Nakuru National Park is within the Great Rift Valley and it encompasses Lake Nakuru. It is one of the five soda lakes in the Rift Valley. The park is home to around 50 mammal species that one can see during a visit to the park. Lake Nakuru was declared a Ramsar Site in 1990 as an Important Bird Area and it is one of the Kenya Lake System in the Great Rift Valley’ World Heritage Site. While it is famous for the spectacular flocks of flamingos that feed there, hydrological changes in the recent past have seen intermittent migrations and fewer congregations at Lake Nakuru. However, there are numerous enjoyable activities that visitors can partake in during their safaris at Lake Nakuru National Park and here are some of the most popular ones:
Game drives
One of the most exciting things to explore in Lake Nakuru National Park is by taking a game drive. While on a safari in Kenya, you can embark in an open-top vehicle with a guide who will take you through the park. The park is home to an impressive array of species, including Rothschild giraffes, buffaloes, impalas, hippos, zebras, waterbucks, both black and white rhinos, baboons, and pythons, among others. Game drives usually start early in the morning and gain in the afternoon when animals are most active. While on your game drive tours in the park, you’ll have the chance to spot these amazing creatures while also taking in the stunning views, including the vibrant colors of the lake and the impressive sights of the Great Rift Valley.
Birdwatching
Lake Nakuru National Park is a dream destination for birdwatchers, home to more than 400 different bird species. The park is especially famous for its pink flamingos, which congregate in the lake’s shallow waters to feed on the abundant algae. The park is also home to endemic bird species like the pelican birds and four threatened bird species, including the Madagascar pond-heron, the Pallid Harrier, the Greater Spotted Eagle, and the Grey-creased Helmet-shrike. During your birdwatching tours in the park, you will have the chance to spot a variety of bird species beyond the fascinating flamingos, African spoonbill, black-winged stilt, red-capped lark, rufous-throated wryneck, yellow-billed stork, Ruppel’s vulture, Ruppel’s robin-chat, black-necked grebe, long-tailed widowbird, Maccoa duck, montane white-eye, grey-headed gull, northern puffback, pallid harrier, gull-billed tern, little grebe, Schawlow’s wheatear, and shining sunbird, among others.
Boat cruise
Boat cruise safaris are another exciting activity to do while on a Kenya safari in Lake Nakuru National Park. This exciting activity is done along the shores of Lake Nakuru. This stunning lake offers exciting boat cruises, allowing tourists to take part in stunning views, enjoy the sparkling waters and unwind. The beauty is that these boat safaris can be in a group and while moving through the different parts of the lake, one can listen to the various stories from the local tour guides. Remember, it’s essential to wear life jackets while on the boat and to always go with a local tour guide for safety.
Cultural Tours
During a safari at Lake Nakuru National Park, you can also have the chance to walk around the neighboring community, especially people who live by the lake’s shores. The Maasai are known for their vibrant cultures and traditions, which includes unique songs, dances, and ways of life. They also create beautiful crafts and clothing that reflect their heritage. This cultural Kenya safari around Lake Nakuru offers a fantastic opportunity to discover and appreciate the fascinating Maasai culture.
Guided nature walks
Taking guided walks around the lake and the national park offers a bigger opportunity for a more intimate and close exploration of the lake and park’s landscapes. During guided nature walks, you’ll have the chance to encounter a variety of wildlife, such as lions, buffalo, cheetahs, elephants, leopards, black and white rhinos, giraffes, waterbucks, and various bird species, such as pink lesser and greater flamingos, Madagascar pond-herons, lesser flamingos, pallid harriers, greater spotted eagles, and grey-crested helmet-shrikes, along with large congregations of greater flamingos, black-necked grebes, and little grebes, among others.
Rhino Tracking
Tourists can visit Lake Nakuru National Park’s rhino sanctuary and view the stunning wildlife species and also be able to learn about how these endangered species of wildlife are protected.
Best time to visit Lake Nakuru National Park.
The ideal time to visit Lake Nakuru National Park is during the dry months from July to October and then December to February. During this period, wildlife is easier to spot, and the weather is pleasant. If you’re interested in birdwatching, January and July are the best times to visit. During the rainy season, food can be plentiful and vegetation can be groomed that supports the bird life.
Where to stay while on a Kenya safari in Lake Nakuru National Park?
If you’re looking to explore the hidden treasure of Lake Nakuru National Park, there’s no need to stress about where to stay. The park offers a wide range of places to sleep, making it easy for visitors on a Kenyan safari in Lake Nakuru National Park. These accommodation facilities range from luxury, midrange, and budget levels, such as Sleepway Cottages, Sarova Lion Hill Camp, Lake Nakuru Flamingo Hill Tented Camp, Mbweha Camp, Ziwa Bush Lodges, Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge, Top Cliff Lodge, The Cliff Nakuru, and Lake Nakuru Lodge, among others.
