Tourist Attractions in Lake Nakuru National Park : The park is located in central Kenya, northwest of the country’s capital, Nairobi. 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. The Lake Nakuru National Park covers the lake and a land strip around the northern, eastern, and western shores, whereas southward the grounds extend farther to Makalia Falls, which define the southern limit.
Lake Nakuru National Park is located 166 km northwest of Nairobi city, so guests coming from Nairobi will use the most used route of access from Nairobi, which is the Nairobi-Nakuru Highway. This route is about a 3- to 4-hour drive on the highway to Lake Nakuru National Park. You’ll be amazed by the many attractions you can enjoy while on a Kenya safari in Lake Nakuru National Park. In this article, we’ll take a look at the main tourist attractions that will make your visit truly unforgettable.
Birds
Lake Nakuru National Park is a fantastic bird sanctuary, as its shores are populated at times by more than one million flamingos. There are 450 bird species recorded. It’s interesting to see a variety of pink flamingos covering Lake Nakuru’s shores all year round. The park is also a dwelling for some of the endemic bird species, such as pelican birds, Madagascar pond-herons, pallid harriers, greater spotted eagles, and grey-crested helmet-shrikes.
You’ll also be delighted with the sights of other bird species such as the Yellow-crowned Canary, Abyssinian Canary, Red-throated Pipit, Yellow-throated Longclaw, Cape Wagtail, Northern Grey-headed Sparrow, Eastern Paradise Whydah, Crimson-rumped Waxbill, Red-billed Firefinch, Yellow-crowned Bishop, Grey-headed Social Weaver, White-billed Buffalo Weaver, Beautiful Sunbird, Green-headed Sunbird, Eastern Violet-backed Sunbird, Ethiopian Thrush, Bare-eyed Thrush, White-browed Scrub Robin, African Grey Flycatcher, Thrush Nightingale, Abyssinian Wheatear, African Stonechat, Greater Blue-eared Starling, Wattled Starling, Rüppell’s Glossy Starling, Yellow-billed Oxpecker, Arrow-marked Babbler, Rufous Chatterer, African Yellow White-eye, Abyssinian White-eye, Broad-ringed White-eye, Common Whitethroat, Garden Warbler, Eurasian Blackcap, Willow Warbler, Northern Brownbul, White-headed Saw-wing, Northern House Martin and Rock Martin, among others.
Animals
Lake Nakuru National Park is home to a wide range of animals, including both black and white rhinos. You can also spot Rothschild’s giraffes, Thompson’s gazelles, waterbucks, warthogs, and baboons in the park. There are various predators too, like lions, cheetahs, and leopards, with leopards being more commonly spotted lately. Additionally, the park has large pythons that live in the thick forests and can often be seen crossing the roads or hanging from trees.
Rhino Sanctuary
The Rhino Sanctuary within Lake Nakuru National Park is a standout attraction for wildlife enthusiasts and conservationists alike. In 1987 Lake Nakuru National Park was declared a sanctuary for the protection of the endangered rhinos, allowing the reintroduction of specimens of both species, black and white. Here the visitor can easily find two of the five rhino species surviving in the world. The sanctuary has been instrumental in breeding programs aimed at increasing rhino populations and the committed staff work tirelessly to monitor and protect these animals from poaching.
Baboon Cliff
The Baboon Cliff is found in the northwestern part of the Lake Nakuru National Park on the western shore of Lake Nakuru. The baboon cliff is one of the famous viewpoints in Lake Nakuru National Park and it is the most visited of all the 3 viewpoints. Its name comes from the most notable local residents: the baboons. These curious and playful primates are often seen in the surrounding area, adding a touch of wildlife to the landscape. The most famous tourist attractions around the baboon cliff include the baboons, birds, flamingos, and beautiful scenery. During the visit, tourists have the chance to observe the baboons interacting, grooming each other, and showcasing their social behavior while enjoying the stunning scenery. The best time to visit the baboon cliff is during the morning hours when the baboons have not spread to the whole area.
Lake Nakuru
Lake Nakuru is one of the Rift Valley lakes, located at an elevation of 1,754 m (5,755 ft) above sea level. It lies to the south of Nakuru, in the rift valley of Kenya and is protected by Lake Nakuru National Park. Lake Nakuru is famous for the large flocks of pink flamingos that inhabit Lake Nakuru, making them the most sought-after attraction in the park. Flamingos are abundant in Lake Nakuru because of the presence of the blue-green algae, which is food for them. The lake is also home to a variety of other waterfowl, including pelicans, storks, warthogs, baboons, herons, and other large mammals. Beyond birdwatching, Lake Nakuru offers the opportunity for a boat trip, where visitors can enjoy a different view of the park’s breathtaking scenery and observe the rich wildlife that frequents its shores.
Waterfalls
Most people haven’t heard of the Makalia waterfalls in Lake Nakuru National Park, so if someone suggests it, you might overlook it. Some people call it the secret beauty of the park. Although Makalia Falls is small, it has its own charm, offering a soothing atmosphere with the sound of flowing water and a gentle breeze. This fall is one spot you don’t want to miss when you visit Lake Nakuru National Park.
