Typical African savannah, dry and warm. Rainfall peaks around April, August and November delivering an annual average of 1,000 mm.

Shimmering flamingo realm

The pulsating rose tinted glow of a million flamingos feeding within blue hued alkaline waters create the greatest bird spectacle on earth. An ornithologist paradise. Lake Nakuru is and equally rewarding game viewing arena and sanctuary for rare black and white rhinos. Within the ancient landscape, known as the cradle of mankind, the Lakes pink-frosted shores and sky-mirrored waters shape unforgettable moments crowned by some of the most stunning scenic images in Africa.

Amidst magnificent views
Especially at Baboon cliff, lion hill or the out of Africa site, the park offers prolific birdlife, remarkable plants plus a vibrant range of wildlife. The parks easy to follow topography, good roads and clear sign-posting make driving pleasurable and game viewing richly rewarding. A visit to Lake Nakuru makes for an action packed day trip, an adventurous week-end or an enjoyable extended stay.

Wildlife
Initially established as a bird sanctuary, the parks careful management and re-introduction program has since ensured a thriving mammal fauna which includes some of Kenya's most rare species. Rare Rothchilds giraffe and endangered black and white rhino are common in the park, amidst large herds of Cape buffalo, ranging through the woodlands and grasslands. The acacia woodlands shelter herds of graceful Impalas, shaggy waterbucks and shy bushbuck; rocky hillside provide a perfect habitat for rock hyrax. To the south of the lake, herds of Thomson's and Grant's gazelle dot the plains. Carnivores are well presented by lions, leopard, cheetah, spotted and stripped hyena, serval cats as well as the silver-backed and side-stripped jackal, civet, genet and mongoose. The most visible primates are the somber olive baboons and the mysterious black-faced vervet monkey, while dignified troops of colobus monkey often prance among the trees. As Kenya's first established rhino sanctuary, the park holds one of the largest black rhino concentration in the country. Two species thrive there; the square-lipped or white rhino, preferring to graze in the short grass of the plains, and it's more nervous browsing cousin, the black rhino, that tends to keep to the cover of thicker bush. You can rent a 4x4 WD car from TOMASI Holidays Africa in Mombasa to visit this world re-knowned National Park.

Birds
Over 500 bird species have been recorded in the Lake Nakuru area. Most striking, numerous and colourful of the avian residents are the flamingos. Two (2) Species occur; the massed pink ranks of the lesser flamingo - at times numbering upto 1.5 million! - and the larger/greater flamingo who visit in smaller numbers. Living along side them are flamboyant pelicans - the great white pelican and the pink-backed pelican - as well as colourful waterfront birds; dark geese, heron, stilt, sunpiper and plover. Birds of prey also abound at Lake Nakuru. The African fish eagle, whose haunting scream and precision swoop shutter the calm of the lake, is striking. Other members of the avian cast include the flouncing ostrich, iridescent sunbird, glimming starling, swooping bee eater, chattering weaver and the jaunty ox-pecker that rides the necks and backs of larger mammals.

Plants
Covered by a mosaic of acacia woodland and bush with patches of forest in the higher areas, the parks flora is an attraction too. Pure stands of yellow-backed acacia (fever tree) fringe the lake while the eastern hillside are cloaked in some of the largest stands of euphorbia candelabrum in Africa. On the wetter hillsides, croton bushes and olives form gnarled stands mixed with scented, silver leaved ol-leleshwa on rocky slopes. The shallow alkaline water support a dense blue-green algae which provides the staple diet of the flamingos and gives the lake it's sparkling sapphire blue hue.

Insects
Aquatic insects such as midges, primitive crane flies and water boatmen thrive in the lake. A stunning diversity of beetles, butterflies, ants, bees, and termites, all play their essential role in maintaining a healthy balanced eco-system by re-cycling nutrients and providing food for other creatures, are plentiful too.

Replies
The cliffs and crevices, reeds and rocks of the park suit snakes, lizard, chameleons and tortoises. They include the legendary African rock python which is capable of swallowing an impala whole, plus the aptly named leopard tortoise and the sky blue and coral headed agama lizard, often seen basking and bobbing in the sunshine.

Around and about Lake Nakuru National Park
Ideally situated for visits to other Rift Valley lakes, consider a trip to lakes Naivasha, Elmenteita, Baringo and Bogoria. Or plan a trek within Hell's Gate National park and Mt. Longonot National Park. Extended safaris to the Masai Mara Reserve or points within Central Kenya circuits most often begin, or end, at Lake Nakuru National Park. Interesting pre-historic sites in the parks vicinity, Hyrax Hill and the Kariandusi pre-historic site, are also worth a visit. You can rent a 4x4 WD car from TOMASI Holidays Africa in Mombasa.

Where to stay
Self Catering Accommodation
Naishi House. Is a twin gabled house set among acacia trees with magnificent views of the park. Facilities include; fully equipped kitchen, dining room, drawing room, two bedrooms, each with a king-sized bed and single bed, bathroom, outside terrace and a guest cottage with two single bedrooms, a shower and WC. Bedding, hot water and kerosene lighting are provided by the caretaker. Private game drives with a KWS ranger can also be arranged.

Nakuru Field Study Center. Offers the basic need for visiting students, institutions and organized groups. Advance booking with the Warden or KWS HQ's.

Wildlife Clubs of Kenya (WCK) Hostel & Guest House. Also caters for visiting groups.

Camping.
There are 3 public campsites and 7 "special" (private) campsites. Advance booking with the Warden or KWS HQ's is required.

Guide services. To explore the park on foot, the service of a KWS ranger is required due to the potentially dangerous wildlife. As a naturalist and park expert, KWS ranger may be booked in advance through the warden.

What to take with you.
Drinking water, picnic and camping equipment (if you camp overnight), binoculars, camera, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, insect repellent, anti-malarial prophylactics, walking boots and field guides.

How to get there.
The park is just beyond Nakuru town which lies off the main Nairobi - Nakuru highway (A104). Nakuru is 160 km northwest of Nairobi.

Gates and airstrip
Main gate and park HQ's is 4 km south of Nakuru town. From Kenyatta Avenue, take Moi road then turn left onto Stadium road which leads to the main gate.

Lanet Gate is the most direct access to both lodges from Nairobi. It is located along a 1.5 km rough track that leads off the main A104 highway, just south of Nakuru. It is clearly sign-posted.

Nderit Gate. In the southeast corner of the park, gives cross-country access from Naivasha or Narok. Visitors arriving from Masai Mara may wish to enter here.

Airstrip: The 1.2 km long naishy airstrip lies in the southern part of the park.