LAKE NAKURU NATIONAL PARK:-Nakuru Hotels/Nakuru Accommodation

Lake Nakuru National Park (Lake Nakuru Game Park) dates back to 1961 when the southern park of the lake was gazetted as a bird to protect the "greatest bird (ornithological) spectacle on earth", for the future generations.  In 1964, the whole of the lake was declared a bird sanctuary.  in 1968, the lake Nakuru shores were added into the sanctuary and the whole area was upgraded to a National Park. In 1974 a northern extension was added to the park increasing its area to the current 188 Km2.  In 1990 Lake Nakuru Game Park was designated a Ramsar site- a signatory of the  Ramsar convention, for protection of wetlands of international importance. The foundation of the Lake Nakuru park food chains is the cyanophyte Spirulina platensis which can support huge numbers of lesser flamingo. Lake Nakuru National Park  is managed by KWS on behalf of the Kenya government.

Area: Lake Nakuru is the only fully fenced park in Kenya with an area of 188Km²  

Lake Nakuru National Park Safaris/ Nairobi Lake Nakuru Safari

Lake Nakuru National Park  is a premier tourism destination attracting diverse visitors of different backgrounds and with differing interests. It is the best place to see flamingoes, leopards and rhinos.   Nature lovers from all over the world congregate in the park for relaxation and adventure.  With over 450 species of birds identified, the home of flamingoes is an undisputed ornithological Paradise.  A two nights stay will give you enough time to enjoy the numerous activities on offer-game drives, bird watching, nature walks.  The greatest crowd puller is the annual Cycle With The Rhino Festival.  Lake Nakuru can be visited within a day from Nairobi(See 1 day Lake Nakuru Excursion, 2 Days 1 Night Lake Nakuru Safari) .  A combination of safaris enables one to visit both lake Nakuru and Maasai Mara National Parks (see Nairobi Lake Nakuru Naivasha Maasai Mara 4 days 3 nights.)

Other combinations feature nearby attractions-Mt Kenya, Sweet Waters, Menengai Crater, Hells' Gate, Lakes Naivasha, Baringo and Bogoria. (See Nairobi -Mt. Kenya-Samburu -Sweet Waters-Lake Nakuru-Maasai Mara 9 days safari)

Getting there:  There are several ways of getting into Lake Nakuru Park.  Driving  is number one option for many sightseers. It will take you approximately 2.5 Hrs-3 Hrs to drive from Nairobi to Nakuru(157Km).  One can fly from Wilson to Lake Nakuru's  Naishi Airstrip. See the above above for getting to Lake Nakuru.

The Park is famous for its bird spectacle featuring over a million flamingos, over 400 migratory bird species from around the world and large flotillas of pelicans.  Two species of flamingoes exists in the lake Nakuru Game Park- the lesser flamingo with deep red carmine bill and the greater flamingo with black tip. The flamingos feed on Blue green algae, created from their droppings mixing in the warm alkaline waters, and planktons.  

Major Attractions and  Physical Features in Lake Nakuru National Park

• The home of  a million Flamingoes & other Birds: 450 species in total identified.

• Mammals: 56 different species of mammals have been identified  including black and white rhinos, Rothschild's giraffes, cape buffaloes, Deffassa waterbucks, Thomson's and Grant’s gazelles, Impalas, lions, leopards, warthogs, olive baboons, black backed jackal, reedbucks, dik diks, elands

• View-points: Lion hill, Baboon cliff and Out of Africa provide vintage views of the lake and the surrounding National Park.

• Events- The annual Cycle with the Rhino, Animal Count,

• Hills: Lake Nakuru has several hills including Enasoit, Honeymoon and Lion hill.

• Waterfalls: Makalia

• Unique vegetation: About 550 different plant species have been identified.

• The largest Euphorbia cnadlebrum forest in Africa

• Picturesque landscape and yellow acacia woodland.

• Bahrain springs, the only permanent water source of Lake Nakuru Park.

• Rivers Makhalia and Nderit are dry most of the time due to deforestation in Mau.

• Reptiles:  A large number of reptiles inhabits the parks including the python and tortoise.

• The spectacular scenery of the Rift-valley.

Lake Nakuru Rhino Sanctuary:- The Rhino Sanctuary was established 1984.   In 1986 a solar powered electric  was installed by Rhino Rescue Trust.  The Rhino Sanctuary  began with the translocation of two adult males, one from Kitengala and the other from Lewa Downs. 

Today the rhino population stands at 60 Black Rhinos and 40 White Rhinos. The main challenges of lake Nakuru as a conservation site are a large population, deforestation of the catchments, siltation and pollution.

Other Activities in Lake Nakuru National Park-What  see and do:

Besides the National park and the Rhino Sanctuary, other attractions to visit while in Nakuru  include,

• Hyrax Hill Acheological site & Museum: Hyrax Hill Archeological site has both stone age and neolithic exhibits.  The sites dates back 3000 years ago.  Within the site is an ethnographic museum exhibiting artefacts of the inhabitants of Riftvalley including the stone tools.

• Menengai Crater:  This is the highest point within Nakuru and from here you have panoramic views of Lakes Nakuru, Naivasha and Bogoria.

FACILITIES/ HOTEL/ LODGE ACCOMMODATION IN LAKE NAKURU

Lake Nakuru Park Accommodation >> Lake Nakuru Lodges>> Lake Nakuru Camping

Lake Nakuru  park  is served by two safari lodges, a number of bandas and campsites.  Accommodation is also available in hotels within Nakuru town.     In all your African Safaris, an overnight within the park gives you the best of the wildlife experience. Our recommendation is to always spend the night inside the park.  In Lake Nakuru National Park, accommodation facilities include tented camps, wildlife lodges and public campsites.  The following lodges are found inside the park.  

• Lake Nakuru lodge (60 Rooms and a swimming pool). 

• Sarova Lion Hill Lodge (67 rooms +swimming pool)

• Naishi House and Annex- Self catering and can sleep six people.

The only tented camp inside the park is Flamingo Hill Tented Camp,  There are 25 en-suite tents

with WC and flush toilets, writing desk, hot water and a balcony.  They also have conference and laundry facilities. 

Nakuru Accommodation>> Nakuru Hotels, Nakuru Lodges , Nakuru Guest Houses

Nakuru town is served by several and guest houses hotels to cater for all classes of travellers ranging from Budget,  to mid range properties.  The following are hotels within Nakuru town

• Midland Hotel

• Hotel Genevieve

• Pivot Hotel

• Eros Guest House

• Stem Hotel

Bandas in Lake Nakuru:
Naishi banda; Rhino banda; Chui banda; Reedbuck banda; KWS Isikon banda; Nyuki banda; Soysambu banda; Makalia Falls banda; KWS Guest House; WCK Education Centre & KWS Education Centre bandas.

Lake Nakuru Campsites/ Camping
Enjoro campsite at the main gate.

Picnic sites in the park:
Makalia Falls,  Enjoro River Mouth near the main gate, Baharini, Acacia, Baboon Cliff, Out of Africa, Lion Hill Summit.

Lake Nakuru park gates: Main Gate, Lanet and Nderit.