What is the best time to visit Lake Nakuru National Park? Lake Nakuru National Park is one of the rift valley lakes situated at an elevation of about 1,755 meters above sea level. Lake Nakuru national park is located in the south of Nakuru County with Nakuru Town as the nearest developed town, about 164 kilometers about 2 hours drive from Nairobi City the capital of Kenya. Lake Nakuru National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site recognized in 2011, an Important Birding Area recognized in 2009 and a Ramsar site recognized in 1990. Lake Nakuru National Park is a wildlife kingdom and a birders paradise in Kenya with scenic views created by Lake Nakuru, millions of pink flamingos and other picturesque sites dotted around the park, the park covers an area of 45 square kilometers.
The best time to visit Lake Nakuru National Park is during the dry season, which typically falls between the months of July and October. During this period, the weather is relatively mild, with clear skies and minimal rainfall. These ideal conditions make it easier to spot wildlife as they congregate around the lake shores and water holes, offering fantastic opportunities for game viewing and birdwatching.
The dry season also coincides with the peak of the flamingo season at Lake Nakuru. Hundreds of thousands of these vibrant birds flock to the alkaline waters of the lake, creating a mesmerizing pink spectacle that is a sight to behold. The sight and sound of these flamingos en masse are truly awe-inspiring and make for incredible photo opportunities.
In addition to the flamingos, the dry season is an excellent time to see other wildlife in the park including endangered white and black rhinos, as well as giraffes, zebras, buffalos and various species of antelopes. The sparse vegetation during this tie also makes it easier to spot predators such as lions and leopards, adding to the excitement of your safari experience. Visiting Lake Nakuru National Park during the dry season also means you’ll have the chance to explore the park without the inconvenience of muddy roads or rain showers, allowing for smooth and enjoyable game drives and safari adventures
Another excellent time to visit Lake Nakuru National Park is between December to March, during the short rains. While there may be some afternoon showers, this time of year is when the park is at its most lush and green. The landscape is vibrant and the wildlife is plentiful, making for some truly stunning photo opportunities.
It’s essential to note that the period of April and May is the wettest months in Lake Nakuru National Park, these months should be avoided if you are planning on visiting the park as the roads may become impassable. Too much rain pours also mess up game drive schedules and the grass grows too high making wildlife sighting hard. However, if you’re a birdwatching enthusiast, this may be the better time to visit as the park becomes a haven for migratory birds.
Things to do in Lake Nakuru National Park
Birdwatching
Lake Nakuru National Park is a birder’s paradise hosting about 450 bird species making it one of the best birding destinations to visit in Kenya for birding tours, bird watching in Lake Nakuru National Park offers an opportunity to spot several bird species. During your guided birdwatching tours in the park, you will have the opportunity to spot a variety of colorful bird species such as lesser and great Flamingos, Ostrich, White-faced Whistling Duck, African Black Duck, Egyptian Goose, Helmeted Guineafowl, Yellow-necked Spurfowl, Common Quail, Crested Francolin, Great Crested Grebe, Speckled Pigeon, Mourning Collared Dove, Yellow-throated Sandgrouse, African Palm Swift, Jacobin Cuckoo, Lesser Moorhen, Grey Crowned Crane, White-bellied Bustard, White-bellied Go-away-bird, African Openbill, Yellow-billed Stork, Great White Pelican and Hamerkop and others
Wildlife safaris
Lake Nakuru National Park offers an unparalleled wildlife safari experience, showcasing an impressive array of mammals and birds against its remarkable landscape, the park is known for its population of both black and white rhinoceros, providing a rare opportunity to spot these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. The park is also home to other wildlife such as Rothchild’s giraffes, waterbuck, lion, cheetah, leopard, pythons, buffalos and various antelope species. During your wildlife safari, you will have the chance to spot these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. the parks diverse ecosystem allows for both driving and walking safari, catering to different preferences. Guided wildlife safaris by experienced rangers enhance the experience, ensuring that visitors gain insight into animals’ behaviors and conservation practices.
Scenic drives
The scenic drives in Lake Nakuru National Park offer a mesmerizing combination of captivating landscape and abundant wildlife, making them a highlight of any visit. These drive wind through diverse terrains, from acacia woodland to open savannah, with breathtaking views of the lake framed by the dramatic backdrop of the Great Rift Valley. During your scenic drives, you will have the chance to have panoramic views of the vibrant ecosystem, you’ll also have the chance to encounter a variety of wildlife including grazing herbivores and prowling predators. The bamboo cliff provides stunning overlooks of the park and its remarkable flora and fauna. The experience is amplified during sunrise or sunset when the extraordinary play of light casts a golden glow across the landscape.
Hiking and nature trails
By hiking and exploring nature trails within the Lake Nakuru National Park visitors to engage with its stunning landscape up close. The park features several well-marked trails that cater to varying fitness levels, from leisurely walks to more challenging treks. These trails meander through beautiful terrains including woodlands, grassy plains and rocky outcrops, all while offering breathtaking views of the colorful lake and its surroundings. During your hiking and nature walks safaris, you will have the chance to encounter diverse plants, and unique geological formations and also have the opportunity to spot a wide spot that may not be visible from a vehicle.
Getting to Lake Nakuru National Park
Reaching Lake Nakuru National Park, located in Kenya’s Rift Valley is a rewarding journey that offers access to one of the country’s most iconic wildlife reserves. By road, the most common route is a drive from Nairobi, which is approximately 156 kilometers north of the city. The journey typically takes around 2-3 hours, depending on traffic conditions. Another alternative way is a route from Nakuru, after reaching Nakuru town, visitors can take the B2 road which leads directly to the park entrance. The park is approximately 10 kilometers from the town centers.
For those looking to save time, domestic flights from Nairobi to Lake Nakuru can also be arranged. there are a few small airstrips near the park, and flights typically land at the Naivasha airstrip, from where it’s a short drive to the park.
Contact our trusted tour operators for information and inquiries about the best time to visit Lake Nakuru National Park and Book with our tours and travel companies such as; Focus East Africa Tours who offer the best tour packages while on your safari in Kenya.
