How big is Lake Nakuru National Park?

How big is Lake Nakuru National Park? Lake Nakuru National Park is located southwest region of Kenya, northwest of Nairobi. There are 73 square miles (188 square km) in the national park. It honours flamingos and a variety of species as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park’s foundation, Lake Nakuru, serves as a sanctuary for wildlife. Lake Nakuru has a average depth of 1 foot (.30 m) and a maximum depth of just 6 feet (1.8 m), animals can easily reach the area. The lake is 5,755 feet (1,754 meters) above sea level and is one of the Rift Valley’s lakes. Birds and other species are drawn to the shores of Nakuru because it is an alkaline lake.

The alkaline nature of Nakuru Lake is what attracts birds and wildlife to its shores. The park and the lake are best known for their tens of thousands of flamingos, which can number over a million at their peak. Yellow-barked acacia trees enhance the traditional African wilderness experience, and an area of about 116 miles (188 km) has been fenced to create a protected area for both black and white rhinoceroses as well as giraffes. The park is home to approximately 70 white rhinos and another 25 eastern black rhinos, making it one of Kenya’s largest rhino collections.

The abundance of prey is reflected in the abundance of predators, such as lions, cheetahs, leopards, and hyenas; large pythons may also be seen; giraffes and the two species of rhino are the mammalian highlights, but there are a number of other species; the waterbuck is more common than in other parks; a few hippo can be seen along the lake’s reeds; visitors may also see Reedbuck and Bushbuck; African fish eagle, Verreaux’s eagle, Goliath heron, kingfishers, and, of course, flamingos; it is a magnificent location for birdwatching, with over 400 species; and more than a dozen predatory bird species.

The small lake’s abundance of algae draws flamingos, which consume about 551,155 pounds (250,000 kg) of algae per acre annually. Since Nairobi is only 102 miles (164 km) away from Lake Nakuru National Park, it is simple to take a day excursion outside of the city to witness this incredible wildlife encounter.

Lake Nakuru National Park is home to both black and white rhinos, making it a rhino sanctuary and one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It is managed by Kenya Wildlife Services (KWS), which is in charge of overseeing Kenya’s protected areas. The park is home to the largest population of rhinos, with over 500 different species of plants. The grassland and woodland vegetation cover in the park make it a beautiful place for a variety of activities, including bird watching, wildlife viewing, picnics, camping, and nature walks.

Birdwatching in Lake Nakuru National Park

Other kenya safari tour attractions in Lake Nakuru National Park include Lions Hill, Makalia waterfall, Enasoit Hill, honeymoon hill, and Baboon Cliff, among others that offer a clear and picturesque view of the park from an elevated location. The park is home to over 450 species of birds, with the greater and lesser flamingos being the main bird species.

Birdwatching in Lake Nakuru, commonly referred to as a birders’ paradise, begins right on the lake’s shoreline, where a massive flock of Flamingos can be seen grazing on the algae. Given that the park is home to the greatest population of flamingos worldwide, seeing these pink flamingos makes birdwatching here an extraordinary experience. There are more than two million greater and lesser flamingos to be seen. At addition to flamingos, Kenya safari visitors can observe various bird species at the park, including eagles, storks, herons, pelicans, and kingfishers.

Game drives

Game drives are available in the park in the morning, during the day, and in the evening. Tourists who go on an early game drive can see nocturnal mammals and hunters like leopards, cats, lions, hyenas, and cheetahs that are always active at night. In the afternoon, a large number of mammals, including black and white rhinos, hippos, zebras, gazelles, and impalas, are seen along the shores of the waterbodies in search of water. Baboons and Colobus monkeys are among the primates that can be observed in the park.The best places to see game in Lake Nakuru National Park during a game drive safari are along the lake’s shores, close to Makalia Water Falls, and the baboon cliff, where baboons can be seen parading. The cliff also provides a variety of views of the park.

Guided nature walks

A guided nature walk is the best method to see various plant and wildlife species, such as baboons, monkeys, warthogs, pythons, and birds, while exploring the park’s various sections, particularly the wooded areas of Lake Nakuru National Park.

Climate in Lake Nakuru National Park

If you are concerned about the climate in Lake Nakuru National Park, don’t be. Compared to other regions of Kenya, Lake Nakuru National Park boasts the nicest climate, with fewer yearly rainfalls. The greatest time to visit the park is during the rainy season, which runs from March to May to October, November, and December. The park nevertheless receives less rainfall than other parts of Kenya, with strong afternoon rains.

How to get there

The park can be reached by air and car. Lake Nakuru National Park is approximately 156 kilometres from Nairobi and 4 km from Nakuru, where visitors congregate at the main gate and Lanet gate. However, Nderit gate is the primary entry point for visitors coming from Masai Mara and Elementaita to Lake Nakuru National Park. Kenya safari visitors who opt to fly and land at Naishi Airstrip can also reach the park by air.

Where to stay

Hotels, lodges, camps, and camping sites like Lake Nakuru lodge, Lake Nakuru Sopa lodge, Naishi guest house, Midland hotel Nakuru, Nakuru Milimani guest house, Merica hotel, Sarova lion hill game lodge, Eagle palace hotel, Naishi campsite, Legacy hotel and suites, Makalia campsite, Rhino campsite, Kambi Nyati campsite, Reedbuck campsite, Flamingo hill tented camp, Acacia picnic site, Pelican picnic site, and others are among the park’s many lodging options that cater to all budgets, whether they are luxury, midrange, or low-cost.