The lake Nakuru National Park is one of the most beautiful national park in Kenya especially for bird watching safaris. It is located in the Northwest of Nairobi, in Kenya’s southwest. The national park has 73 square kilometers of land (188 sq. km). The flamingos and other diverse fauna are the main attractions this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Because Lake Nakuru is an alkaline lake, wildlife and birds are also attracted to its beaches. The tens of thousands of flamingos, which can number over a million at their height, are what give the national park and lake their most well-known reputation. The view of the flamingos is best enjoyed from Baboon Cliff. There are grasslands, marshes, outcrops, rocky cliffs, and sedge among the area’s tranquil surroundings. Acacia trees with yellow bark enhance the authentic African wilderness feel.
To provide a protected area for giraffes, black and white rhinoceroses, and other animals, a region measuring around 116 miles (188 km) has been walled. About 70 white rhinos and 25 eastern black rhinos can be seen in this park. One of Kenya’s largest rhino collections can be found there. There is a plethora of wildlife, and there are many predators around to reflect the quantity of prey. The lion, cheetah, leopard, and hyena are examples of predatory animals. There are many additional species of mammals, but the giraffe and the two species of rhino are the most notable. The waterbuck is more prevalent in this park than in others.
There are a few hippopotamuses that can be seen in the lake’s reeds. Visitors might also witness reedbuck and bushbuck in addition to the waterbuck. African fish eagles, Verreaux’s eagles, Goliath herons, kingfishers, and, of course, a profusion of flamingos are among the birds that birdwatchers could expect to encounter. With more than 400 species, it is an amazing location for birdwatching. There are more than a dozen distinct species of predatory birds.
Flamingos are attracted to the shallow lake because it is abundant in algae, which they devour annually at a rate of about 551,155 pounds (250,000 kg) per acre. Nairobi is only 102 miles (164 km) from Lake Nakuru National Park, making it simple to take a day excursion outside of the city to enjoy this incredible animal encounter.
The Spectacular physical characteristics in Lake Nakuru National Park/ Attractions
Makalia Falls, Lake Nakuru, and hills are just a few of the beautiful natural features (Tourist Attractions) that make up Lake Nakuru National Park.
Lake Nakuru
The most spectacular feature of Lake Nakuru National Park is Lake Nakuru, a RAMSAR site that is a rift valley and the source of the park’s name, Soda Lake. Lake Nakuru has a surface area of 45 square kilometers, which is a sizable portion of the park. It is home to a variety of animals and is the ideal spot to see a variety of birds because of the lake’s constant influx of birds like lesser and greater flamingos.
Makalia Falls
The Makalia Falls, a stunning sight on the Makalia River with a drop of 10 meters off a sheer cliff and forming a plunge pool, are located at the southernmost point of Lake Nakuru National Park.
Hills
There are several hills in the Lake Nakuru national park, including Enasoit, Honey Moon, Lion Hill, and others. These hills are the best places to see the park and its features, such as wildlife.
Birds
Over 500 different bird species live in the Lake Nakuru National Park, which is ranked as one of the top birding locations in Kenya. A wide diversity of birds, including endemic species that can only be found in Kenya, near-endemic species, threatened bird species, migratory bird species that travel to the park from November to April, and many others, make up the large bird population in Lake Nakuru National Park.
Millions of larger and lesser pink flamingos throng Lake Nakuru and paint it with pink, white, and blue bands of color, making birds the main draw and the best highlight of Lake Nakuru National Park. Other bird species present in Lake Nakuru National Park, in addition to greater and lesser flamingos, include the Abyssinian thrush, Arrow-marked babbler, Bateleur, Black-tailed godwit, Black-winged lapwing, Brimstone canary, and Brown-backed scrub robin.
Crab-plover, Eastern imperial eagle, European roller, Great snipe, Greater spotted eagle, Grey-crested helmet-shrike, Hildebrandt’s starling, and many others.
Mammals
With the exception of elephants, the big animals of Kenya reside in Lake Nakuru National Park, which is home to over 56 different species of mammals. It is also one of the few places in Kenya that is known for having the highest number of endangered rhinos. The eastern black rhinoceros, southern white rhinos, Rothschild’s giraffe, waterbucks, lions, cheetah, Burchell’s zebra, Thomson’s gazelle, hippopotamuses, hyenas, and many more creatures may be found in Lake Nakuru National Park. The park is home to vervet monkeys, olive baboons, and black-and-white colobus monkeys, in addition to other animals.
Stunning scenery
Lake Nakuru National Park is one of the most beautiful national park in Kenya. Its breathtaking scenery includes a rift valley escarpment that rises from the lake’s shore and is dotted with a gallery of Euphorbia trees, as well as the lake itself, which has yellow fever trees growing along its banks. Because of the stunning scenery, Lake Nakuru National Park offers incredible locations for photographic safari and nature viewing. The lake is always packed with millions of flamingos, both great and small, which is a fascinating sight to behold.
THE BEST TIME TO VISIT LAKE NAKURU NATIONAL PARK.
Like other well-known tourist locations in Kenya, Lake Nakuru National Park draws visitors all year long. However, the best time to visit Lake Nakuru National Park is during the dry season, which lasts from June to October. Since there is little rain during these months, it is easy to spot animals as they swarm the lake in search of water.
TOURIST ACTIVITIES: THINGS TO DO IN THE LAKE NAKURU NATIONAL PARK
Relaxation and adventurous pursuits are both parts of what visitors to Lake Nakuru National Park do both inside and outside the park. There are far too many tourist activities at Lake Nakuru National Park, ranging from camping in the open to experience the actual wildness of Africa to simply driving around the park while relaxing in your safari vehicle.
Visitors to Lake Nakuru National Park have the chance to enjoy peaceful moments of rest and renewal for their bodies as well as their minds and souls. The main park activities that you can engage in when visiting Lake Nakuru National Park are as follows:
Birding safaris
Over 450 million species of birds call Lake Nakuru National Park home, including the flamingo birds that have made it renowned. This makes the park particularly fascinating and delightful for bird watchers. You will be astounded by the wide variety of bird species that inhabit the savannah grasslands, the woodlands, and the shores of Lake Nakuru. Although these birds are easily visible from the park’s standard vantage points, Lake Nakuru is the main destination for birdwatchers because there are birds there in profusion.
In addition to being acknowledged as an important birding region, Lake Nakuru National Park is also known as the RAMSER Site, making it one of the most significant birding centres in Kenya and the entire globe. African Flamingos, Egyptian Geese, White-necked Bees, African Fish Eagles, and Great Flamingos are just a few of the bird species you shouldn’t miss while visiting Lake Nakuru National Park.
Camping safaris
The best camping locations are found in Lake Nakuru National Park, where the dense forest offers the best camping experiences. There are good times to watch animals that typically come close to the tent or at your erected tent because of the temperate climate in Lake Nakuru National Park, which makes camping such a fantastic experience.
Lake Nakuru Observation
Since Lake Nakuru is the main draw for the attractions located inside Lake Nakuru National Park, the majority of tourists who visit the park cannot be separated from it. People take the time to view a lake and its components, enjoy the breathtaking vistas of the deep blue waters, and appreciate the wildlife and vegetation surrounding the park. Lakes are places where a lot of birds congregate.
Photographic safaris
For either personal or professional use, Lake Nakuru National Park is the ideal location to shoot photos since it provides the best chances and activities for great photo moments that result in stunning shots. Enjoy the wonderful sights, including Lake Nakuru’s promises and the vantage spots that provide stunning backdrops for your photography. Please visit Lake Nakuru National Park to admire its beauty and use your camera to capture unforgettable moments.
Wildlife viewing
Other than birds, Lake Nakuru National Park’s wildlife viewing includes significant animal species that you shouldn’t miss out on while on your safari in the park. More than 50 different animal species have been found at Lake Nakuru National Park, and they are all protected there. These animals include the Rothschild’s giraffe and the rhino, both of which are protected in a sanctuary within the Lake Nakuru National Park. You get the chance to witness both uncommon animal types because Lake Nakuru National Park is home to both black and white rhinos.
Since the park is walled and the animals cannot travel great distances, visitors to Lake Nakuru National Park will have the opportunity to see all the species. While game viewing, you may also come across other protected species in Lake Nakuru National Park, like buffaloes, impalas, hippos, and giraffes.
Ascent of Makalia Falls
Visitors have the chance to take in the beauty of the Makalia Falls in Lake Nakuru National Park. The Makalia Falls are a hidden gem of the Lake Nakuru National Park that you can take advantage of whenever you visit. The climb to the falls is challenging, but it may provide you with the necessary physical activity and hiking experience. They are situated in the northern section of the park, beside the Makalia River. You can take in the beautiful scenery and wonderful, fresh breezes that come from the water dropping on the cliff for up to 10 meters. To get the most out of the trip and the adventure, visitors can also pack a picnic and have it at the waterfalls.
