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The flamingo population is terrific to watch, but be warned that their presence is unpredictable. Once numbering between 1 and 2 million, the bulk of them disappeared in the 1960s and 70s after heavy fluctuation of the lake levels, through droughts replaced by heavy rainfalls. Many returned, to disappear again in the 1990s with further heavy fluctuations of the lake level.
Since 2000 the flamingos have been returning, though their number isn’t up to the old level (yet), and they may move elsewhere again when conditions become worse. Apart from the flamingos, the lake is home to over 400 bird species, which makes for some great bird watching.
Lesser flamingo at Lake Nakuru National Park, Kenya
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Futhermore, the Lake Nakuru is waterbuck heaven. Because of the absence of natural enemies, the waterbuck population numbers in the thousands. There are also lots and lots of buffaloes and warthogs.
Furthermore, leopards, zebras, dik-diks, ostriches and jackals can be seen, as well as elands and Thomson’s and Grant’s gazelles in the southern part of the park.
The population of 25 white rhinos, brought in from elsewhere, is one of the biggest in Kenya. A herd of hippos can often be seen bathing in the lake and the park is also known for it’s large pythons. Elephants, however, are absent.
Activities
The park is great for game viewing and bird watching. The park has various campsites and lodges, each ranging at different prices. Lake Nakuru Youth Hostel goes for double/single KSH 500/1200, while camping there will cost KSH 500, a campsite open to anyone regardless of age. At Lake Nakuru ‘special’ campsite, camping goes for $50 plus set-up fee of KSH 7500. The campsites are initially intimate wild spaces with no facilities, fences or security. Rangers usually use light night fires to deter the animals. Sarova Lion Hill Lodge is priced at $366/486 for a single/double. Lake Nakuru Lodge will cost $300/400. Flamingo Hill tented Camp per person starts at $195.
Facilities
The park has 2 public campsites (Backpackers’s Campsite and Makalia Falls Public Campsite); camping is $10 for adults and $5 for children per night. Throughout the park there are also many ‘special’ campsites with no facilities. Furthermore, there is youth hostel, a guesthouse, a mid-price lodge and 3 top-end lodges. The budget and mid-price places don’t provide any meals, so you’ll have to bring your own food.
Access
Walking in the park is not allowed. Park guards at the gate have been willing to help individual people without their own vehicle to join another group, but this is no guarantee. You can also negotiate with a taxi driver on the spot, which will cost you about $15 for a 3-hour drive after some hard negotiation.
The park has it’s own airstrip for small aircraft, which is open for tourists. The park has 3 gates. The main gate is 2 kilometers south of Nakuru. Entry fees for non-Kenyans are $80 for adults, $40 for children (payment by smartcard only).
Related pages:
Kenya wildlife resorts - Facts page
Introduction to Kenya national parks
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