Lake Nakuru National Park lies on the floor of the Great Rift Valley around a semi-alkaline lake, surrounded by grassland and woodland. The fenced park is one of Kenya's most reliable places to see rhino.
- Country
- Kenya
- Type
- National park
- Approx. area
- 188 km²
- Best time
- June to October and December to March
- Suggested stay
- 1–2 days
- Main gateway airport
- Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO)
- Big Five
- Not all five
- Malaria
- Low risk: check with a doctor
Why go to Lake Nakuru
- Kenya's first government rhino sanctuary, with black and white rhino
- A soda lake that attracts flamingos and pelicans in varying numbers
- About 450 bird species
- Viewpoints and Makalia Falls
- A convenient stop between Nairobi and the Masai Mara
Best time to visit Lake Nakuru
Based on average weather and wildlife seasons, the best period to visit Lake Nakuru is June to October and December to March.
The park is fenced and compact, so game viewing stays fairly consistent; tracks are easier in the drier months.
Peak of the long rains. Flamingo numbers vary from year to year with lake level and salinity.
| Month | Temp (°C) | Rain | Experience | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 11–27 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | moderate |
| February | 11–28 | some rain | ★★★★★ | moderate |
| March | 12–28 | some rain | ★★★★★ | quiet |
| April | 13–26 | rainy season | ★★★★★ | quiet |
| May | 13–25 | rainy season | ★★★★★ | quiet |
| June | 13–24 | some rain | ★★★★★ | moderate |
| July | 12–24 | some rain | ★★★★★ | busy |
| August | 12–24 | some rain | ★★★★★ | busy |
| September | 11–26 | some rain | ★★★★★ | moderate |
| October | 12–25 | some rain | ★★★★★ | moderate |
| November | 12–24 | some rain | ★★★★★ | quiet |
| December | 11–25 | some rain | ★★★★★ | busy |
What you can see
Wildlife you may see in Lake Nakuru includes lions, leopards, black rhino, white rhino, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, hippos, hyenas, flamingos, gazelles and birdlife.
Things to do
Getting there
The park borders Nakuru town in the Rift Valley and is about 3-4 hours by road from Nairobi.
Trips to Lake Nakuru
No trips are listed for this destination yet. Send a request and we will check with providers.
Plan by travel style
- Lake Nakuru for families
- Lake Nakuru for a honeymoon
- Lake Nakuru for photographers
- Lake Nakuru for a first safari
- Lake Nakuru on a budget
- Lake Nakuru for luxury travel
Compare with
- Lake Nakuru vs Tsavo West
- Lake Nakuru vs Amboseli
- Lake Nakuru vs Tsavo East
- Lake Nakuru vs Masai Mara
- Lake Nakuru vs Ol Pejeta
- Lake Nakuru vs Samburu
Travelling to Lake Nakuru from
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Lake Nakuru?
Generally June to October and December to March. The park is fenced and compact, so game viewing stays fairly consistent; tracks are easier in the drier months.
How many days do I need in Lake Nakuru?
Most visitors spend 1 to 2 days there, not counting travel days.
How do I get to Lake Nakuru?
The park borders Nakuru town in the Rift Valley and is about 3-4 hours by road from Nairobi.
Is there malaria in Lake Nakuru?
Yes, it is in a malaria-risk area. See a doctor or travel clinic well before your trip.
Sources: Kenya Wildlife Service - Lake Nakuru National Park · Climates to Travel - Kenya (Nakuru normals)
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.