Lake Nakuru National Park is a popular tourist destination in Kenya, known for its stunning scenery and diverse wildlife. It is also the best bird-watching hotspot in Kenya being the home to over 400 bird species. If you are planning to visit, here are some of the eight things to do in Lake Nakuru national park
Game drives
Lake Nakuru National Park is one of the most popular destinations for game drives in Kenya after Masai Mara and Amboseli. Upon your visit, you can book a guided tour with Denki Travel or self-drive through the park to see a wide range of wildlife, including the famous flamingos, rhinos, buffalos, giraffes, zebras, baboons, and more.
Game drives in Lake Nakuru usually take place early in the morning or late in the afternoon when the wildlife is most active. Due to the many things to do while in Lake Nakuru, expect to spend a few hours exploring the park, stopping to observe and photograph animals along the way.
In addition to the wildlife, game drives in Lake Nakuru offer the chance to see the park’s diverse landscapes, which include woodlands, grasslands, and acacia forests.
Bird watching
Lake Nakuru, a renowned birdwatching destination in Kenya, has over 400 bird species. Being a birding hotspot, bird watching is for sure every visitor’s top thing to do in lake Nakuru national park during your safari. The lake’s shallow waters and surrounding forests, grasslands, and acacia woodlands provide habitats for a diverse range of bird species, including both resident and migratory birds.
Some of the bird species commonly seen in Lake Nakuru include flamingos, pelicans, cormorants, herons, egrets, kingfishers, eagles, vultures, and many more. The best time for birdwatching in Lake Nakuru is during the dry season, between July and October when the lake is at its lowest and the birdlife is concentrated in smaller areas.
You can take a guided birdwatching tour or explore the park on your own to observe the birds. Some popular birdwatching spots in the park include the shores of the lake, the acacia forests, and the cliffs overlooking the lake. You can also visit the nearby Lake Naivasha, which is another popular birdwatching destination in the area
Nature walks
It is always good to get out of the car and feel the grass beneath your feet as you stroll through the park enjoying the cool breeze of fresh air with whispers of bird songs. This is the perfect opportunity to explore the park’s diverse flora and fauna up close. Guided nature walks are led by experienced park rangers who provide information about the park’s wildlife, plants, and conservation efforts.
During your nature walks, you can explore different parts of the park, including the lake’s shoreline, acacia woodlands, and grasslands. Along the way, you may spot a variety of wildlife, such as giraffes, buffalos, zebras, baboons, and various bird species.
Nature walks in Lake Nakuru provide a unique and intimate experience of the park’s ecosystem, allowing you to appreciate its beauty and complexity on a more personal level. You can also learn about the park’s conservation efforts and the challenges faced by the park in preserving its biodiversity.
We recommend that you should wear appropriate clothing and footwear for walking on uneven terrain and bring sunscreen, insect repellent, and plenty of water.
Visit the Makalia Falls
Located on the southern end of the park, Makalia Falls is a stunning sight to behold. Visitors can hike to the falls and enjoy a picnic while taking in the beautiful scenery.
The falls are a popular attraction for visitors to the park, and they provide a beautiful backdrop for photography and sightseeing. Visitors can view the falls from a nearby viewpoint or take a short hike to get closer to the falls
Visit the Baboon Cliff
Baboon Cliff is a popular viewpoint located in Lake Nakuru National Park. It forms one of the must-visit places in Lake Nakuru due to what it has to offer. It is named after the baboons that are often seen climbing and playing antics on the cliffs. The cliff is situated on the eastern side of the lake, and it offers visitors a stunning panoramic view of the lake and its surroundings.
From Baboon Cliff, visitors can see the lake’s shimmering waters and pink flamingos in their thousands that are often seen wading in the shallows. The view from the cliff is particularly beautiful at sunset when the lake is bathed in golden light. The area around the cliff is a popular spot for birdwatching, and you can also see other wildlife such as zebras, giraffes, and buffalos. The Cliff is accessible by road, and you can drive or take a guided tour by Denki Travel
Visit the Rhino Sanctuary
The Lake Nakuru Rhino Sanctuary is an important conservation area that provides a safe habitat for the endangered rhinos and contributes to the overall conservation efforts in the region. A visit to the Rhino sanctuary should be a top priority on the things to do in lake Nakuru national park.
The sanctuary which is home to more than 70 black and white rhinos, is one of the largest concentrations of rhinos in East Africa. You can take a guided tour and game drive to see the rhinos and other wildlife, such as buffalo, baboons, and various bird species. The sanctuary is also an important breeding ground for the rhinos, and you may have the opportunity to see young rhinos with their mothers grazing around.
These are just a few of the many things to do in Lake Nakuru National Park. Visitors can also enjoy camping, picnicking, and cultural experiences with the local Maasai people of Form
Camping
Camping is one of the popular things to do in Lake Nakuru National Park. It provides a unique and immersive experience of the park’s ecosystem, allowing visitors to be closer to the wildlife and nature
There are several campsites within the park that offer basic amenities, such as toilets and showers, as well as access to the park’s wildlife and natural beauty.
Some of the campsites in Lake Nakuru include Makalia, Flamingo hill tented camp, Mbweha camp, Lakia Camp, Rhino campsite, and many more. They are located within the park and offer stunning views of the lake and its surroundings. You can pitch your tents or park your camper vans in designated areas in the campsites.
It is advisable that you bring appropriate camping gear, such as tents, sleeping bags, and cooking equipment, as well as food and water supplies to spend during your stay.
Picnicking
Picnicking is one of the activities that Lake Nakuru National Park offers in its full splendor. There are several designated picnic sites within the park that offer beautiful views of the lake and surrounding landscapes. The picnic sites are equipped with picnic tables and benches, as well as basic amenities such as toilets and trash cans.
You and your friends can bring your own food and drinks to enjoy a picnic in the park, or still you can order meals from the park’s restaurants and cafes. Some popular picnic sites in Lake Nakuru include the Baboon Cliff Picnic Site and the Makalia Falls Picnic Site, both of which offer breathtaking views of the park’s landscapes and wildlife.
Picnicking in Lake Nakuru provides a relaxing and enjoyable way to experience the park’s natural beauty and wildlife.
In General, lake Nakuru is one of the best destinations to go in Kenya and so are the best things to do during your visit. To experience all the best things in Nakuru, you can book a safari with Denki Travel and we shall give you a complete itinerary on what to do when so that you can enjoy your safari to the fullest and get the best experience.