Lake Nakuru National Park
Up to two million lesser flamingos gather here
- Region
- Rift Valley Lakes
- Best months
- Jan to Feb, Jun to OctDry Seasons
- Park fee from
- USD 90Non-resident adult
- Where to stay
- 6 properties
What is Lake Nakuru known for?
KWS Premium Park · Flat fees · Rhino sanctuary & flamingos
Lake Nakuru National Park is a compact 188 km² park on the floor of Kenya's Great Rift Valley, centred on a shallow alkaline lake. It is a designated rhino sanctuary and one of the best places in East Africa to see both black and white rhino. Flamingo numbers depend on lake levels rather than season, so check before travelling.
Lake Nakuru National Park is one of Kenya's most diverse and rewarding parks, a compact 188 km² reserve in the Great Rift Valley, centred on a shallow alkaline lake that has historically hosted one of the greatest wildlife spectacles on earth: a shimmering pink horizon of up to two million lesser flamingos.
While flamingo numbers vary year to year depending on the lake's water level and algae content, the park's wildlife offering extends far beyond its famous birds. Nakuru is a designated rhino sanctuary and one of the best places in East Africa to see both black and white rhino. The park also supports large herds of buffalo and waterbuck, Rothschild's giraffe, lion, leopard, and over 450 bird species.
The park is enclosed by a predator-proof fence, unusual in Kenya, which makes it one of the safest walking safari destinations in the country and particularly appealing for families and first-time safari visitors. The high-escarpment viewpoints offer sweeping panoramas over the lake and rift valley floor.
Nakuru is easily combined with a Maasai Mara or Laikipia circuit, sitting on the main route between Nairobi and Kenya's northern safari destinations.
Lake Nakuru National Park in pictures
When is the best time to visit Lake Nakuru?
- January: Dry Seasons
- February: Dry Seasons
- March: Green Season
- April: Green Season
- May: Green Season
- June: Dry Seasons
- July: Dry Seasons
- August: Dry Seasons
- September: Dry Seasons
- October: Dry Seasons
- November: Green Season (this month)
- December: no season named
- Dry Seasons
- Green Season
- This month
Year-Round
Nakuru's enclosed park and diverse ecosystem make it rewarding in all seasons.
Dry Seasons
Jan to Feb, Jun to Oct
Best predator and rhino sightings. Flamingo numbers depend on lake water levels, not season. Confirm current flamingo status before travel.
Green Season
Mar to May, Nov
Lush and beautiful. Excellent birding, over 450 species. Fewer tourists. Flamingo numbers can be high when lake levels suit algae production.
Tip
Combine with Hell's Gate National Park (30 mins away) for walking and cycling safaris.
Sarova Lion Hill Game LodgeRenovating Jun to Dec 2026
How much are Lake Nakuru park fees?
| Category | Non-resident | EA citizen | EA resident |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult | USD 90 / 24hrs | KES 1,500 | KES 2,025 |
| Child, 5 to 17 | USD 45 / 24hrs | KES 750 | KES 1,050 |
| Under 5 | Free | Free | Free |
KWS Premium Park, same category and fee as Amboseli. Flat fee year-round. Payments via eCitizen portal, cashless only. Valid 24hrs from entry. Park is fully fenced. NOTE: Sarova Lion Hill undergoing renovations Jun–Dec 2026, confirm availability before booking.
Park fees are not included in accommodation rates and are added at quotation stage. Effective October 2025, reverified annually.
Where to stay in Lake Nakuru
Luxury, 2 properties
LuxuryBed and breakfast
Sarova Woodlands
Hotel
A Sarova Hotels property in Nakuru, priced on the group's Limited Time Offer room-rate structure (single/double/third-bed). Full description and photography pending.
LuxuryFull board
Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge
Permanent Lodge · 67 rooms
Inside Park, Lion Hill, elevated lake views
The most established luxury lodge inside the park, 67 chalet-style rooms and 3 suites on the famous Lion Hill with panoramic views over Lake Nakuru and its flamingo-pink shores. Known for exceptional lake and park views from every room terrace, a good spa, organic gardens, and the Flamingo Restaurant serving al fresco meals under acacia trees. Cultural dancers perform nightly. Undergoing planned renovations from June to December 2026, the lodge remains operational in phases but confirm room availability and facilities before booking during this period.
Renovating Jun–Dec 2026, confirm before booking
Mid-range, 4 properties
Mid-rangeFull board
Flamingo Hill Tented Camp
Tented Camp · 65 tents
Inside Park, tented camp, lakeside
A colourful, energetic midrange tented camp inside the park inspired by Maasai cultural aesthetics, 65 well-appointed tents with bright interiors and private verandas. Known for a sociable, friendly atmosphere and good value full-board packages. The camp's design reflects the cultural richness of the Rift Valley region and the service team is known for warmth and engagement. A popular choice for group travel and first-time Kenya visitors who want an authentic tented experience without the complexity of a luxury camp.
Mid-rangeFull board
Lake Nakuru Lodge
Permanent Lodge · 64 rooms
Inside Park, acacia woodland, lake views
A well-positioned midrange lodge inside the park in an acacia woodland setting, 64 rooms with lake views, a swimming pool, and the infrastructure of an established Kenyan lodge operation. Known for reliable service and good value for money. The in-park location means short morning game drive distances to the lake's flamingo shores and rhino viewing areas. A solid choice for families and groups who want to be inside the park without the luxury price premium.
Mid-rangeFull board
Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge
Lodge
A Sopa Lodges property overlooking Lake Nakuru National Park, priced across High/Mid/Green seasons on full and half board. Full description and photography pending.
Mid-rangeFull board
Mbweha Camp
Tented Camp · 12 tents
Lake Oloiden, private conservancy, lakeside
A charming, intimate camp on the shores of Lake Oloiden, a smaller alkaline lake adjacent to Lake Naivasha and 30km from Lake Nakuru, in a private conservancy with resident Rothschild giraffe, zebra, and antelope on the grounds. 12 cottages with private verandas gazing across the water. Known for tranquillity, birdlife, and a genuinely restorative atmosphere away from the busier lodge areas. Often recommended as a quieter alternative base for combining Lake Nakuru game drives with a lake and conservancy experience.
Show all 4 mid-range staysShow fewer
Mid-rangeFull board
Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge
Lodge
A Sopa Lodges property overlooking Lake Nakuru National Park, priced across High/Mid/Green seasons on full and half board. Full description and photography pending.
Mid-rangeFull board
Mbweha Camp
Tented Camp · 12 tents
Lake Oloiden, private conservancy, lakeside
A charming, intimate camp on the shores of Lake Oloiden, a smaller alkaline lake adjacent to Lake Naivasha and 30km from Lake Nakuru, in a private conservancy with resident Rothschild giraffe, zebra, and antelope on the grounds. 12 cottages with private verandas gazing across the water. Known for tranquillity, birdlife, and a genuinely restorative atmosphere away from the busier lodge areas. Often recommended as a quieter alternative base for combining Lake Nakuru game drives with a lake and conservancy experience.
Itineraries featuring Lake Nakuru National Park
What to pair with Lake Nakuru
Places to pair with Lake Nakuru on the same trip.
Frequently asked questions
Anything not answered here, a consultant answers directly. More planning questions are on the FAQ page, and before you fly, read Kenya eTA and entry requirements.
Best predator and rhino sightings. Flamingo numbers depend on lake water levels, not season. Confirm current flamingo status before travel.
No. Park fees are not included in accommodation rates and are added at quotation stage. KWS Premium Park, same category and fee as Amboseli. Flat fee year-round. Payments via eCitizen portal, cashless only. Valid 24hrs from entry. Park is fully fenced. NOTE: Sarova Lion Hill undergoing renovations Jun–Dec 2026, confirm availability before booking.
Lake Nakuru National Park is one of Kenya's most diverse and rewarding parks, a compact 188 km² reserve in the Great Rift Valley, centred on a shallow alkaline lake that has historically hosted one of the greatest wildlife spectacles on earth: a shimmering pink horizon of up to two million lesser flamingos.
Plan your Lake Nakuru safari
Start here and add the regions around it, or let us suggest a route. A consultant takes it from there.