Lake Nakuru, a shallow and alkaline lake on the bed of the Great Rift Valley, has earned its fame as the home of the greatest bird spectacle in the world.  This lake often holds more than a million pink flamingos - which seasonally use its waters to feed on the abundant algae, which thrives in the shallow warm waters. Lake Nakuru is 156 km (100 miles) from Nairobi. Although the flamingos are the most obvious inhabitants there are other inhabitants (of the alkaline lake) living in/on Lake Nakuru which include Black-winged stilts, avocets and in the European winter a mass of ruffs.

Lake Nakuru is named after the Maasai word that means “Dusty or Dusty Place” which some believe refers to the shoreline of this impressive Kenyan lake as it is – simply put – quite dusty! Near to Lake Nakuru is a town called “Nakuru” which was established in 1961 and has since grown…. becoming a true highlight of a safari in Kenya!

Lake Nakuru is an extremely protected area for 2 main reasons:
1.    Flamingos – it is a breeding ground for one of the largest concentrations of flamingos and has become quite a popular spectacle.  As a result, the balance between travellers and wildlife must always be maintained.
2.    Rhinos – rhinos are extremely endangered, even more so in the past few years. The Lake Nakuru region is one of the few areas in East Africa to have both the white and black rhinos! The importance of protecting these magnificent creatures from the threat of poachers remains an ongoing priority.

Lake Nakuru National Park has a great deal to offer - besides its magnificent bird life, it is also a rhino sanctuary and is therefore one of the best places in the country to see both black and white rhino. The park is also host to lion, leopard, buffalo and a variety of plain and forest game, which has in turn made it a permanent and a protected habitat. The acacia savanna, which surrounds the lake is beautiful and provides an area, which is particularly good for game viewing.

If you are interested in visiting Lake Nakuru please contact us and we will help you plan the best time to go and enjoy the most amazing pink displays of colours – the flamingos!