Lake Nakuru
Lake Nakuru
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- Calleb WagalaNairobi, Kenya15 contributionsSaline waters!Discover the enchanting beauty of Lake Nakuru. Home to diverse wildlife, including the iconic flamingos, this Kenyan gem promises breathtaking vistas and unforgettable safaris. Experience nature's wonders in a serene setting, surrounded by the stunning landscapes of Lake Nakuru.Visited March 2023Travelled on businessWritten October 22, 2023
- Nisha Jyoti S21 contributionsNot so Pink Flamingos!Nakuru lake is for flamingos, but as you can't get off the jeep, you Will view from distance. We went late afternoon, so Flamingos were all scattered and not so PINK! Pelican was more than pinky!! Saw a pride of lions feasting it's meal, that was a treat! Else it's a smaller park than Mara. So expect less variety!Visited October 2023Travelled with familyWritten October 26, 2023
- Blake DelongNew York City, New York1 contributionUnforgettable ExplorationTouring with Robert was like discovering a treasure trove of Joy. His infectious enthusiasm and genuine love for the site made every moment a delightful surprise. Robert's ability to connect with the group on a personal level transformed the tour into a shared adventure. with a sprinkle of Humor and a dash of kindness, he turned the experience into a sweet memory. if you are seeking a guide who not only shares knowledge but also adds a generous dose of Joy to the Journey, Robert is the perfect guide for an unforgettable exploration. Contact him at: +254 725 894 994 / rthuo541@gmail.com You will enjoy it.Visited January 2024Travelled with familyWritten January 21, 2024
- luvninouRabat, Morocco460 contributionsA memorable visitLake Nakuru was a definite highlight of our recent trip and well worth the visit, if only for the opportunity to see several rhinoceroses. The lake is nice, and the park's surroundings are stunning. As part of a circuit booked with Monkey Adventures, our experience at Lake Nakuru was truly memorable. Not only did we have the chance to witness numerous rhinos, but we also encountered a variety of other wildlife, including monkeys, gazelles, a group of around thirty giraffes (including possibly the largest giraffe I've ever seen), and numerous bird species. The diverse range of animals added to the richness of our safari experience. It is well worth the detour if you have the opportunity to visit.Visited August 2023Travelled with familyWritten January 22, 2024
- Tracey MLavington, Australia2 contributionsLake NakuruMy tour with Robert was a heartwarming journey through the park's history and charm. His passion for the landmarks was matched only by his kindness towards the group.Robert's personalized anecdotes and thoughtful gestures created a sense of cazmaraderie, turning the tour into a shared adventure among friends. His ability to blend information with a touch of warmth made the experience not just educational but also deeply enjoyable. If you're looking for a guide who combines expertise with a generous sprinkle of kindness, Robert is the perfect companion for a memorable tour.(+254725894994-robert, rthuo541@gmail.com)Visited January 2024Travelled soloWritten January 28, 2024
- Talentus O4 contributionsLake Nakuru is AmazingMy recent trip to Lake Nakuru was nothing short of enchanting. The breathtaking views of the lake, surrounded by lush greenery and vibrant wildlife, left me in awe. The highlight was undoubtedly the flamingos gracefully painting the shores pink, creating a scene straight out of a postcard. The guided tour by Robert provided insightful information about the diverse ecosystem and conservation efforts. A perfect destination for nature lovers and photographers alike, Lake Nakuru exceeded all my expectations. Can't wait to visit again. Robert was the best guide i suggest you check him out. +254725894994-Robert, rthuo541@gmail.comVisited February 2024Travelled soloWritten March 27, 2024
- Aluvi BraxtonNaivasha, Kenya1 contributionBreathtaking sceneries and a wonderful view of the wildlifeVisited L. Nakuru National Park with some of my friends and all I can say is that it was breathtaking. Seeing the wildlife upclose was really fascinating. Overall, this tour was an unforgettable experience that left me inspired and rejuvenated. I wholeheartedly recommend Guide Robertto anyone seeking an immersive journey through stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Can't wait to embark on another adventure with him in the future! I reached him through (+254 725894994)Visited January 2024Travelled with friendsWritten March 28, 2024
- Mike SArlington, Texas2,801 contributionsMy Favorite (East Africa) Park!On our East Africa Safari, this was the first and my overall favorite. (We also visited Maasai Mara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro and Amboseli.) Everyone had told us to not expect to all of the "big 5" on our safari. And we ended up seeing 4 of the 5 on our first day of actually being on safari in Lake Nakuru. And we saw many more animals as well. The variety of wildlife there was incredible! The only one of the big 5 we didn't see here were elephants. But we saw several kinds of antelope, lions, (no tigers or bears), white rhinos, cape buffalo and a leopard eating a Thompson's Gazelle. That one was a challenge. We sat staring at some deep groundcover around the base of a tree for quite some time before we finally got a glimpse of it. (We knew there was something there due to all the other safari vehicles sitting there.) But since the leopard is nocturnal and is the one of the big 5 least likely to be seen, we felt fortunate. Lake Nakuru doesn't have the name recognition as Serengeti and even Maasai Mara, but I wouldn't have missed it for anything!Visited March 2024Travelled with friendsWritten May 4, 2024
- Heather O93 contributionsExploring KenyaWe were incredibly lucky with sightings in this park. We met some guests who were leaving as they did not feel there was anything to see on the side we were on (due to the rains we were unable to visit the whole park and unfortunately the park warden mentioned that we would be charged twice if we wanted to visit the other side) but we were incredibly lucky. Added to a number of lion sightings we also saw a myriad of birdlife, plains game, buffalo and leopard (in a tree). We saw the illusive aardwolf Lovely picnic spot on Lion hill which offers incredible views of the lake. Bathrooms are rudimentary holes in the ground and there are hand washing facilities. Watch out for lions in the trees as well as we saw this twice during our visit.Visited May 2024Travelled with friendsWritten May 19, 2024
- TinaToronto, Canada4 contributionsTrue Safari Experience!Coming from a tour of Hells Gate, we arrived late in the day, so we had to spend the night and start the tour the next morning. The rolling grassland and open savanna immediately captivated me. Although the roads were a bit bumpy, leaving my back and neck sore, the experience was well worth it. The next day, we had the thrill of seeing the Big Five and even experienced a mock charge from a rhino, which really got our hearts racing. The grounds are well maintained and the paths are generally easy to navigate, although better signage in some areas would be beneficial. We retained our guide from Hell's Gate, Robert, who is truly a veteran in his field. His exceptional skills in spotting animals ensured we had incredible sightings that we might have otherwise missed. I cannot recommend him highly enough—10/10 in my books. For those interested, his contact information is rthuo541@gmail.com and +254 725 894 994.Visited May 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten May 22, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Larry4Africa
Kitale, Kenya125 contributions
Nov 2020 • Couples
Visitors be aware that although the main gate is open, it only allows you entry to approximately 10% of the park. Then you have to leave and re enter at another gate some distance away. You are not told this until after you have paid. In our case we had even checked the evening beforehand to make sure the gate was even open. ( last month when we got to the maingate we were told it was closed) . Once you pay, then informed about having to use two gates you cannot attain a refund. The alternative gate is poorly signed and difficult for travelers to even locate. Since we only had till noon to visit the park, we decided to go home as we lost the first 80 minutes. Otherwise this is a wonderful park, and gotta give the warden credit for returning my call.
Written November 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Douglas G
Abuja, Nigeria43 contributions
Jan 2020 • Family
For a long time Nakuru has been one of my favorite Kenyan parks and it still is, but what I loved most about it is gone. The flamingos have migrated, the lake has expanded, and the water has overtaken the original gate. There are still great things to see. I have always see cats (lions and leopards) close up in Nakuru. You can see both the white and black rhinos here and many of the birds still congregate near the lake. Still has some good scenery like the falls and the place you can overlook the lake. However, the flamingos are gone.
Written January 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CFEIII
Center, TX5,798 contributions
Aug 2020
Coming to Lake Nakuru for me is mainly to see three species of animals, black and white rhinos, and Rothchilds Giraffes. The park is almost in an urban setting so you can have buildings in the backgrounds of pictures, but the is a nice lake, lots of birds and a good number of animals. On this trek, we saw 8 rhinos, 7 white and 1 black. Probably close to 30 Rothchild giraffes and scores of other animals and birds. The water level in the lake is high, so some of the shoreline roads are now closed to vehicular traffic.
Written August 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
annminky
United States3,937 contributions
Jan 2020
My tour guide/driver and I drove here at around 3 pm. He said it is the perfect time to see the animals. We drove close to the lake and saw rhinos grazing the grounds with lots of birds close to the water. It started to rain and the water was rising on the road. We couldn't see much because of the rain. So we decided to go around the park and to look for other animals. Of course, we saw baboons and giraffes, just leisurely eating. After several minutes, the rain stopped and we head back close to the lake. The rhinos were walking inland, perfect for me to view them a little closer. So exciting to see these gentle animals. It was an awesome day to see these animals.
Written February 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
R&R
Salisbury, UK34 contributions
Aug 2021 • Friends
We visited Lake Nakuru National Park for a day trip using our own car.
There are 3 gates you can theoretically use to get into/out of the park (Main Gate on the NW side, Lanet Gate on the NE, and Nderit Gate in the SE).
Nowhere does anyone tell you that, once in the park you can’t get to Main Gate from either East or West directions. We initially drove from Lanet gate in the NE anticlockwise and, after about 5km, found that the road was blocked off at about the 12 o’clock position of the lake (it looked like it had been purposefully blocked by trees for quite sometime to prevent people using the road). So, we then headed clockwise around the lake with the intent that we would exit from Main Gate in the NW after our visit.
The journey inside the park itself was good. We found flamingos and pelicans at the south side of the lake, and a couple of KWS wardens there keeping an eye on things. You can get out here and walk nearer to get photos (stay aware of other animals nearby!) It’s sad to see that the lake has swollen so much and killed quite a few areas of woodland in the process though.
We then drove to the waterfall in the very south of the park - it was ok but I wouldn’t make the effort to head there again. It’s small and muddy and not particularly pretty. After that, we continued to the view points on the cliff on the west of the lake. We found a couple of pretty view points and were glad we had a 4x4 car, it would have been tricky in places if not.
After that, we continued the route clockwise heading towards Main Gate to exit. We got 8km away from the gate to be met with a sign saying ‘no through route to Main Gate’ (the first sign mentioning anything about it all day!). From that position, it then took us about an hour driving non-stop (and quite quickly) to get back around the lake (anti clockwise) to Lanet Gate.
Several points of failure relating to the Park’s admin;
1. there was no information at the arrival gate where you buy tickets about roads or access being limited in the park at any point.
2. neither the KWS lady who sold us the tickets from one window of the ticket booth, or then the other KWS lady who took those tickets off us at the car and then went back to a different window to register them (a window right next door to the lady who sold them to us - efficiency at its best!?), mentioned any issues about routes in the park.
3. The only sign we saw about lack of access to Main Gate was 8km away from it on the West side of the lake. Where the trees blocked the road in the north, there were no signs.
4. There were no maps able to be bought at the arrivals ticket booth so you had no idea where you were heading around the park (thank goodness for the MapsMe app!)
All in all, a bit disappointing. Could have been so much better with a little admin and effort on KWS’s part. Given tourism has been so low of late, you would think they would be more helpful to encourage return visits.
There are 3 gates you can theoretically use to get into/out of the park (Main Gate on the NW side, Lanet Gate on the NE, and Nderit Gate in the SE).
Nowhere does anyone tell you that, once in the park you can’t get to Main Gate from either East or West directions. We initially drove from Lanet gate in the NE anticlockwise and, after about 5km, found that the road was blocked off at about the 12 o’clock position of the lake (it looked like it had been purposefully blocked by trees for quite sometime to prevent people using the road). So, we then headed clockwise around the lake with the intent that we would exit from Main Gate in the NW after our visit.
The journey inside the park itself was good. We found flamingos and pelicans at the south side of the lake, and a couple of KWS wardens there keeping an eye on things. You can get out here and walk nearer to get photos (stay aware of other animals nearby!) It’s sad to see that the lake has swollen so much and killed quite a few areas of woodland in the process though.
We then drove to the waterfall in the very south of the park - it was ok but I wouldn’t make the effort to head there again. It’s small and muddy and not particularly pretty. After that, we continued to the view points on the cliff on the west of the lake. We found a couple of pretty view points and were glad we had a 4x4 car, it would have been tricky in places if not.
After that, we continued the route clockwise heading towards Main Gate to exit. We got 8km away from the gate to be met with a sign saying ‘no through route to Main Gate’ (the first sign mentioning anything about it all day!). From that position, it then took us about an hour driving non-stop (and quite quickly) to get back around the lake (anti clockwise) to Lanet Gate.
Several points of failure relating to the Park’s admin;
1. there was no information at the arrival gate where you buy tickets about roads or access being limited in the park at any point.
2. neither the KWS lady who sold us the tickets from one window of the ticket booth, or then the other KWS lady who took those tickets off us at the car and then went back to a different window to register them (a window right next door to the lady who sold them to us - efficiency at its best!?), mentioned any issues about routes in the park.
3. The only sign we saw about lack of access to Main Gate was 8km away from it on the West side of the lake. Where the trees blocked the road in the north, there were no signs.
4. There were no maps able to be bought at the arrivals ticket booth so you had no idea where you were heading around the park (thank goodness for the MapsMe app!)
All in all, a bit disappointing. Could have been so much better with a little admin and effort on KWS’s part. Given tourism has been so low of late, you would think they would be more helpful to encourage return visits.
Written August 23, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
pawel_hbg
Sopot, Poland16,816 contributions
Sept 2021 • Couples
Lake Nakuru National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrating the flamingos and abundant wildlife.
Nakuru is an alkaline lake, which is what further draws birds and wildlife to its shores and lake is most renowned for the tens of thousands of flamingos which can reach over a million at their peak.
An area around 188 km has been fenced to create a protected area for both black and white rhinoceroses as well as giraffes. The park features about 70 white rhinos and another 25 eastern black rhinos and it is one of the largest collections of rhinos throughout Kenya. During actually 1 hour we have seen 2 black rhinos, 12 white rhinos and lions. Amazing experience.
Nakuru is an alkaline lake, which is what further draws birds and wildlife to its shores and lake is most renowned for the tens of thousands of flamingos which can reach over a million at their peak.
An area around 188 km has been fenced to create a protected area for both black and white rhinoceroses as well as giraffes. The park features about 70 white rhinos and another 25 eastern black rhinos and it is one of the largest collections of rhinos throughout Kenya. During actually 1 hour we have seen 2 black rhinos, 12 white rhinos and lions. Amazing experience.
Written September 15, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tiggerlives
Bedford, UK86 contributions
Jan 2023
We went to Lake Nakuru specifically to see flamingos but sadly they weren't very plentiful during our visit. We did see rhinos, both black and white, and rothschild giraffes which we couldn't have seen anywhere else but in genreal you will see much more in the larger parks like the Masai Mara or Samburu. All the parks have the same entry fee so Lake Nakuru is poor value by comparison to the other larger parks.
Written January 7, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
marjanaway
Toronto, Canada68 contributions
Jan 2020 • Friends
We enjoyed a ride through this nice park. There is a view point on the lake where some scenes of out of africa with pink flamingos where shot.
Although we didn't see many flamingos the lake was beautiful. During game rides we saw rhinos, many different birds, gazels, etc. Some are lucky to see lions.
Although we didn't see many flamingos the lake was beautiful. During game rides we saw rhinos, many different birds, gazels, etc. Some are lucky to see lions.
Written January 30, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lucio P
Rome, Italy1,019 contributions
Feb 2020
From Lonely Planet guide: “Lake Nakuru is among Kenya’s finest na¬tional parks. Flanked by rocky escarpments, pockets of acacia forest and at least one wa¬terfall, the park is gorgeous year-round and is home to both black and white rhinos, li-ons, leopards, hippos and endangered Roth¬schild’s giraffes. Rising water levels in 2014 forced the park’s famous flamingos to flee (al¬though a small number had returned at the time of research), and the lake is now haunt¬ingly surrounded by drowned trees.”
It was my 2nd time here and yes, I appreciated Nakuru, despite it's slowly sinking down.
I dont know if Kenya Wildlife Service is doing something to help the situation to get better, but my feeling is that since my 1st visit (which was about 5 years ago), there have been no improvements. It’s a pity.
Nakuru for me is like an old uncle who will never let you down (till the day he'll finish under the water).
It was my 2nd time here and yes, I appreciated Nakuru, despite it's slowly sinking down.
I dont know if Kenya Wildlife Service is doing something to help the situation to get better, but my feeling is that since my 1st visit (which was about 5 years ago), there have been no improvements. It’s a pity.
Nakuru for me is like an old uncle who will never let you down (till the day he'll finish under the water).
Written March 24, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Avd A
2 contributions
Aug 2024 • Couples
FYI, for anyone looking to go to the Lake Nakuru tour, I highly advise you to stay clear of the providers Leslie Safaris and Julimas Safaris. I initially booked with Leslie Safaris , and they cancelled last minute offering to do a private tour outside getyourguide. I then booked with Julimas Safaris, but it turned out they were both the same people. Since it was last minute, we agreed on the private tour arranged by them and was told by the provider to take out in cash USD to pay for the trip and the park entrance fees. So we had to go out of our way, pay atm and fx fees to get the cash out only to be told by the driver next day that he can't accept USD and entrance fees is paid via online only. After all the trouble we come to know the vehicle which was initially told to us would be an 4x4 open roof for the game drive is a Toyota VOXY no roof and the windows didn't even go down when I reached out to the provider they just ignored me and said its a private tour not their problem. If you don't want to be cheated, avoid these two. Also, sadly there are barely any more Flamingos in the park now!
Written August 12, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
How do I get to go to lake nakuru see the flamingos, currently based in nature?
Written October 10, 2019
If it’s about seeing flamingos I would prefer to visit Lake Baringo in Baringo County.
If you still decide to visit Lake Nakuru, the Nationalpark is just a 10 minute ride from Nakuru town. But you’ll need a vehicle to enter the park.
Written October 11, 2019
we are visiting nakuru in october end , do we need to book gamedrive in advance or can we do it once we reach there
Written August 9, 2019
Game drive in Nakuru ah well I would rather save money and extend another game drive in Masai mara
Written January 13, 2020
We are visiting Kenya in Sep end and wanted to know if there usually are flamingos at that time of the year. Also, does a half day afternoon safari enough at Lake Nakuru? We are going to Hells gate national park in the morning and planning Lake Nakuru after lunch. Will that be feasible and worth it or we skip Lake Nakuru altogether?
Also, we will be coming from Amboseli national park.. some reviews suggest its not worth coming to Nakuru after Amboseli.. We have seen rhinos in India so that is not a motivation to go to Nakuru.
Looking forward to responses.
Thanks in advance:)
Priyanka
Written March 12, 2019
I differ a bit from the suggestions made by other travel enthusiasts. yes, it is right that the concentration of flamingos have declined in nakuru due to water level rise and reduction of alkalinity, but a lot can be seen there still. Come in the early morning to see them feeding, playing, making love amidst the early mist. I am sure you will never forget the ambience. Apart from them huge groups of pelicans will also welcome you along with other waders and land birds. Apart from rhinos, two horned and huge, black (if you are lucky enough, IUCN red in think) and white, not found elsewhere you will see hyenas, jackals, leopards, and of course lions prides. This is true jungle and not man made so LUCK is needed. I think don't miss.
Written August 11, 2019
We want to spend the night at a hotel at Nakuru and do a game drive the following morning. All the tours I have found go from Nairobi. Is it possible to book a game drive at the National Park
Written September 7, 2018
Do you mean booking the Nakuru game drive from the Nairobi National Park or from Nakuru National Park ? I am not sure why you would like to do this - as long as I am aware, it is not cheaper to book at the spot and you are not sure about what guide you will get ( English skills, etc.) You would also somehow need to get to Nakuru from Nairobi and thats why all tours have a bulk price with all included. Otherwise, you can for sure get something organized from the hotel where you are staying in Nakuru .. they would have contacts to local tour agencies.
Written September 12, 2018
I saw you review of Flamingo's in your review that they are no longer there, but in an earlier by someone else, their review states they are there. I do not understand whether they are there or not.
Written July 8, 2018
Flamingoes have moved to Lake Bogoria, where you will find in plenty.
Written August 2, 2018
Bonjour,
Vous avez loué votre propre voiture ou vous avez pris un guide de Nairobi au Lac de Nakuru ?
Written June 20, 2018
Bonjour,
Vous avez loué votre propre voiture ou vous avez pris un guide de Nairobi au Lac de Nakuru ?
Written June 20, 2018
I rented a car to go there. You need the guide to go inside the Park. So, I paid for my ticket and for the guide before being allowed to go inside the Park. I went inside with the guide car.
Written June 22, 2018
hi Partha G
do you think going to nakuru is worth going ? u said there were thousands of flamingoes but very far away ?
please let me know as I'm getting very mixed views of nakuru
pinaki
Written June 4, 2018
When we were there the Flamingoes had flown to Lake Baringo. You can ask the locals or hotel you are staying at and they may tell you where they are.
Written July 4, 2018
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