Lake Nakuru National Park promises you an
ornithological extravaganza. The lake park, granted the status of national
park in 1961, now lies over the area of approximate 200 sq km. Lake Nakuru
National Park is particularly known for its populations of flamingos and
fish-eating birds. Among the admirers of avian life the park is very
popular.
Park Attractions
The lake park is the spectacular concentration of pink flamingos whose
number often reaches to more than a million. The park is also the home to
more than 25 rhinos, one of the largest concentrations in Kenya. Lion,
leopard, phthon, giraffe and waterbuck are other creature found in the lake
park.
Other than flamingos, two fish eating birds, pelicans and cormorants, are
also popular among the tourists. A fish species called tilapia grahami has
survived in the lake in spite of the tepid and alkaline waters of the lake.
In additions to these birds, more than 400 bird species live in the lake and
the park. More known among these species are the waders, stilts, ducks and
avocets.
View points in the national park are Lion Hill, Baboon Cliff and Out of
Africa. The tourists also visit Makalia waterfall.
Caution: Conditions in the lake change and the birds migrate to
other lakes. So do ensure the presence of the birds before visiting the
place.
Location
Lake Nakaru National Park is located about 160km north of Nairobi, the
Kenyan capital. It would be preferable to visit the lake in a day tour from
Nairobi or as part of tour pcakage to the Masai Mara or Lake Baringo.
Best Time to Visit
March to December
Accommodation
Lodges are available in Nakaru town where one can stay. More known among
these are Lake Nakaru Lodge and Sarova Lion Hill Lodge
Flamingos of Lake Nakaru
Lake Nakaru is the home of two types of flamingo species. One is Lesser
flamingo which can be recognised by deep red carmin bill and pink plumage.
Greater flamingo has a bill with a black tip. Flamingo population thrives on
the abundant algae of the lake. A study conducted by the scientists shows
that the flamingos eat about 250,000 kilos of algae per hectare of surface
area per year.
