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Lake Nakuru National Park

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Lake Nakuru National Park

Lake Nakuru National Park

This national park surrounds Lake Nakuru, located approximately 160 km northwest of Nairobi. Travelers visit this area primarily for wildlife viewing, as it is a significant sanctuary for rhinos and a major site for observing large populations of flamingos and other bird species.

Getting There

The park is located near the town of Nakuru. From the Nakuru city centre, the drive to the park gates typically takes about 20 to 30 minutes depending on traffic and the specific gate used for entry.

Duration of Visit

A full day is generally sufficient to cover the main game drives and viewpoints. Visitors who wish to explore the lake shores and the interior forest areas more thoroughly may choose to stay overnight in nearby accommodations.

When to Visit

The park is visited year-round, though bird populations fluctuate based on water levels and food availability. It is one of the most visited parks in Kenya, and it can become crowded during peak tourism seasons. Early morning is the standard time for game drives to increase the likelihood of wildlife sightings.

Nearby Attractions

The park can be combined with other local sites in the Nakuru region:

  • Lake Nakuru: Located within the park boundaries (0 km).
  • Hyrax Hill Prehistoric Site and Museum: 10 km from the park.
  • Menengai: 18.6 km from the park.

Updated September 8, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors

Tickets & tours

Admission prices and opening hours change often, so we don't list them here. Check what's on sale and at what price below — booking ahead can cut the queue at some places.

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Stays near Lake Nakuru National Park

Sorted by distance, walkable ones first. Distances are straight-line.

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Lake Nakuru National Park Nearby stays

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Itineraries including this place

Day trip

Nakuru 1-Day Itinerary (0 Nights)

A 1-day route through Nakuru grouped by daily travel distance for optimal sightseeing.

1 nights, 2 days

Nakuru 2-Day Itinerary (1 Nights)

A 2-day route through Nakuru grouped by daily travel distance for optimal sightseeing.

Good to visit alongside

Lake Nakuru

Nature

Lake Nakuru

This lake lies in southern Nakuru, Kenya, at an elevation of 1,754 meters, with shallow, calm waters. It's a great spot to relax amid the open, expansive scenery typical of the highlands.

0.0 km away
Hyrax Hill Prehistoric Site and Museum

Museums & galleries

Hyrax Hill Prehistoric Site and Museum

A prehistoric site in Nakuru where excavations led by Dr. Mary Leakey in 1938 uncovered traces of habitation from several eras, leading to its designation as a national monument in 1945. Open to the public since 1965, it offers a firsthand look at the traces of early human life in Kenya.

10.0 km away
Menengai

Nature

Menengai

Menengai is a shield volcano in the Great Rift Valley near Nakuru, home to one of the largest calderas in Africa. It's a great spot to take in both the massive crater and the surrounding valley scenery.

18.6 km away