Kenya
7-Day Kenya Highlights
Elephants under Kilimanjaro, Rift Valley lakes and the big cats of the Masai Mara — Kenya’s classic circuit in one week.
Price on request
Nakuru County, Great Rift Valley
Lake Nakuru
Rhino sanctuary on a Rift Valley soda lake
- Country
- Kenya
- Region
- Nakuru County, Great Rift Valley
- Type
- Kenya Safari
- Best months to visit
- Jun–Oct, Dec–Mar
Overview
Lake Nakuru National Park surrounds an alkaline lake on the floor of the Rift Valley. The whole park is fenced and protected as a rhino sanctuary, which makes it one of the most reliable places in Kenya to see both black and white rhino.
The lake edge, yellow acacia woodland and viewpoints such as Baboon Cliff make it a compact, rewarding park for a half-day or full-day visit.
- Black and white rhino
- Rothschild's giraffe
- Flamingos and pelicans (seasonal)
- Baboon Cliff viewpoint
What you'll see
Black and white rhino, Rothschild’s giraffe, buffalo, lion and, with luck, leopard in the acacia woodland. Flamingo and pelican numbers vary from year to year with the lake’s water level.
Wildlife you may see
- White rhino (Big Five)
- Black rhino (Big Five)
- Rothschild's giraffe
- Flamingo
- Lion (Big Five)
- Leopard (Big Five)
- Cape buffalo (Big Five)
- Plains zebra
Things to do
- 01
Game drives
Explore the lakeshore, woodland and grassland in a compact park.
- 02
Baboon Cliff viewpoint
Panoramic views over the lake and the Rift Valley.
- 03
Makalia Falls
A picnic stop at a seasonal waterfall in the south of the park.
Best time
- Jan: Great time
- Feb: Great time
- Mar: Great time
- Apr: Possible
- May: Possible
- Jun: Great time
- Jul: Great time
- Aug: Great time
- Sep: Great time
- Oct: Great time
- Nov: Possible
- Dec: Great time
Good all year, with the driest weather from June to October and January to March.
Getting there
About 3 hours by road from Nairobi, and an easy stop on the way to the Masai Mara or the Laikipia region.
Where to stay
Luxury
Small lodges inside the park with views over the lake.
We'll suggest camps and lodges that fit your dates and budget.
Comfort
Lodges inside and just outside the park, set in acacia woodland.
We'll suggest camps and lodges that fit your dates and budget.
Budget
Hotels in Nakuru town, a short drive from the park gate.
We'll suggest camps and lodges that fit your dates and budget.
Gallery
Journeys that visit Lake Nakuru
- 7 days
More Kenya Safari
Nyandarua and Nyeri counties
Aberdare National Park
Misty forests, waterfalls and the famous tree lodges