Welcome to Lake Nakuru National Park, one of Kenya‘s highest natural reserves – at 1754 metres a.s.l. This park takes it name from the town of Nakuru and the lake of the same name, which is a special lake. Its water, in fact, contains high levels of soda which allow the growth of a particular algae, the favourite food of flamingo birds. The lake and its park are part of the wonderful volcanic region Rift Valley. The beauty of this park consists in the lake itself, in the pink flamingos often flying over it, in the many other animals of the African fauna every tourists aims to see.
Lake Nakuru, history and nature
Lake Nakuru National Park was created in 1961 in order to protect the wild fauna and the vegetation around the lake. One of the animals that needed protection, more than the others, was the pink flamingo. Flamingos do live and rest in these waters in a large number but they risked to be endangered by men and by periods of drought. The Park makes sure everything is under control, as much as possible.
The National Park covers 188 sq km of surface, 45 of which are occupied by the lake itself which is 1.8 metres deep. The land around the lake is a large flat savannah slowly becoming bush and woods. The forest thickens as you go up to Baboon Cliffs, a high point from which you can enjoy a total view of the park’s area. Many interesting animals have their habitat inside the park.
What to see at Lake Nakuru National Park
Millions of flamingos, especially pink flamingos, live around the lake. There are times when you can hardly see the water, among the incredible “pink cloud”. Besides flamingos, 400 other species of birds find their perfect habitat here: cormorants and pelicans, black terns, avocets and ducks as well, just to name some. Birdwatching is the best activity to do, when you go safari in this National Park.
You can also go and admire other important animals: the rare white rhinos, the black rhinos (one of the largest concentration of Kenya, here), waterbucks and also Rothschild’s Giraffes. As you go with your guides around the lake you might also meet cheetahs, lions, leopards. The large python snake is the other “king” of the Park. It will not bite you, but you better do not get too close.
In the sky above the park, birds of prey also fly. The most beautiful of all, the Verreaux Eagle.
Tourist information
You are allowed to camp inside and outside the Park’s territory. Two private lodges will welcome tourists who are looking for a comfortable holiday. While for adventure lovers there are many campsites, even inside the park. Some campsites are very close to the animals’ habitats and one is on top of Baboon Cliffs.
You must pay for the entrance: 35 Dollars for adults, 20 for children.
To get to Lake Nakuru you can easily drive from Nairobi along the A104 Road or drive along the Nairobi-Nakuru Road. You get there by airplane, landing at the Naishi Airstrip.
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