Lake Nakuru National Park bus tour price
- BeyondForest
- Mar 2
- 4 min read
Updated: Mar 10
In this section we will look at
1.)About Lake Nakuru
3.1)List of animals at lake nakuru national park
4.)Lake Nakuru National Park Game Drives and Wildlife Viewing
5.)Challenges facing Lake Nakuru
Lake Nakuru National Park spans an area of approximately 188 square kilometers ,46455.81 acres nestled within Kenya's Great Rift Valley It , is a shallow, alkaline lake renowned for its rich biodiversity and striking landscapes.
Established in 1961 Its formation is attributed to tectonic activities that created the Rift Valley, leading to the accumulation of water in the basin. Over millennia, the lake has evolved, influenced by climatic fluctuations and geological processes, shaping its current ecological character.
The lake's alkaline nature fosters the growth of cyanobacteria, particularly Spirulina platensis, which serves as a primary food source for various bird species, notably the lesser flamingos. At its peak, Lake Nakuru has hosted millions of flamingos, creating a mesmerizing pink fringe along its shores. This phenomenon has earned it the moniker "Bird Watcher's Paradise," attracting ornithologists and nature enthusiasts worldwide.
One of Lake Nakuru National Park's significant conservation achievements is its role as a sanctuary for rhinoceroses. In the 1980s, facing the threat of poaching, Lake Nakuru National Park was designated as Kenya's first rhino sanctuary. This initiative has been instrumental in safeguarding both black and white rhino populations, contributing to global conservation efforts.
Additionally Lake Nakuru National park provides refuge for the Rothschild giraffe, another species at risk, showcasing its commitment to biodiversity preservation.
Payments can be made through the eCitizen platform using methods such as MPesa, Visa Card, RTGS, or Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT).
Kenyan Adult | 1000Ksh |
Kenyan Children | 500Ksh |
Resident Adult | 1000Ksh |
Resident Child | 500Ksh |
Non-Resident Adult | 70 USD |
Non-Resident Child | 35 USD |
1. Birds (Over 400 Species)
Flamingos (Lesser & Greater) 🦩 – Iconic pink birds feeding on algae.
African Fish Eagle 🦅 – Often seen hunting near the lake.
Great White Pelican – Large flocks found near the water.
Marabou Stork – A common scavenger.
Hammerkop – Found near wetlands.
Grey-headed Gull – Seen along the shoreline.
Kingfishers (Pied, Malachite, Giant) – Found near water bodies.
2. Mammals
Black Rhino 🦏 – Found in the park’s rhino sanctuary.
White Rhino 🦏 – More common than the black rhino.
Buffalo 🐃 – Large herds grazing near the lake.
Leopard 🐆 – Rare, but occasionally spotted.
(No Elephants – The park is too small to support them.)
3.)Other Large Mammals
Rothschild’s Giraffe 🦒 – Endangered, reintroduced to the park.
Waterbuck – Often seen near the lake.
Zebra 🦓 – Both Plains & Grevy’s zebra found.
Hippopotamus – Seen in deeper waters.
Warthog 🐗 – Frequently seen near the roads.
4.)Predators
Lions 🦁 – Found in wooded areas.
Spotted Hyena – Active early morning and night.
Jackal (Black-backed & Side-striped) – Common scavengers.
5. Reptiles & Amphibians
Nile Crocodile 🐊 – Found in small water bodies.
Rock Python – Largest snake in the park.
Monitor Lizard – Often seen near the lake’s edge.
Visitors using vehicles within the park are subject to daily charges based on the seating capacity:
Less than 6 seats | KSH 300 |
6-12 seats | KSH 1,030 |
13-24 seats | KSH 2,585 |
25-44 seats | KSH 4,050 |
45 seats and above | KSH 5,000 |
The park is accessible through several entry points All gates operate daily from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Ideal for visitors traveling from Nairobi via the Nairobi-Nakuru highway. It offers quick access to central attractions like the Baboon Cliff viewpoint.
Main Gate
Located approximately 4 km from Nakuru town, this gate is convenient for administrative matters and is close to the park's headquarters.
Nderit Gate
Suitable for those coming from Naivasha, Maasai Mara, or Elementaita, offering a scenic route through the southern parts of the park.
Airstrip Gate
Serves visitors arriving by chartered flights at the Naishi Airstrip within the park, often used by VIPs and researchers.
Lake Nakuru National Park Game Drives and Wildlife Viewing
Lake Nakuru National park offers exceptional game drive experiences, allowing visitors to observe a diverse array of wildlife. Beyond the famed flamingos, the park is home to over 450 bird species, including pelicans, cormorants, and kingfishers. Mammalian residents include lions, leopards, buffalos, zebras, and various antelope species. Guided tours can be arranged, with fees for security or guided tours per guide set at KSH 1,720 for up to 4 hours and KSH 3,015 for over 4 hours
Fluctuations in Flamingo Populations
While historically famed for its vast flamingo populations, Lake Nakuru has experienced fluctuations in bird numbers. Factors such as changes in water levels, salinity, and food availability have influenced flamingo migration patterns, leading them to seek alternative habitats during certain periods. Despite these fluctuations, the lake remains a critical site for avian biodiversity.
Pollution and Water Quality Degradation
Increased pollution from Nakuru town and surrounding settlements has led to water contamination. Agricultural runoff, industrial waste, and untreated sewage contribute to eutrophication, affecting aquatic life.
Encroachment and Human-Wildlife Conflict
Expanding urbanization around Nakuru town has led to encroachment on park boundaries. Human-wildlife conflicts arise as animals stray into nearby farms in search of food, leading to retaliatory attacks.
Tourism Pressure and Infrastructure Strain
High visitor numbers, especially during peak seasons, put pressure on roads, lodges, and the environment. Off-road driving and irresponsible tourism practices disrupt wildlife behavior and habitats.
Invasive Plant Species
Non-native plant species, such as the invasive Opuntia cactus, threaten indigenous vegetation. These invasive species alter the park's ecosystem, reducing food sources for herbivores.
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