Lake Nakuru national park is one of Kenya’s beautiful national parks that you must visit on your safari to this country and Africa at large. Kenya is an East African travel destination that has wonderful historical sites, beautiful coastal beaches, amazing cultures, warm people and enticing national game parks filled with unique wildlife. Among the lovely national parks to visit, is the Lake Nakuru National Park.
Nakuru is a native Maasai word to mean dust. Lake Nakuru happens to be a Rift Valley lake but surrounded by a vast savannah land which makes up the national park. Lake Nakuru National Park is found in the North West of Nairobi; so you can travel by air and access the place by any road transport means of your choice.
This place started as a bird sanctuary in 1961 for flamingoes then upgraded to a National Park in 1968.
Currently, Lake Nakuru National Park is known for its attractive long-necked flamingoes and beautiful scenery. It is also home to some endangered species such as the Rothschild’s giraffe among others.
What to see and do in Lake Nakuru National park?
Planning a trip to Kenya? please endeavor to visit Lake Nakuru National Park to enjoy and have a feel of the attractions and activities as listed below;
Beautiful scenery; Lake Nakuru is part of the National Park thus the scenery of the lake and the surrounding is breathtaking and sensational. The atmosphere gives you a warm ambience making you feel comfortable and your safari worthwhile.
This amazing serene environment is also good for photo occasions and an ideal place for romantic love birds.
Grand landscape; The landscape happens to be rocky with rugged escarpments and the other full of green vegetation with beautiful animals rendering a spectacular scenery. It is also another great place for photo occasions, plus this view enables you to see places like the Baboon Cliff, Menengai Crater among others.
Birds palace; Well, this park is home to the famous long-necked flamingoes that dance around the lake. There are also thousands of white pelicans which tend to play with the water and are a sight to behold.
Aside from these birds on the lake, you will see the African Fish Eagle, Grey Crested Crane, Kingfishers among others. Thus, an interested bird viewer can enjoy and meet various bird species while on a tour to Lake Nakuru National park.
Home of the rhinos; Lake Nakuru is home to the African Rhinos. These include; the Eastern Black Rhino and the Southern Rhinos plus you will see the little Egrets that happen to always be on the Rhinos’ backs. Thus, this site is perfect for boat viewing especially those that want to cruise and see the rhinos from a distance.
Viewpoints; The great landscape is a beautiful sight that offers vantage points. These viewpoints include the Lion Hill and Baboon Cliff; where you will see the Baboons, Lions, Thomson gazelles, Waterbucks and these spots are perfect locations for photo opportunities and for spotting some of the elusive animals.
Rothschild’s giraffe; This is a very rare species of the giraffe family which is a long-necked mammal with brown beautiful spots. It is also among the endangered species which is being protected at the park.
Makalia Waterfalls; These beautiful falls happen to be at the extreme end of the park and have a rocky landscape feature with green vegetation at the top of the waterfall. These falls also happen to be home to the Red-winged bird and a beautiful place for picnics and hikes.
Aside from the attractions and landmark features, there are activities to carry out at the park. These include the following;
Hiking; Visitors that love to hike should consider the park’s Makalia Falls. The wonderful landscape and rocky nature of the place offers a convenient area for hiking. It is also a perfect spot for picnics due to the rugged landscape. Therefore, an interested tourist should think of this activity for relaxation and enjoyment.
Bird watching; For the bird lovers out there, viewing the different colors and species of birds is a spectacular moment. Therefore, the park offers a variety of birds to see which include the red-winged bird, kingfisher, blue-headed bee-eater among others.
Game drives; Visiting the wild is fun but taking caution while having fun is better. Therefore, taking trips around the park with a tour guide and making drives is beautiful and recommended.
Viewing the animals from a distance gives you the peace, comfort and safety as a tourist. The cars such as the 4×4 custom built safari land cruisers are usually the best and are used for this kind of activity. At some point, game drives can be perfect for photo occasions so long as the animals are kept at bay.
Camping; For the nature lovers out there, camping is an ideal activity at Lake Nakuru National Park. This can be planned to ensure security as you chill, sleep and mingle with nature. Pitch tents or camp tents are the perfect set up for this activity.
At the park, you can spend a reasonable price for camping especially if it is a group camp; where amazing interests are offered.
Therefore, an interested tourist should consider putting Lake Nakuru National Park as must-visit travel areas to visit and enjoy nature with the birds, animals, trees, beautiful scenery among other attractions.
