Contacts
About
Reviews
Addons
Individuals and groups
+254 754 004 003
+254 743 142 615
+254 712 004 003
Payment Plans
Customized ToursPackages
Calendar
Offers

Lake Nakuru National Park

Rhinos, Flamingos and Rift Valley Views, Just 3 Hours from Nairobi

Lake Nakuru National Park is one of Kenya’s best places to see rhinos, with both black and white rhinos roaming its grasslands and woodlands. The alkaline lake draws pelicans, flamingos and hundreds of other birds, all framed by the cliffs of the Great Rift Valley.

Add lions, leopards, Rothschild’s giraffes and viewpoints like Baboon Cliff, and it’s the perfect day trip or weekend safari from Nairobi. Call or WhatsApp +254 754 004 003 to plan yours.

View Packages

Lake Nakuru National Park Packages

About Lake Nakuru National Park

A rhino sanctuary on the floor of the Great Rift Valley

Lake Nakuru National Park was first protected in 1961 as a bird sanctuary and became a national park in 1968. It covers about 188 square kilometres just south of Nakuru city, and the lake is part of the Kenya Lake System in the Great Rift Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The park is fenced and is one of Kenya’s key rhino sanctuaries, home to both black and white rhinos. It also protects endangered Rothschild’s giraffes, plus lions, leopards, buffaloes, waterbucks and over 450 bird species.

Flamingo numbers change with the water level. When conditions are right, thousands gather on the shore, and great white pelicans, fish eagles and storks are seen all year. Viewpoints like Baboon Cliff and Lion Hill offer some of the best views in the Rift Valley.

Park Location

Lake Nakuru National Park is in Nakuru County, in Kenya’s Great Rift Valley, about 160 km northwest of Nairobi. The Main Gate is just outside Nakuru city, with other gates at Lanet and Nderit.

Google Maps Link

Getting There by Road

Take the Nairobi to Nakuru highway (A104) past Limuru and Naivasha, with views over the Rift Valley escarpment. The drive takes about 2.5 to 3.5 hours, depending on traffic.

Getting There by Air

There are no regular scheduled flights to Nakuru, but charter flights can land at the airstrip near the park. For most visitors, the road is quicker and more affordable.

Enjoy-Wildlife-Lake-Nakuru-National-Park-Bamm-Safaris-Adventures

Lake Nakuru National Park Fees

What does a Lake Nakuru safari cost?

Lake Nakuru National Park Entry Fees

Non-residents: About $90 per adult and $45 per child per day.
Kenya residents: About KES 2,025 per adult and KES 1,050 per child per day.
Note: Fees are set by the Kenya Wildlife Service and can change. Extra charges apply for vehicles, camping and ranger escorts.
All park fees are paid cashless through eCitizen by M-Pesa or card.

Accommodation Costs

Luxury Lodges and Camps: From about $300 to over $1,000 per person per night (for example, The Cliff).
Mid-Range Lodges: About $120 to $300 per person per night.
Budget Hotels and Campsites: About $30 to $100 per person per night.

Transport Costs

By Road: Private transfers or a self-drive 4×4 from Nairobi cost about $100 to $400, depending on the vehicle and group size.
By Air: Charter flights are available on request.

Activity Costs

Game Drives: Usually included in your package or lodge rate.
Picnics and Viewpoints: Free with your park entry, including Baboon Cliff and Makalia Falls.
Menengai Crater Tour: About $20 to $50 per person, depending on the activity.

Other Costs

Meals and drinks, if not included in your package.
Tips for guides and staff, typically $10 to $20 per day.

A day trip from Nairobi costs far less than a multi-day safari. For a mid-range 2 to 3-day trip, budget roughly $400 to $1,000 per person, including park fees, accommodation, transport and activities. Contact us for an exact quote.

Things to Do in Lake Nakuru National Park

The most popular activities in and around the park

Game Drives

Explore the park on morning or afternoon game drives in search of rhinos, lions, leopards and buffaloes, plus Rothschild’s giraffes, zebras and waterbucks.

Bird Watching

With over 450 recorded species, including pelicans, flamingos, cormorants and African fish eagles, the lake shore is a paradise for bird lovers. See our bird watching safaris.

Menengai Crater

Visit one of the world’s largest volcanic calderas on the edge of Nakuru city, with sweeping views over the crater floor and the surrounding farmland.

Walking Safaris

Walking inside the park is limited to viewpoints and picnic sites, but you can enjoy guided walks in nearby conservancies such as Soysambu at Lake Elementaita.

Photography Tours

Capture rhinos on the grasslands, pelicans on the shore and the view from Baboon Cliff. See our photography safaris.

Cultural Tours

Visit nearby communities and Nakuru’s local markets to learn about local customs, crafts and food, or stop at the Hyrax Hill prehistoric site.

When to Visit and What to Carry

The Best Time to Visit Lake Nakuru National Park

Best Time: June to October and January to February, the dry seasons, when wildlife is easier to spot and roads are in good condition.
Budget-Friendly Time: April to June (green season, with fewer visitors and lower rates).
Birding Season: November to April, when migrant birds join the park’s resident species.

What to Carry

Clothing: Light, neutral-coloured clothes, a warm layer for cool mornings and evenings, and a rain jacket.
Shoes: Comfortable walking shoes, plus sandals for the lodge.
Sun Protection: A hat, sunglasses, high-SPF sunscreen and lip balm.
Camera and Binoculars: For rhinos, birds and Rift Valley views.
Travel Documents: Passport or ID and your booking confirmations.
Health: Insect repellent, personal medication and antimalarials if your doctor recommends them.
Extras: A reusable water bottle, a power bank and snacks for the drive.

Perfect for Day Trips and Weekend Safaris

Just a few hours from Nairobi, Lake Nakuru is perfect for a day trip, a weekend away or as part of a longer Rift Valley safari.

It combines easily with Lake Naivasha, Hell’s Gate and the Maasai Mara, and we tailor every trip to your dates, budget and interests.

View Packages
Solo Travellers

Perfect for independent travellers looking for an easy, rewarding safari close to Nairobi.

Couples & Honeymooners

A romantic escape with clifftop lodges, sunset views over the lake and private game drives, ideal for newlyweds.

Families

A fun, educational safari for all ages, with short drives, picnic spots and plenty of rhinos and giraffes.

Corporate Teams

Team-building trips and retreats that combine wildlife encounters with time to relax and connect.

Friend Groups

Group adventures full of shared moments, great sightings and the fun of exploring together.

What You Can See in Lake Nakuru

Rhinos, big cats, rare giraffes and over 450 bird species

Rhinos: Black and white rhinos are the park’s highlight, often seen grazing on the open grasslands.

Big Cats: Lions are seen fairly often, and leopards sometimes rest in the yellow-barked acacias.

Rothschild’s Giraffes: An endangered giraffe subspecies, protected in the park.

Other Wildlife: Buffaloes, waterbucks, zebras, impalas, baboons and hippos.

Flamingos and Birdlife: Pelicans, cormorants and fish eagles all year, and flamingos when water levels suit them.

Makalia Falls: A seasonal waterfall in the south of the park, lovely for photos and picnics.

Baboon Cliff and Lion Hill: Viewpoints with panoramic views over the lake and the Rift Valley.

Euphorbia Forest: One of Africa’s largest forests of candelabra euphorbia trees.

What you can see while at Lake Nakuru National Park - Bamm Safaris

“At Lake Nakuru, dawn turns the water silver and pink. Rhinos graze on the dewy grass, pelicans glide over the shore and the walls of the Rift Valley glow in the morning light.”

Where to Stay in and Around Lake Nakuru

From clifftop luxury to city hotels and campsites

Luxury Inside the Park
  • The Cliff
  • Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge
  • Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge
Tented Camps
  • Flamingo Hill Tented Camp
  • Mbweha Camp (near Nderit Gate)
Mid-Range
  • Lake Nakuru Lodge
  • Ziwa Bush Lodge
  • Hillcourt Resort & Spa
  • Merica Hotel
Budget
  • Hotel Waterbuck
  • Jarika County Lodge
  • Other city hotels in Nakuru
Camping
Nearby Conservancies
  • Lake Elementaita Serena Camp (Soysambu)
  • Sleeping Warrior Lodge (Soysambu)
  • Sunbird Lodge (Lake Elementaita)
Need Help Choosing?

Tell us your budget and travel dates, and we’ll match you with the right stay. Call or WhatsApp +254 754 004 003.

How the options compare:

  • Luxury inside the park: Lake or escarpment views, pools and game drives from your door
  • Tented camps: A closer-to-nature stay with comfortable tents
  • Mid-range: Comfortable rooms and good value, inside or near the park
  • Budget: Simple city hotels a short drive from the Main Gate
  • Camping: Basic facilities and a real wilderness feel
  • Conservancies: Quieter stays with walks and horse rides around Lake Elementaita

Rates vary by season. Ask us for current prices.

Luxury Private Hotels & Lodges - The Cliff - Lake Nakuru National Park

The Best Lake Nakuru Safari Packages

Rhinos, birdlife and Rift Valley views, planned by experts

Discover Lake Nakuru National Park with Bamm Safaris Adventures Kenya, your partner for memorable wildlife safaris.

Our Lake Nakuru safari packages take in the park’s rhino sanctuary, busy lake shore and sweeping Rift Valley views. Whether you’re a nature lover, photographer or family, we tailor every trip to you.

Enjoy game drives in search of black and white rhinos, lions, Rothschild’s giraffes and hundreds of bird species. Packages include accommodation, park fees and transport, with optional stops at Lake Naivasha and Menengai Crater.

Book your Lake Nakuru safari today. Call or WhatsApp us on +254 754 004 003.

Popular Lake Nakuru Safari Packages

Enjoy-Wildlife-Lake-Nakuru-National-Park-Bamm-Safaris-Adventures
City Escape Safari
Day Trip from Nairobi
Nairobi, Nakuru

Ideal for Nairobi-based travellers, this full-day escape includes an early start, game drives, a picnic at a scenic viewpoint and return transfers.

View Package
Kenya Road Safaris - Lake Nakuru Road Safari
Classic Lake Nakuru Safari
2 Days 1 Night
Lake Nakuru

Perfect for a weekend away, with game drives, rhino and bird spotting, and a night in a full-board lodge.

View Package
Bird Watching Safaris - Lake Naivasha, Lake Elementaita, Lake Nakuru - Min 4 days 3 nights
Nakuru Birdwatching Safari
4 Days 3 Nights
Naivasha, Elementaita, Nakuru

Combine three Rift Valley lakes, with a boat ride on Lake Naivasha, birding at Elementaita and game drives in Nakuru.

View Package
Lake-Nakuru-National-Park-entry fee
Nakuru and Maasai Mara Road Safari
7 Days 6 Nights
Maasai Mara, Nakuru, Naivasha, Amboseli

See rhinos and birdlife in Nakuru, then head to the Maasai Mara for big cats and the Big Five.

View Package
hells gate entry fee
Lake Nakuru & Hell’s Gate Adventure Safari
Min. 4 Days
Lake Nakuru

Combine wildlife and adrenaline, with game drives in Nakuru and cycling, hiking or rock climbing in Hell’s Gate.

View Package
Luxury Lodge Safari at Lake Nakuru
3 Days
Lake Nakuru

Stay at The Cliff, with panoramic lake views, fine dining and private game drives, ideal for couples.

View Package
what is the special five samburu national reserve
Family Safari & Wildlife
7 Days 6 Nights
Samburu, Mt Kenya, Nakuru

Kid-friendly game drives, nature walks and conservation visits across Nakuru, Mount Kenya and Samburu make this perfect for families.

View Package
Lake Nakuru flamingos safaris and tours
Photography & Birding Safari
3 Days 2 Nights
Lake Nakuru

Made for photographers and content creators, with golden-hour game drives and time at the best birding spots.

View Package
best accommodation in samburu
Grand Kenya Circuit Safari
10 Days 9 Nights
Mara, Amboseli, Nakuru, Naivasha

Explore Kenya’s highlights in one journey, from the Maasai Mara and Amboseli to the Rift Valley lakes of Nakuru and Naivasha.

View Package

Why Book a Lake Nakuru Safari with Us?

Great wildlife, stunning scenery and easy access from Nairobi

Excellent Rhino Sightings

As a fenced rhino sanctuary, the park offers some of Kenya’s best chances to see both black and white rhinos in the wild.

Spectacular Birdlife

With over 450 bird species, pelicans on the shore and flamingos when conditions are right, Lake Nakuru is a paradise for bird lovers and photographers.

Scenic Rift Valley Landscapes

Dramatic escarpments, acacia woodland and a giant euphorbia forest make for beautiful views and peaceful picnic spots.

Easy Access from Nairobi

Just a 2.5 to 3.5-hour drive from Nairobi, Lake Nakuru is perfect for weekend getaways, day trips or a longer multi-park safari.

Family-Friendly

Good roads, plenty of wildlife and nearby attractions like Lake Naivasha and Menengai Crater make it ideal for families, couples and solo travellers.

Tailored Packages

We handle everything, from transport and park fees to guided game drives and accommodation, for a stress-free, personalised trip.

What People Are Saying About Us

Best-Rated Safari Experience Tours Company

4.88
Best Rated Tours & Safaris Company in Kenya in 2024. Winner of the Travelers Choice Award - Trip Advisor
Reviews - Bamm Tours Travelers Choice Award

Winner Travel Choice Awards 2024, 2025 & 2026

Bamm Tours proudly clinched the prestigious Travel Choice Award three years in a row, 2024, 2025 & 2026, solidifying our position as Kenya’s leading car hire, tours, and travel company.

Book This Package

How many people shall be in the trip?

Reach out:

For enquiries or bookings, write to [email protected]. We’ll revert within 20 minutes during business hours.

+254 754 004 003
+254 743 14 36 15
+254 712 004 003

31 FAQs About Lake Nakuru National Park

Everything you need to know before you visit

It’s in Nakuru County, in Kenya’s Great Rift Valley, about 160 km northwest of Nairobi and just south of Nakuru city.

Drive on the Nairobi to Nakuru highway (A104) through Naivasha, about 2.5 to 3.5 hours. Book a Lake Nakuru day trip with transport included, or hire a car.

The dry seasons, from June to October and January to February, are best for game viewing. November to April is great for birds. The park is open all year.

Yes. April to June and November are green and quieter, with lower rates. Some roads can get muddy, but most of the park stays accessible.

Non-resident adults pay about $90 and children about $45 per day. Fees are set by the Kenya Wildlife Service, so check the latest rates before you travel.

Possibly. Flamingo numbers change with the lake’s water level, and in recent years many have moved to Lake Bogoria and Lake Elementaita. Pelicans and other waterbirds are seen all year.

Black and white rhinos, lions, leopards, buffaloes, Rothschild’s giraffes, zebras, waterbucks, hippos, baboons and over 450 bird species.

Not all of them. You can see rhinos, buffaloes, lions and leopards, but there are no elephants in the park. For the full Big Five, try the Maasai Mara.

A full day is enough to see the highlights. Stay one or two nights to enjoy early morning and evening drives, or to add Lake Naivasha.

Game drives, bird watching, picnics at Baboon Cliff and Makalia Falls, photography and nearby trips to Menengai Crater and Lake Elementaita.

Walking is only allowed at designated viewpoints, picnic sites and campsites inside the park. For guided walks, visit nearby conservancies like Soysambu.

Night game drives are not normally allowed in the national park. Ask us about evening activities at lodges and nearby conservancies.

Boats are not allowed on Lake Nakuru, but you can take a boat ride on nearby Lake Naivasha, about an hour away.

Inside the park, choose from The Cliff, Sarova Lion Hill, Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge, Lake Nakuru Lodge and Flamingo Hill Tented Camp. Nakuru city has many more hotels.

Yes. Stay in a city hotel in Nakuru or camp at the park’s campsites. See our Lake Nakuru camping tours.

Yes. Several lodges, including Sarova Lion Hill and Lake Nakuru Lodge, have pools for relaxing between game drives.

Yes. Self-driving is allowed and the roads are easy to follow, though a 4×4 is best in the rainy season. You can hire a car from Bamm Tours.

Yes. It’s generally safe for visitors. Stay in your vehicle except at designated points, and follow your guide’s and the rangers’ instructions.

Yes. It’s close to Nairobi, easy to explore and full of wildlife, which makes it ideal for kids and first-timers. See our family safaris.

Days are usually warm, around 20 to 28°C, and mornings and evenings can be cool. The long rains fall from March to May and the short rains in November.

Light, neutral-coloured clothing, a warm layer, a hat, sunscreen, binoculars, a camera and insect repellent.

There is some malaria risk, so use insect repellent and speak to your doctor about antimalarials before you travel.

Speak to a travel clinic before you go. Yellow fever proof may be required if you arrive from a country with yellow fever risk.

Yes, in most parts of the park, thanks to its closeness to Nakuru city.

Most visitors need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA), applied for online before travel. Check the official Kenya eTA website for your nationality.

The area was protected as a bird sanctuary in 1961 and became a national park in 1968. A rhino sanctuary was created in the 1980s, and the lake joined the UNESCO-listed Kenya Lake System in 2011.

Lake Nakuru is smaller and closer to Nairobi, with excellent rhino and bird viewing. The Maasai Mara is bigger, with the Great Migration and more big cats.

Most packages include transport, park fees, game drives, a guide and, for overnight trips, full-board accommodation.

Yes. Popular combinations include Lake Naivasha, Hell’s Gate and the Maasai Mara.

Yes. Choose your lodge, transport and activities, and add other parks. Fill in our custom tour form

Choose a package above, or call or WhatsApp +254 754 004 003 and we’ll plan your trip.