Lake Nakuru National Park

This unique national park was created in 1961 surrounding the region of Lake Nakuru. Lake Nakuru National Park is best known for thousands, sometimes millions, of flamingos that rest on the shores of Lake Nakuru. The surface of this shallow lake is hardly recognizable due to the continually shifting mass of pink. However, the size of the flamingo flock varies according to water and fish supply. The lake itself takes up 27% of the park. In the 1990s the water levels dropped dramatically but have since recovered. The best vantage point for watching the flamingos is from Baboon Cliff.

Dominated by a gentle, undulating terrain with open bush and woodlands, the park contains about 550 different plant species, including Euphorbia, which are tall cactus-like trees, and acacia woodland.

The park was recently enlarged, partly to provide for sanctuary of black rhino, and it is now the best place in Kenya to see this endangered species. As of 2009, there were reported more than 25 black rhino, one of the largest concentrations in the country. There is a large population of white rhino as well. Other wildlife include waterbuck, zebra, Rothschild's giraffe, lion and leopard. Large-sized pythons inhabit the dense woodlands and can often be seen crossing the road or dangling from trees.

In 1960, this region became Kenya's first bird sanctuary. Over 300 species of birds inhabit this region, and the introduction of a species of salt-tolerant Tilapiagraham for mosquito control opened the way for many more species of fish-eating birds.

Rivaling Amboseli as Kenya's second-most-visited national park, this unique region of Kenya should not be missed. Visit Lake Nakuru National Park on our Kenya Wildlife Week.