Lake Nakuru National Park

Introducing Lake Nakuru National Park

Lake Nakuru National Park (051-2217151; adult/child US$30/10, smartcard required) rivals Amboseli as Kenya’s second-most-visited park. This is one of the best places in Kenya to see leopards, and white rhinos are commonly seen at the lake’s southern end, but the park’s most famous attraction is the flamingos that ring the lake in thousands.

The main gate is 2km south of the centre of Nakuru. KWS smartcards are available here. Backpackers’ Campsite (adult/child US$10/5) is a large public camp site just inside the main gate with the park’s best camping facilities.

A nice, friendly camp site with clean dorms, simple singles and two-bed bandas, Wildlife Club of Kenya Youth Hostel (051-850929; dm KSh150, s without bathroom KSh300, s/tw with bathroom KSh500/1000) comes complete with cooking areas. Wildlife Club of Kenya Guesthouse (051-851559; PO Box 33, Nakuru; s/tw without bathroom KSh800/1600) is great: facilities include hot showers, TV lounge, and use of a fridge, gas cooker and microwave. Rooms are clean and comfortable.

Sarova Lion Hill Lodge (020-2713333; www.sarovahotels.com; full board s/d from US$210/280; ) is an upmarket lodge that offers 1st-class service and comfort from high up the lake’s eastern slopes. There are great views from the restauran­t-bar and most rooms.

A taxi from Nakuru for a few hours should cost KSh2000, though you’ll have to bargain hard.

Last updated: Mar 2, 2009