Wild Animals in Lake Nakuru National Park
Lake Nakuru is one of the best places to see wild animals in Africa, particularly in Tanzania. Lake Nakuru National Park is found in west-central Kenya in Nakuru. The park is near Lake Nakuru and it was established in 1961. It is within the Great Rift Valley with a network of saline lakes. This park was declared a UNESCO site in the2009 and a Ramsar site in the 1990. The park is mainly known for the large population of flamingos which are found around the lake Nakuru. It is also among the most visited parks in Kenya.
Lake Nakuru is one of the major water bodies in the park covering about 45 square kilometers of land. It is also an alkaline lake known for hosting several bird species. Nakuru is a local word in the Masai meaning “a place of dust or Dusty”. The park is in the north of Nairobi covering over 188 kilometers of land.
What are the wildlife in the lake Nakuru National Park?
There are several wildlife in Lake Nakuru National Park and some of these include;
Birds
Lake Nakuru National Park is home to several bird species travelers engage in during their birding safaris—the bird species in this park range from about 400 in number. They live within the savannah plains of the park and on the shores of the lake Nakuru. The popular bird species in the park are the flamingos which are usually sited at Lake Nakuru. The other bird species in the park include; little grebes, ducks, white-winged black terns, stilts, pied kingfisher, African fishing eagles, and many others.
Black and white rhinos
This is one of the endemic and endangered species that are part of the Big Five animals. While on a Kenya safari in Lake Nakuru, travelers will encounter the wildlife found in the park. Black rhinos are called black since their color varies from brown and grey. Their lips are hooked and pointed. Whereas the white rhinos are black and grey with a square upper lip. Travelers see wildlife in the park while grazing and on the water bodies.
Buffaloes
In this park, the cape buffaloes are also among the wild animals that travelers on their Kenya safaris usually encounter. They are one of the big five animals and one of the most dangerous wildlife. They are seen in the open woodlands of the park. These species are also known for their horn which are used to differ themselves. They live about 26 to 30 years. Buffaloes are one of the best wild animals seen in Lake Nakuru National Park.
Hippos
These are semi-aquatic wildlife that spend most of their time in Lake Nakuru. They are among the largest mammals on earth. While in the water, they live in groups called pods. During the day, they spend most of their time in the water and in the night they are seen grazing.
Rothschild giraffes
The Rothschild giraffes are differed from other giraffes by their coloring coating which is pale orange-brown patches. This is also an endangered species. They are usually sited in the park while grazing with other wildlife.
Waterbucks
This is one of the large antelopes which is widely found in the park. They live in the small herds of the park and usually spend time in the water when they see a predator. They live near savannah woodlands, close to the areas near the water bodies.
What are the activities that travelers engage in at the Lake Nakuru National Park?
There are several activities that travelers engage in during the safari to the Lake Nakuru National Park and they include;
Game drive or game viewing
Game drives or game viewing is one of the activities in which travelers engage to encounter the wildlife within the park. The game drives in the park are usually done in the morning and full day in the gazette trails of the park. The game drive aids the travelers to view the wild animals within the park.
Birding
This is another key activity in this park since it’s home to over 400 bird species. The most popular bird species in the park are the flamingos which are attracted by the green algae that they feed on in the lake. The bird species in the park include the shining sunbird, grey-headed woodpecker, sooty falcon, spikes weaver, ruppell’s weaver, montane white eye, pallid harrier, and many others. The best time to site these species is usually from November to April since most birds are in the breeding season.
Nature walks or safari walks
Nature walks are another thought activity that travelers on their Kenya safaris usually engage in since some areas of the park are not accessed by safari vans. During the safari walks, travelers see a variety of wild animals in the park. The safari walks are usually accompanied by ranger guides to ensure the safety of the travelers during the safaris.
Where to stay in Lake Nakuru National Park
Travelers on their safaris to Lake Nakuru have several accommodation facilities that they engage in during the safari. They range from campsites to lodges and some of these include Kivu Resort, Ziwa Bush Lodge, Sarova Hill Lodge, Flamingo Hill Tented Lodge, and many others.
How to access Lake Nakuru Nation Park?
The Lake Nakuru National Park is accessed by both air transport and road transport. By road from Nairobi, the park is about 3 hours which takes about 3 hours of the day to reach the park. While using air transport from the Jomo Kenyatta Airport or Wilson Airport to Naisaha airstrip which is about 25 minutes from the park. The park has three main access points that is to say the main gate, the Lanet gate, and the Nderit gate.
What is the best time to visit Lake Nakuru National Park?
The Lake Nakuru National Park is open for travelers throughout the year. The best time is during the dry season June to September and December to February. This is the best since the park is dry and clear for the viewing of the wildlife in the park. Generally, the dry season is the best time to see wild animals in Lake Nakuru National Park.
