National Park
Lake Nakuru National Park
A Beautiful Wildlife Haven
Overview
About Lake Nakuru National Park
Lake Nakuru National Park combines a semi-alkaline lake with woodland, grassland and escarpment habitats in a compact safari area close to Nakuru city. It is one of Kenya’s best-known rhino conservation landscapes and an important birding destination, with KWS recording roughly 450 bird species.
Attractions
What makes this protected area special
Black and white rhinos
Approximately 450 bird species
Makalia Falls
Scenic viewpoints and picnic sites
Lake and escarpment scenery
Historic rhino sanctuary
Experience
Activities & wildlife
Things to do
- Game drives
- Birdwatching
- Photography
- Picnicking
- Scenic viewing
Wildlife & biodiversity
- Black rhino
- White rhino
- Buffalo
- Giraffe
- Waterbirds
- Flamingos
Stay nearby
Accommodation
Use the current KWS source page and Courtesywide Adventures hotel inventory to confirm in-park and nearby accommodation; availability and operating status can change.
Conservation story
Park history
Conservation began with a bird sanctuary in 1961; the park was gazetted in 1968, expanded in 1974 to about 188 km² and designated a government-managed rhino sanctuary in 1987.
Plan your journey
How to get there
By road
About 156 km north-west of Nairobi on the A104, with access via Lanet, Nderit and Main gates.
By air
Naishi Airstrip is available inside the park.
Before you go
Visitor tips
Carry drinking water, sun protection, a camera or binoculars, and a basic first-aid kit.
Use clothing and footwear suited to the terrain and expected weather.
Confirm road, weather and gate conditions with KWS before departure.
Opening/entry times and activity hours can vary by protected area and season. Confirm current KWS gate or facility hours before travel.
Single-use plastics are not permitted in Kenya's protected areas. Travel with reusable alternatives.
Responsible travel
Safety guidelines
- 1
Respect wildlife space and always give animals right of way.
- 2
Do not carry or use prohibited single-use plastics inside protected areas.
- 3
Follow normal road rules; avoid hooting and never drive under the influence of alcohol.
- 4
Observe the official gate opening and closing times unless you are an authorised overnight guest.
- 5
Drive and move quietly so wildlife is not startled or disturbed.
- 6
Keep unnecessary noise, phones and sound devices to a minimum around wildlife.
- 7
Remain in your vehicle except at places specifically designated as safe for visitors to alight.
- 8
Observe the posted park speed limit; KWS commonly limits game-viewing roads to 40 km/h.
- 9
Stay on authorised roads, tracks and trails and do not drive off-road.
- 10
Keep a safe viewing distance from wildlife and follow ranger instructions.
- 11
Never feed wild animals or interfere with their natural behaviour.
- 12
Carry your litter out and leave campsites, picnic sites and viewing areas clean.
- 13
When camping, never leave a fire unattended and extinguish it completely before leaving.
- 14
Protected-area visits are undertaken subject to KWS rules, conditions and current safety guidance.
Conservation fees
Park entry rates
| Visitor category | Adult | Child |
|---|---|---|
| East Africa CitizenKES | KES 1,500 | KES 750 |
| Kenya ResidentKES | KES 2,025 | KES 1,050 |
| Africa CitizenUSD | USD 50 | USD 25 |
| Non-ResidentUSD | USD 90 | USD 45 |
Effective from 2025-10-01
Rates captured from the official KWS Conservation Fees 2025 schedule, effective 1 October 2025. Verify the latest KWS conservation fees before publishing a final client quotation or invoice.
View official fee sourceUseful answers
Lake Nakuru National Park FAQs
What is Lake Nakuru National Park best known for?
Lake Nakuru National Park is especially known for Black and white rhinos, Approximately 450 bird species, Makalia Falls, Scenic viewpoints and picnic sites. The exact experience varies by season and current park conditions.
How do I get to Lake Nakuru National Park?
Road: About 156 km north-west of Nairobi on the A104, with access via Lanet, Nderit and Main gates. Air: Naishi Airstrip is available inside the park. Confirm the latest road, gate, airstrip or marine access guidance with KWS before departure.
What are the current entry fees for Lake Nakuru National Park?
The KWS 2025 fee schedule lists East African citizen adults from KES 1,500 and non-resident adults from USD 90 for this fee category. Child, resident and African-citizen rates are stored in this record. Always verify current KWS fees before issuing a final quotation.
What should I carry when visiting Lake Nakuru National Park?
Carry drinking water, suitable clothing and footwear, sun protection, a camera/binoculars where useful, and any personal medication. Follow KWS safety rules and avoid single-use plastics in protected areas.
Keep exploring
View all parks Other parks & protected areas
Build a stronger safari route by combining complementary landscapes.
