Southern Rift
Maasai Mara
Open grassland, the highest predator density in Kenya, and between July and October, the river crossings that draw people back for a lifetime.
Central Rift
Lake Nakuru
A fenced Rift Valley sanctuary with reliable rhino, tree-climbing lion and vast flocks of waterbirds.
About Lake Nakuru
Lake Nakuru is compact and entirely fenced, which has made it one of Kenya's most successful rhino sanctuaries — both black and white rhino are seen here with unusual reliability.
The lake's flamingo numbers fluctuate dramatically with water levels; the enormous pink rafts of older photographs are not guaranteed, and we would rather say so than let you arrive expecting them. Pelicans, cormorants and fish eagles are constant.
The yellow-barked acacia forest on the eastern shore holds lion that habitually rest in the trees.
What you come for
- Among the most reliable rhino viewing in Kenya
- Rothschild giraffe, translocated here and thriving
- Baboon Cliff for the long view across the lake
- An easy first or last stop on a Rift Valley route
Wildlife you may see
- White rhino
- Black rhino
- Rothschild giraffe
- Lion
- Leopard
- Flamingo
- Pelican
Where to stay
- Lodges on the escarpment above the lake
- Small camps within the park boundary
Practical tips
- Flamingo numbers depend entirely on water level and algae. Treat large flocks as a bonus.
- Close enough to Nairobi to work as a first night rather than a rushed transit.
