Lake Nakuru National Park

Lake Nakuru National Park is one of Kenya’s two Premium Parks, and is a birdlover’s paradise. It surrounds Lake Nakuru in the Central Rift Conservation Area in the Southern Rift Valley region of Kenya. Originally protected as a bird sanctuary, this park hosts over 400 bird species, including 5 globally threatened species, and is an important stop on the African-Eurasian Migratory Flyway. This park was also the first national Rhino sanctuary and hosts one of the world’s highest concentrations of the Black Rhinoceros.

nakuruflamingos - Flamingos on Lake Nakuru

Lake Nakuru National Park Halal Explorer

Lake Nakuru National Park is one of Kenya’s 23 National Parks and one of two in the Premium category, along with Amboseli National Park. It can be found in Central Kenya, about 90 miles (140 kilometers) northwest of Nairobi, in the Nakuru neighborhood of the Rift Valley Province. The ecosystem is comprised of the lake, surrounded by wooded and bushy grasslands. The park supports a wide ecological diversity including Flamingos (Greater and Lesser) and other water birds, and the Black and White Rhinoceros which are the major attractions of the area.

History

Lake Nakuru National Park started as a bird viewing and sport shooting area of migratory birds in 1950s, but has since been expanded and fenced to protect populations of endangered giraffes and rhinoceros.

1957 - declared a conservation area
1961 - Southern two thirds designated a bird sanctuary
1964 - the bird sanctuary was extended covering the whole lake and a small strip of land around it
1968 - gazetted as National Park
1977- a number of Rothschild Giraffes translocated to the park from western Kenya for their protection
1984 - established as first government managed rhino sanctuary
1986 - an electric fence was erected around the park to replace the earlier chainlink
1987 - the park was declared a rhino sanctuary.
1990 - the lake was designated as a Ramsar site
2009 - designated as IBA (450 identified bird species)
2011 – Designated by UNESCO World Heritage List|UNESCO as one of the Kenya Lakes System (Lakes Elementaita, Nakuru and Bogoria) World Heritage Sites

How is the Landscape of Lake Nakuru National Park

Depending on the season, Lake Nakuru can cover up to about 25 sq mi (40 km²), and the entire park covers about 116 sq mi (188 km²). The lake is highly saline, so it is surrounded by a grassland of highly adaptable alkaline grasses. This park also has many hills with established viewpoints from which the lake and the woodlands, and often times the herds of buffalo can be seen.

Flora and fauna

In addition to its 400 species of birds, Lake Nakuru National Park is home to more than 50 mammal species, and over 500 species of flora. This park is famous for the flocks of Greater and Lesser flamingos that gather around the lake, sometimes with as many as 2 million! You can find this great pink mass around the lake for a good part of the year, as these birds stay mostly within the Rift Valley, migrating from lake to lake. Because Lake Nakuru National Park was fenced to protect endangered rhinos and giraffes, it can’t support African elephants, so you won’t find any here!

nakururhinos - A family of White Rhinoceros near the lake

You are guaranteed to see: White Rhinos, African Buffalos, Rothschild Giraffes, Zebras, Impalas, Olive Baboons, Vervet Monkeys, Waterbucks, a variety of water birds (Yellow-billed Pelicans, Marabou Storks, Hammerkops, Fish Eagles, etc.)

Common in the park: Hyenas, Jackals, Lesser Flamingos, Hippopotamus, Pythons

If you are lucky you may see: Lions, Leopards, Black Rhinos, Wild Dogs, Colobus Monkeys, Cheetahs

Don’t forget the plants! In Lake Nakuru National Park you can see a wide variety of beautiful landscapes: from grasslands to dense forests, and the very rare tarconanthus bushlands and euphorbia forests.

How is the Climate in Lake Nakuru National Park

Lake Nakuru National Park is classified as dry sub-humid to semi-arid, which basically means it’s not too wet and not too dry, or too hot or cold. The climate in this area is really beautiful, you won’t fry in the sun here like you would in Amboseli or Tsavo. You are likely however, to get rained on. Late afternoon is the most common time for rain showers. If you want the best chance of avoiding these rains, consider coming some time between July to December or January to March. However, avoiding the rain is not guaranteed, even during these dryer months. Also and these months are in the peak tourism season, so the park will be very crowded with tourist vehicles. If you don’t mind a little rain and you want to avoid the crowd, come in December or April to June (you’d also save money coming at this time!). Another great thing about this park- it’s fenced, so even during the wet months you will see wildlife because they cannot migrate away from the park.

Travel to Lake Nakuru National Park

The park opens at 7AM. If you are travelling from Nairobi and then take the Naironi-Nakuru highway. On the way to Nakuru you will have a great view of the Rift Valley, so drive slow and enjoy the scenery! From Nairobi, it is about a 30-minutes drive to a scenic overlook at 7200 feet (2200 m) above sea level and from here you can get a spectacular view of the volcanoes Suswa and Mount Longonot. There are also a group of great little curio shops at this stop where you can buy souvenirs. Seeing the entire park could take you a full day, so plan to arrive around 9Am unless you have more than a day in the area. It might take you few minutes to get your ticket and the vehicle checked.

The park has very well established roads that make most parts of the park accessible by 2-wheel-drive vehicles. Some less-travelled parts and most viewpoint hills will require 4-wheel-drive. The park has three gates: the Main Gate and Lanet Gate that link the park with the Nairobi-Nakuru highway and the less-used Nderit Gate.

If you choose to fly: It’s about a 25-minutes flight from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi to the Naishi airstrip inside the park.

Fees and permits

The entry fee is US$80 for adult, nonresident foreigners, $40 for nonresident children and students. If feasible, pay in US dollars. If the fee is paid in Kenyan shillings (Ksh) and the fee is converted to US dollars at a very unfavorable rate.

For Kenyan nationals the fee is Ksh 1,000 for adults, Ksh 200 for children; for foreign adult residents of Kenya the fee is Ksh 1,000 and one-half that amount for resident children ages 3 through 17. If you’re using a currency other than the U.S. dollars, see here for an up-to-date exchange rate calculator.

A really cool thing that KWS has started is called SafariCard. You can buy a permanent one ahead of time and load it up with money to use at several of Kenya’s parks, or you can buy a temporary one at the gate, surrendered at the gate when you leave. See the details here].

An additional vehicle fee is required and the amount of which is determined by the number of seats in your vehicle.

Get Around

The best way to get around almost any national park is by car. For a list of safari companies that are a part of the Kenya Association of Tour Operators, click here].

Do & see

Game Driving
Camping
Picnic
Photography

Babooncliff - View from Baboon Cliff

Viewpoints (established- means you can park your vehicle, get out, and enjoy the view, take photos, have a picnic on picnic tables present at these sites):

Lion Hill
Baboon Cliff
Out of Africa

Hills (not established viewpoints):

Enasoit
Honeymoon
Lion Ridge

Waterfalls:

Makalia Falls (you can leave your vehicle here too, and take a short hike over to the falls)

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Lake Nakuru National Park

It’s suggested that any gear you might need like sunscreen, bug repellant, camping gear, etc. be brought with you to Kenya as the highest quality stuff may not be readily available to you once you get there. If you’re staying in Nairobi you can probably find a lot of this stuff at a Tusky’s (large supermarket chain in Kenya), but it may still be a good idea to bring it from home.

Souvenirs can be purchased inside the park in the lodge gift shops, but if you want to buy from one of these places make sure you budget for it. Stuff in these gift shops is not cheap. If you have time, it’s better to spend it exploring and shopping in the nearby Nakuru town. You can find the same stuff from local residents here for 1/3 the price lodge gift shops ask for.

Eat & drink

If you are staying outside the park or will only be in the area for a day, you should definitely bring your own food and fruit drinks and enjoy them at one of the scenic picnic spots throughout the park. However, if your budget allows it, you can stop at one of the lodges in the park and try the buffet or the a la carte menu. These lodges also have poolside bars where you can grab a cold drink (try a Tusker Cola!) Eating at a lodge won’t be cheap: it’s usually around US$40/person for lunch or dinner.

If you plan to stay at a lodge in the park and they usually offer some sort of meal package that includes packed lunches for your day of game driving.

If you are staying in Nakuru town, see Nakuru for some restaurant suggestions.

If you are camping inside the park, you should also bring all your own food and supplies.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Lake Nakuru National Park

Lake Nakuru National Park - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Lake Nakuru National Park, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Lake Nakuru National Park. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Lake Nakuru National Park and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Lake Nakuru National Park. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Lake Nakuru National Park. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations inLake Nakuru National Park: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Lake Nakuru National Park.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Lake Nakuru National Park: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Lake Nakuru National Park, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Lake Nakuru National Park.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Lake Nakuru National Park, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Lake Nakuru National Park, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Lake Nakuru National Park and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Lake Nakuru National Park, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Lake Nakuru National Park, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Lake Nakuru National Park without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Lake Nakuru National Park is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Lake Nakuru National Park.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Lake Nakuru National Park is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Lake Nakuru National Park, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Lake Nakuru National Park Media: info@ehalal.io

Buy Muslim Friendly condos, Houses and Villas in Lake Nakuru National Park

eHalal Group Lake Nakuru National Park is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in Lake Nakuru National Park. Our mission is to cater to the specific needs and preferences of the Muslim community by offering a wide range of halal-certified residential and commercial properties, including houses, condos, and factories. With our commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and adherence to Islamic principles, eHalal Group has established itself as a trusted name in the real estate industry in Lake Nakuru National Park.

At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in Lake Nakuru National Park ensures that clients have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property.

For those seeking a comfortable and modern living space, our condos are an excellent choice. Starting at US$ 350,000 and these condominium units offer contemporary designs, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient locations within Lake Nakuru National Park. Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and amenities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living.

If you are looking for a more spacious option, our houses are perfect for you. Starting at US$ 650,000, our houses provide ample living space, privacy, and a range of customizable features to meet your specific requirements. These houses are located in well-established neighborhoods in Lake Nakuru National Park, offering a harmonious balance between modern living and Islamic values.

For those seeking luxury and exclusivity, our luxury villas in Lake Nakuru National Park are the epitome of sophistication and elegance. Starting at US$ 1.5 million and these villas offer a lavish lifestyle with private amenities, breathtaking views, and meticulous attention to detail. Each luxury villa is meticulously designed to provide a serene and halal environment, allowing you to enjoy the finest living experience while adhering to your Islamic principles. For further details please email us at info@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly Hotels

Lodging

In the park

Lake Nakuru Lodge - ☎ +254 51 850228, +254 51 850518 +254 51 216250 Price Low season: US$200-420. High season: $300-715 - Spacious rooms, beautiful view, good service, fine cuisine. Offer organized game drives with tour companies that they associate with.

Sarova Lion Hill Lodge - ☎ +254 728 606 584 +254 51 2210836 US$300-400 This lodge offers similar lodgings to Lake Nakuru Lodge.

Just outside

Nakuru Backpackers Hostel Opposite Kamba bus station, along Nakuru - Eldoret highway (just off Eldoret-Nakuru highway) ☎ +254 721 543 406 Check-in: 24hr / Check-out: 10AM US$10 per person Hostel with a and hot showers.

Merica Hotel - ☎ +254 51 2214232, +254 51 2216013 US$100-305 A beautiful hotel in the heart of Nakuru Town. Offer many activities such as: game drives to Lakes Nakuru, Elementaita, Bogoria, Baringo and Hell’s Gate and Aberdare National Parks, climbing Mount Longonot, and visits to St. Egerton Castle. Also offer packed lunches for game drives.

Camping Places

Special campsites- include the grounds only

Naishi, Chui, Rhino, Soysambu, Nyati, Nyuki, Reedbuck

Public campsites- include water and latrines

Makalia, Backpacker’s - ☎ +254 20-2664071, +254 20-2664079, +254 20-2671686 +254-20-607024

Stay Safe

Some general common-courtesy, safari-etiquette things that will keep you safe and keep you from getting yourself kicked out of the park:

Don’t harass the animals
Don’t feed the animals
Don’t litter
Don’t leave your vehicle
Never ever drive off of the designated roads- it could get you removed from the park, land you with a fine, and strip your tour driver of his tour license
If you see something really awesome, pull over to the side of the road, shut off your vehicle, keep quiet and watch. Don’t try to get closer or coax the animal into coming closer to you, and don’t block other people from seeing whatever you’re seeing

For KWS’s official list of park rules and regulations, click here: Web:

News & References Lake Nakuru National Park

Travel Next

The park closes at 6PM, and the last vehicle is let in at 5:15. There are many things to see and do just outside Lake Nakuru National Park.

Nearby National Parks to check out: Hell’s Gate, Mount Longonot.
For more birdwatching, check out these other Ramsar sites: Lakes Naivasha, Bogoria, Baringo, and Elementaita
Menegai Crater

Lake Nakuru National Park

From Halal Explorer

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