Lake Nakuru National Park
Birds
Kenya Parks
Anthony is a renowned Africa expert and author of many Lonely Planet guidebooks, including the guide to Kenya.
Lake Nakuru National Park’s rich birdlife includes more than 450 species. At times, hundreds of thousands of flamingos tinge the lake shallows pink, a truly spectacular phenomenon. In recent years, however, flamingo numbers have often been disappointingly low. A more reliable sight is the countless pelicans and storks that roost close to Rhino Point on the southeast shore. Nakuru is a good place to look for the near-endemic grey-crested helmet-shrike. A colony of colorful white-fronted bee-eaters nests in a low sandy cliff 1km/0.7mi east of Makalia Falls. Common raptors include long-crested eagle, African fish eagle, augur buzzard and black-winged kite.
Notable Birds in Lake Nakuru NP
Common
Birding Rating
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Birding Specials –Treats for Avid Birders
(NE) near-endemic = also lives in neighboring countriesFacts & Figures
Best Time for Bird Watching
Lake Nakuru offers good year-round bird watching. Numbers of its famous flamingos vary greatly, and depend less on season than on long-term fluctuations in water level and salinity. That said, within any given year, flamingo numbers are likely to be highest when the lake retreats toward the end of the Dry season (June to February). Otherwise, the best time for birders is from November to March. At this time, you’ll enjoy good weather, the presence of migrants (November to April) and the sight of breeding birds in their finest plumage.
Want To Visit Lake Nakuru NP?
Birding Rating
- Expert Rating
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Facts & Figures
Bird Species
450+
Migratory Birds
Nov to Apr
Safari Tours to Lake Nakuru NP
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![8-Day Amboseli, Naivasha, Nakuru, Masai Mara Expeditions]()
8-Day Amboseli, Naivasha, Nakuru, Masai Mara Expeditions
$2,145 to $2,255 pp (USD)
Kenya: Private tour
Mid-range Lodge & ResortYou Visit: Nairobi (Start), Amboseli NP, Lake Naivasha (Naivasha), Lake Nakuru NP, Masai Mara NR, Nairobi (End)
Leopard Orchid Safaris
5.0/5 – 49 Reviews
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![4-Day 4x4 Jeep Mara - Nakuru Flamingo Package Safari]()
4-Day 4x4 Jeep Mara - Nakuru Flamingo Package Safari
$525 to $635 pp (USD)
Kenya: Shared tour (max 7 people per vehicle)BudgetTented Camp & Hotel
You Visit: Nairobi (Start), Masai Mara NR, Lake Nakuru NP, Nairobi (End)
Inspired Feet Safaris
5.0/5 – 113 Reviews
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![9-Day Big Kenya Safari - Mid-Range]()
9-Day Big Kenya Safari - Mid-Range
$3,010 to $3,530 pp (USD)
Kenya: Private tour
Mid-range Lodge & Tented CampYou Visit: Nairobi (Start), Masai Mara NR, Lake Nakuru NP, Lake Naivasha (Naivasha), Amboseli NP, Tsavo West NP, Nairobi (End)
Spirit of Kenya
5.0/5 – 550 Reviews
