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 = lives in Kenya and neighboring countriesFacts & Figures
Best Time for Bird Watching
Lake Nakuru offers good year-round bird watching. The number of its famous flamingos varies greatly, influenced more by long-term fluctuations in water level and salinity than by season. That said, in 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
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Facts & Figures
Bird Species
450+
Migratory Birds
Nov to Apr
Safari Tours to Lake Nakuru NP
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![9-Day Luxury Big Kenya Safari]()
9-Day Luxury Big Kenya Safari
$3,570 to $4,170 pp (USD)
Kenya: Private tourLuxuryLodge & Tented Camp
You 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 – 553 Reviews
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![4-Day Masai Mara-Lake Nakuru Budget Kenya Safari Tour]()
4-Day Masai Mara-Lake Nakuru Budget Kenya Safari Tour
$585 to $725 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)
Bienvenido Kenya Tours and Safaris
4.7/5 – 116 Reviews
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![7-Day Amboseli Lake Nakuru and Maasai Mara 2025]()
7-Day Amboseli Lake Nakuru and Maasai Mara 2025
$2,419 to $2,998 pp (USD)
Kenya: Private tour
Mid-range Lodge & Tented CampYou Visit: Nairobi (Start), Masai Mara NR, Lake Nakuru NP, Amboseli NP, Nairobi (End)
Back of Africa Adventure
4.8/5 – 84 Reviews
