Lake Nakuru National Park; One of the Last Remaining Bird Sanctuaries in the World

The Lake Nakuru National Park is one of the last remaining bird sanctuaries in the world today. Its the second most visited national park in Kenya after the Masai Mara Game Reserve and arguably the most profitable. The Lake is a shallow 3.5m deep soda lake inhabited by thousands of teeming Flamingos synonimous with the lake and is home to more than 400 other bird species, creating a marvel that is fulfilling to behold. This is the reason why many ornithologists flock here throughout the year in search of unique bird species.

The Lake Nakuru National Park was gazetted as a national park in 1961, initially only a few square miles in size but today it has grown to 180 square kilometers of euphorbia forest, woodland forest, grasslands, rocky cliffs and acasia forests habouring thousands of flamingos, hundreds of bird species more than you have ever seen in years, countless mammals, carnivorous animals, baboons, Hyraxes and Hippos. The Lake Nakuru National Park is also home to a black and white rhino sanctuary sorrounded by a high electric fence.

Making your way to the Lake Nakuru National Park, you will be greated to the acasia trees that line up the road, with the Lake at a comfortable distance from the road. This is a welcome site far removed from the commotion of life in the modern city environment that we are used to. A herd of Zebras and Waterbucks will always stop to stare at your tour van next to the road as the lake simmers in the distance. Around the Lake are the beautiful flamingos, you would think the lake is pink, but wait till you get close! Your emotions are carried away by the slow motion of the passion filled birds.

The Lake Nakuru National Park is dotted with public camping sites all over, costing anywhere between $10 to $20 per person per night, but it would be imperative for you to beware of mokeys and baboons which can be a nuisance at night sometimes. You could stay at the Eldorado Lodge, the Sarova Lion Hill Lodge, or the Lake Nakuru Lodge or if you are travelling on a budget, you could stay at the Backparkers' camping site, or the wildlife Club of Kenya Youth Hostel which are set up at strategic sites looking down on the magnificient lake views. Except for the roar of an occassional car engine, you are sorrounded by ethereal beauty - Natural like you have never experienced in a long time.

A custom drive safari will involve waking up early in the morning to the warm rays of the african sunrise, mellowed by the chorus of a thousand birds as you get ready for a game drive. You will definately spot pegeons carrying twigs to their mates as they build nests, girraffes, zebras, and ofcourse the antelopes feeding gracefully off the lash grasslands as the beauty of the lake reflects the blue sky.