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Weather in Lake Nakuru
Flamingo-fringed soda lake of the Great Rift Valley
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About Lake Nakuru
Lake Nakuru glows pink with millions of lesser flamingos, Africa's Great Rift Valley's most iconic sight. The soda lake and national park protect endangered black rhinos and offer one of Kenya's most accessible wildlife experiences.
Best months to visit
January, February, March, August, September, December
Language
English, Swahili
Things to do in Lake Nakuru
Flamingo-watch from viewpoints
Spot endangered black rhinos
Game drive through the park
Hike Makalia Waterfall trail
Visit scenic viewpoints
Birdwatch diverse species
Weather by month
Click any month for detailed weather information and travel tips.
Recommended
January
27C
Warm and pleasant, and mostly sunny skies.
Recommended
February
28C
Warm and pleasant, and mostly sunny skies.
Recommended
March
28C
Warm and pleasant, with occasional showers.
April
26C
Warm and pleasant, with regular rainfall.
May
25C
Warm and pleasant, with some rainy days.
June
24C
Mild and comfortable, with some rainy days.
July
23C
Mild and comfortable, with occasional showers.
Recommended
August
24C
Mild and comfortable, with occasional showers.
Recommended
September
25C
Warm and pleasant, with occasional showers.
October
25C
Warm and pleasant, with some rainy days.
November
24C
Mild and comfortable, with regular rainfall.
Recommended
December
25C
Warm and pleasant, with occasional showers.
Lake Nakuru, in Kenya's Rift Valley, is best known for the flamingos that have at times turned its shores pink in their hundreds of thousands, though numbers fluctuate with water levels. The surrounding national park is also a rhino sanctuary, protecting both black and white rhino in a relatively compact area, alongside Rothschild's giraffe and healthy lion populations against a backdrop of acacia woodland and dramatic escarpments.
Best areas to stay in Lake Nakuru
Lake shoreline
The main flamingo-viewing area, with picnic spots and views across the lake.
Baboon Cliff
A viewpoint offering panoramic views over the lake and surrounding park.
Rhino sanctuary zones
Areas of the park where black and white rhino are most reliably spotted.
Makalia Falls area
A quieter southern section of the park with a waterfall and woodland.
Getting to Lake Nakuru
✈
Flights
Fly into Nairobi, then travel by road (around 3-4 hours) to Lake Nakuru National Park.
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From London
~9-10 hours from London plus the road transfer from Nairobi.
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Getting around
Game drives by 4x4 cover the park; it's compact enough to explore thoroughly in a day.
Frequently asked questions
Are the flamingos always at Lake Nakuru?
Numbers vary considerably with water levels and food availability — sometimes vast flocks are present, other times far fewer, so sightings aren't guaranteed.
Is Lake Nakuru good for seeing rhino?
Yes — it's one of Kenya's most reliable parks for both black and white rhino due to its sanctuary status and relatively compact size.
How far is Lake Nakuru from Nairobi?
About 3-4 hours by road, making it a popular addition to itineraries combining the capital with Rift Valley parks.
What else can you see at Lake Nakuru?
Rothschild's giraffe, lions, leopards, buffalo and varied birdlife beyond the flamingos, set within a scenic escarpment landscape.
Is Lake Nakuru suitable for a short safari?
Yes — its compact size makes it well suited to a day visit or overnight stop, often combined with other Rift Valley lakes like Naivasha.
Traveler reviews
★★★★☆
The flamingo numbers were lower than the famous photos suggest, but we still saw both rhino species and Rothschild's giraffe up close.
Grace O. · July 2023
★★★★★
Compact and easy as a stop between Nairobi and the Mara — the views from Baboon Cliff over the lake were a highlight.
Pete W. · January 2024
★★★★☆
Great rhino sightings within just a few hours of arriving. Worth the detour even if the flamingos weren't in huge numbers when we visited.
Ruth N. · March 2023
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