Safari in Kenya – Lake Nakuru National Park
Lake Nakuru national park is a renowned bird sanctuary not to mention a sanctuary for some of the endangered species in Kenya such as black Rhinos and Roth’s child giraffe among others. The park was recently enlarged to provide a larger feeding and breeding ground for the rapidly growing number of wildlife an undertaking that has seen an electric fence put up in order to ward off poachers as opposed to hampering the movement of wildlife.
The credit for this initiative goes to the World Wide Fund for Nature organization, and local Kenyan wildlife foundations who continuously support the preservation of animals, protection of the rhinoceros population whilst carry out research on the surrounding communities and industries with the aim of ensuring a safe environment for all to inhabit.
Lake Nakuru National Park is located near Nakuru town in Nakuru district, Rift valley province at a distance of 156km North West of Nairobi. Its first gazettement was in 1960 which saw it named a bird sanctuary and covered a small area that included the section around the famous lake and the surrounding mountainous environs; eight years later it was upgraded to its current status of a National Park.
The years that followed saw yet another extension on the north side of the park in 1974; its designation as a Ramsar site in 1990 and its most recent extension that saw an inclusion of a large part of the savannahs, making a total covered area of 188km2. Access to this park is through 3 gates the most commonly used being the main gate situated 4 km from Nakuru Town Centre.
Other gates include Lanet gate from the main Nairobi Nakuru road and Nderit Gate used by people accessing the park from Masai Mara or Elementaita.
The Lake itself is quite shallow and highly alkaline covering an area of 62km2 which is a third of the park and is infringed by woodland and grassland. The landscape is breathtaking to say the least and includes areas of marsh and grasslands sporadic with rocky cliffs and outcrops, stretches of acacia woodland and rocky hillsides covered with a Euphorbia forest on the eastern perimeter.
The lake catchment is hemmed in by Menengai crater to the north, the Bahati hills to the north east, the lion hill ranges to the east, eburu crater to the south and the mau escarpment to the west. Draining into to the Lake are three major rivers, namely Njoro, Makalia and Enderit Rivers, treated water from the town’s sewage is also directed into the lake not forgetting the outflow from several springs along the shore all contribute greatly to the water volume in Lake Nakuru.
The million of flamingoes for which this park is renowned for creates an astounding pink coloring seen from a distance as one approaches the lake. The flamingos comprise of two species namely Greater and Lesser flamingoes.
Lesser flamingos can be distinguished by their deep red carmine bill and pink plumage unlike the greater, which have a bill with a black tip. The lake water supports a large amount of the blue-green algae (Cyanophyte Spirulina platensis) which has contributed greatly to the colour formation of the lake and above all serves as the main food source for the massive numbers of flamingos.
The algae are created from the flamingo droppings which form when mixed with warm alkaline waters, and plankton. The flamingo populations in Lake Nakuru is often threaten largely due to the water levels, too much of it reduces the alkine concentration while too little of it cannot sustain the numerous numbers of flamingoes.
This was evidenced during the El-Nino and in recent years when rain has been inadequate causing them to migrate to the nearby Lakes, more recently lakes Elmenteita, Simbi Nyaima and Bogoria.
Flamingoes are not the only attraction in this park; there are over 400 species of other birds some of which are the pelicans and marabou storks which feed on fish (despite the warm and alkaline nature of the waters, the miniature fish, tilapia grahami has continued to flourish since its introduction in the early 1960′s), others include numerous numbers of both little grebes and white winged black terns, avocets, ducks, stilts, and the migrant waders which arrive during the winter season in Europe.
There are also 56 different species of mammals which including black rhinos totaling to more than 25 in number making it the largest concentrations in the country and escalating the chances of spotting these survivors, with the number of white rhinos present estimated to be around 70 white rhinos.
There are also a good number of Rothschild’s giraffe, also translocated for safety from western Kenya beginning in 1977. Another easy spot is the Waterbuck whose two Kenyan species are both present. Two predators from the famous big 5 namely Lion and Leopard are also found here, with the Leopard being seen much more often in recent times.
The snake lovers are not left out as a large sized python can be seen more often than not crossing the roads or dangling from trees in the dense woodlands.
Other attractions include various view-points namely Lion hill, Baboon cliff and Out of Africa; Enasoit hills, Honeymoon hills; the incredible Makalia falls and a rich unique foliage of about 550 different plant species including one of the most unique and biggest euphorbia forest in Africa, a striking backdrop and yellow acacia woodlands all adding to the natural treasures of the park.
Due to its location, day tours can be made by tourists staying in Nairobi and the areas in the vicinity as the drive takes only a few hours. It’s also a popular addition to most safari circuits to other parts of the country; these include the Masai Mara, Mount Kenya, Samburu among others.
As one of the main tourist attractions in the country the park is a haven to some of the best lodges in the country with impeccable service and equipped with the latest state of the art amenities. Some of them include Sarova lion hill lodge which boasts of having panoramic views of the surrounding especially the flickering pink glow across the Lake, created by millions of flamingos, pelicans and marabou storks whilst the landscape blossoms natural foliage and an astonishing variety of flower gardens; Flamingo hill camp cushioned at the edge of the Park, nestled between the honeymoon hills and providing superb, tented accommodation experience; Lake Nakuru lodge situated in the South East Ecological area of the park and boasts of being an oasis of comfort and excellent service, with splendid views of the lake.
Other accommodation types are also available depending on your taste, location and budget.
Lake Nakuru national park plays a big role in wildlife conservation more so to the endangered species and will continue to do so whilst providing you with an unforgettable safari experience.
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Kenya is the best that offer great safari tours in Africa. Each and every national parks, game reserves, accommodation facilities are more than just satisfaction. The Nakuru National Park is majorly known for its flamingoes and has other beautiful scenery considered as a must-go place.