Lake Nakuru National Park Entry Fees 2024

In this article, we look at Lake Nakuru National Park Entry Fees. Lake Nakuru National Park is only a 3-hour drive from Nairobi along the Nairobi-Nakuru Highway and The park is located south of Nakuru, Kenya’s fourth-largest town. Lake Nakuru National Park supports a spectacular array of wildlife, including 400 bird species, over 50 mammal species, and 50 species of flora. Lake Nakuru is famous for the many flamingos that feed off its algae. The flamingos of Lake Nakuru are the park’s main attraction. The flamingo population has been reduced in recent years due to feeding pressures and pollution, but there are signs of recovery.

In 1987, the park was declared a rhino sanctuary, and the park’s white and black rhinos have thrived in recent years. In 2009, the park was home to over 25 eastern black rhinoceroses and around 70 southern white rhinoceroses. These rhinos are frequently spotted lazing in the shade of the lake’s lush acacia trees. The lake, which is surrounded by waterfalls, cliffs, and forests, is an important source of water for zebra, buffalo, and the endangered Rothschild giraffe.

The endangered Rothschild Giraffe was introduced to the park in 1977. For their protection, these giraffes were relocated from western Kenya, and Lake Nakuru now has a healthy population of Rothschild Giraffes. You can also expect to see waterbuck, Cape buffalo, hyenas, and hippos. If you are fortunate, you may get a glimpse of lions, cheetahs, and leopards. Leopard sightings have increased in recent years.  If you don’t have enough time to visit Kenya’s more popular national parks like Maasai Mara or Amboseli, Lake Nakuru is a great standalone day trip.

Activities at Lake Nakuru National Park

1. Game Drives & Bird Watching

There are excellent opportunities for game drives and bird watching in this beautiful national park, with a range of tours available from lodges and travel companies. Try a photo safari for something a little different; the park has lots of established viewpoints where you can stop for photo opportunities and even have a picnic at one of the tables.

2. Visit the Baboon Cliff

This cliff is an excellent viewpoint, and it overlooks the entire valley. Baboon Cliff derives its name from the groups of baboons that are known to roam in the area. The cliff is a great spot for a scenic picnic and there are several picnic benches at the top. However, you should take care when you are eating since the baboons have been known to steal food. The views from Baboon Cliff are at their best in the morning, with crisp, clear skies and the haze from the morning sun lighting up the panoramic view. There are several great hiking trails around Baboon Cliff for those wanting to stretch their legs, and the cliff itself is easily accessible by car.

3. Makalia Waterfall

Makalia Falls is a small waterfall in the southern part of Lake Nakuru National Park, and you can leave your vehicle nearby and then take a short hike amongst the wildlife to the waterfall for more amazing views. The falls have a seasonal flow, and they can grind to a halt during the dry season. The falls have a height of around 10 m, and they are fed by the Makalia River. Although Makalia Falls is not the most dramatic waterfall in the world, it is a great spot for a light hike or an afternoon picnic.

4. Out of Africa Viewpoint 

The Out of Africa viewpoint is the most impressive view in the park. A short hike is required to reach the viewpoint, involving some steep sections up the rocky path and the trail is significantly steeper than the one that leads to Baboon Cliff. The viewpoint was made famous by the 1985 film ‘Out of Africa’, and it derives its name from this Hollywood appearance.

5. Cycle with Rhino Event 

Lake Nakuru National Park hosts an annual event called Cycle with the Rhino. Every year, hundreds of people gather to cycle around the entire park to raise funds for community-based conservation projects. Despite its name, the event raises funds for a variety of conservation projects, including the building of a perimeter fence to reduce poaching and human-wildlife contact. Since fundraising began in 2003, 18 kilometres of the baboon-proof fence have been built.

Lake Nakuru National Park Campsites

  • Makalia Campsite
  • Reedbuck Campsite
  • Naishi Campsite
  • Rhino Campsite
  • Chui Campsite
  • Baboon Cliff
  • Out of Africa

Lake Nakuru National Park Entrance Fees

High Season (July–February)

EAC Citizen/Resident (Ksh) Charges
Adult Ksh 1,000
Child/Student Ksh 500
Rest of Africa (US$)
Adult 50 USD
Child/Student 20 USD
International Visitors (US$)
Adult 100 USD
Child/Student 35 USD

Low Season (March–June)

EAC Citizen/Resident (Ksh) Charges
Adult Ksh 2000
Child/Student Ksh 500
Rest of Africa (US$)
Adult 25 USD
Child/Student 10 USD
International Visitors (US$)
Adult 100 USD
Child/Student 20 USD

Lake Nakuru National Park Contacts

Phone: 0728355267, 0728355207, 0728355401

Email: swlakenakuru@kws.go.ke

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