For travellers seeking a unique and awe-inspiring experience, Lake Nakuru in Kenya offers just that during the flamingo season. Every year, this picturesque lake transforms into a sea of pink as thousands of flamingos gather, creating a view that's nothing short of breathtaking. If you're considering a visit, here's all you need to know about Lake Nakuru's flamingo season.
While the flamingo season spans several months, the best time to witness the full glory of Lake Nakuru's flamingo population is during the height of their migration, which occurs between October and February. This is when you can expect to see the largest numbers and the most intense shades of pink.
Climate change has had an impact on the flamingo population at the lake; however, you can still reliably spot hundreds of flamingos along the lake's shores every day. The number of flamingos present is additionally influenced by the lake's alkaline levels, as when these decrease, the blue-green algae levels also decrease, prompting the birds to migrate to other soda lakes such as Lake Bogoria in search of food. Conversely, when the alkaline levels in Lake Nakuru are high, flamingos will gather there in large numbers.
If you're considering a trip to Lake Nakuru during the flamingo season, hit us up!
We've listed our top recommendations below. For an actual Nakuru stay, nothing beats The Cliff. But if you want to explore more than 1 lake and make a little road trip out of it, then check out our partner properties in Naivasha.
If you’re leaving from Nairobi then it can be a nice stopover to give yourself a break on the drive to Nakuru!
The Cliff Nakuru is a luxury tented camp inside Lake Nakuru National Park. It has 10 rooms and offers lake views, a spa, a fitness centre, an outdoor pool, and a restaurant.
Longonot Loft is an eco-friendly self-catering ‘loft house’ built on the foothills of Mt. Longonot volcano, Lake Naivasha. It is a 10-minute drive off the main Moi South Lake Road on a privately owned 200-acre estate called Impala. The house is beautifully furnished, has 2 big bedrooms, bathrooms and a swimming pool right off the verandah! The house is 100% solar-powered and boasts spectacular views of Mt. Longonot.
Situated 20 minutes from Naivasha town, close to all the tourist spots whilst enjoying the peace and quiet of the bush. This cool funky bush home is fully furnished and sleeps 6 people comfortably. It has many special unique features including an outdoor stargazing bathroom, an open deck double bedroom with amazing views, and an outdoor pool perfect for relaxing and enjoying the wildlife.
The Busis a recycled/converted matatu set in a beautiful location. The main bus area is a spacious bedroom with a queen-sized bed and a small single bench sofa bed. The kitchen, bathroom and verandah are outdoors and have a glamping feel. The bus is fully furnished and sleeps 2 comfortably with lots of space. It has a stargazing shower toilet with a basic furnished outdoor kitchen with solar hot water.
Beyond Flamingos...
While the flamingos are undoubtedly the stars of the show, Lake Nakuru has more to offer. The park is also home to rhinos, giraffes, zebras, and a variety of bird species. Take a game drive to explore the park's diverse wildlife and stunning landscapes.
Contact us for any advice or recommendations you want/ need when planning your lake-side visits!