History of Lake Nakuru National Park – Lake Nakuru was first declared a conservation area in 1957 to protect the birds around the lake, especially the flamingos. The main goal was to reduce pollution in the lake and help conserve birdlife.
In 1961, the area was officially made a bird sanctuary, and steps were taken to improve bird protection.
In 1968, Lake Nakuru National Park was established after the park boundaries were expanded to include the northern savannah areas. This allowed mammals to be introduced into the park, making it more than just a bird sanctuary.
In 1977, Rothschild’s giraffes were brought in from western Kenya. In 1980, rhinos were also introduced. Both giraffes and rhinos were facing serious threats, especially rhinos, due to poaching. Bringing them to Lake Nakuru was meant to improve their safety and ensure their protection.
In 1987, the park was fully fenced to keep out poachers and prevent land encroachment. Today, the park covers an area of 188 square kilometers. It became a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an Important Bird Area (IBA) in 2009. It is also recognized as a RAMSAR wetland site.
Location
Lake Nakuru National Park is located in Kenya’s Rift Valley, about 158 kilometers (98.5 miles) northwest of Nairobi and just south of Nakuru town.
Size
The park covers an area of about 17 square miles (188 square kilometers).
Weather & Climate
The best time to visit Lake Nakuru National Park is in January and February. These months are dry and offer good chances to see many birds, including large groups of flamingos. Daytime temperatures usually reach around 25°C (77°F).
The short rainy season runs from late October to December, and the long rains fall in April and May. From June to August, the weather is dry and cooler, which is good for wildlife viewing.
