Lake Nakuru National Park is a 177 sq km park located about 160km northwest of Nairobi, on the floor of the Great Rift Valley, home to one of several soda lakes of the same name. The park is fully fenced with electric wire to reduce human-wildlife conflict and protect its endangered rhino population, and sits just 5 minutes from Nakuru town, making it a popular day trip destination for both Nakuru and Nairobi residents.
Home to more than 50 animal species and over 400 bird species, the park was established in 1966 as a sanctuary for birds and to protect flamingos and other endemic species. It’s a very successful sanctuary for white and black rhino, and its fenced, compact size makes for easy, optimal game viewing — expect to see rhino, lion, leopard, hippo, gazelle, hyena, giraffe, buffalo, zebra, cheetah, baboon, eland, impala, waterbuck, and more.