Destination Details

Lake Nakuru National Park, Kenya

🌍 Overview of Lake Nakuru

• Located in Kenya’s Rift Valley, south of Nakuru town.

• Alkaline lake with no outflow; surface area varies from 5 to 45 km².

• Elevation: 1,754 meters above sea level.

• Protected under the Ramsar Convention since 1990.

🌊 Environmental Changes

• Historically part of a larger freshwater lake with Lake Naivasha and Lake Elementaita.

• Water levels have fluctuated dramatically over decades.

• Recent increases (2010–2020) caused flooding of homes and park infrastructure.

• Climate change and land use changes (urbanization, agriculture) are major contributors.

🦩 Wildlife and Habitat

• Famous for massive flocks of flamingos (lesser and greater species).

• Flamingos feed on algae and plankton; population affected by pollution and tourism.

• Over 400 bird species inhabit the lake and surrounding park.

• Other notable birds: pelicans, cormorants, African fish eagle, and Goliath heron.

🦏 Lake Nakuru National Park

• Established in 1961; covers 188 km².

• Sanctuary for black and white rhinos, Rothschild’s giraffes, and other wildlife.

• Predators include lions, leopards, cheetahs, and large pythons.

• Park expansion aims to protect wildlife and maintain corridors to Lake Naivasha.

⚠️ Conservation and Legal Action

• Pollution from industrial waste and poor water management threaten the ecosystem.

• Recent court rulings mandate cleanup efforts to protect the lake and its biodiversity.