Lake Nakuru

Lake Nakuru, one of the Rift Valley lakes, is situated at an elevation of 1,754 meters (5,755 feet) above sea level. Located south of Nakuru town in Kenya’s Rift Valley, it is protected within Lake Nakuru National Park. The lake was once renowned for its vast flocks of flamingos, drawn by the abundance of algae along its shores. In addition to flamingos, the area supports a variety of bird species, warthogs, baboons, and other large mammals. Eastern black rhinos and southern white rhinos have also been introduced to the park. The name "Nakuru" originates from the Maasai language and means "Dust" or "Dusty Place." Established in 1961, Lake Nakuru National Park initially covered the lake and its surrounding mountainous area. Over time, it was expanded to include a significant portion of the surrounding savannahs.