Lake Nakuru National Park

A compact soda lake ringed by acacia woodland and steep escarpments, Lake Nakuru is one of the best places in Kenya to see both black and white rhino, protected within a fully fenced sanctuary. The lake itself was once famous worldwide for its enormous flocks of flamingos, and while their numbers now shift with water levels, pelicans, storks and dozens of other waterbird species remain a constant sight. Its relatively small size and good road network make it an easy, rewarding stop for travellers short on time, and Rothschild's giraffe, buffalo and leopard round out an impressively dense wildlife population for such a compact park. Nakuru is also just a few hours from Nairobi, making it a popular first or last stop on a Kenya itinerary.