Lake Nakuru National Park FAM Trip

KECOBAT was part of a one day FAM trip to Lake Nakuru Natonal Park organized by KWS on 25^th October 2014.

Lake Nakuru National Park Main gate

On arrival to the park we were received by KWS staff. After introductions they took us through a short presentation of the history of the park, the challenges they are facing. The senior warden mentioned that they would be trans-locating 5 herd of buffaloes to Tsavo in November and requested tour operators to sell this unique experience to their clients.

After the welcome, we started the game drive and the wardens re-assured us that the drive was to dispel all the myths we had recently heard about the park; that ALL the flamingos and most of the other wildlife had moved elsewhere. We were shown the effects of the flooding of the lake which are quite visible. KWS even had to move the main gate entrance together with their offices to higher ground.

Effects of flooding in the park

Rhinos

Flamingoes

Buffaloes

Giraffe

In between the game drive, we stopped a three accommodation facilities which included Flamingo Hill Tented Camp, Lake Nakuru Lodge and Sarova Lion Hill.

Sarova Lion Hill Accommodation

One of the tents at Flamingo Hill Tented Camp

Facts about Lake Nakuru National Park   

•  Lake Nakuru National Park is both a Ramsar Site and Important Bird Area (IBA)
•  It is the premier birding destination with over 450 bird species
•  It hosts one of the largest concentration of Rhinos in the country
• Flamingoes are returning to the lake (a sizable population already within the lake)
• New game drive circuits/ routes have been created. They offer better game viewing chances
•  Makalia Campsite has been rehabilitated with a modern washrooms and camping benches
• Out of Africa picnic site has been rehabilitated. There are new picnic shades
• There will be translocation of buffalos from the park in the month of November. You can package this and sell as a unique product
•  It is possible to do night game drives within the park at  a cost of KSHS 2,500 per pax plus security fees of KSHS 4,000 (for two armed rangers). This is on top of the normal park entry fees. Prior arrangement with park management is necessary

Possible touristic activities in the park include:

• Game drives
• Camping
• Picnicking
• Photography