Birding at Lake Nakuru: Flamingos, Pelicans and Woodland Birds

Nakuru is one of the most accessible places in Kenya to watch birds. The lakeshore drive offers views of waterbirds, while the surrounding woodland and cliffs bring different species.

The lake has changed over the years, with water levels and flamingo numbers varying, so the experience differs between seasons. Even when flamingos are few, there is plenty to see.

This guide is part of our animals of Uganda and East Africa guide. When you are ready to plan, see our Uganda safari packages or the Ameera Africa Safaris Uganda tours homepage.

The Lake and the Flamingos

Lesser flamingos feed on algae and greater flamingos on small invertebrates, and in good conditions the shore can turn pink with massed flocks. But flamingo numbers move between Nakuru, Bogoria and Elmenteita and drop when water levels or food change. Ask your guide or operator for recent information. See Lake Bogoria birding and Lake Elmenteita birding for the neighbouring lakes, and the Lake Nakuru National Park guide.

Pelicans and Waders

Great white pelicans are a frequent sight, often fishing in groups near the shore. Look also for black-winged stilt, pied avocet, Kittlitz's plover, African spoonbill, grey-headed gull, little grebe and ducks, with Eurasian waders such as ruff, little stint and common sandpiper in the northern winter. Goliath heron stalks the shallows. Pools near the park's feeding grounds and river mouths often hold the most variety.

Woodland and Grassland Birds

The acacia woodland, including the yellow-barked fever trees, holds African fish eagle, long-crested eagle, grey-backed fiscal, various sunbirds, white-browed robin-chat, tawny eagle and Hartlaub's turaco in forested pockets. Grassland brings widowbirds, larks and cisticolas. The park's rocky ridges and cliffs have Verreaux's eagle and augur buzzard. Pause at viewpoints for raptors circling over the lake.

Birding Alongside Mammals

The park is also known for rhinos, giraffes and buffalo, so birding is done together with mammal viewing. Quiet vehicles and patient stops allow you to enjoy both. Watch for oxpeckers on buffalo and for birds feeding around grazing animals. Read the Lake Nakuru wildlife guide for the mammals.

Best Months

Nakuru can be birded in every month, and the northern winter between about November and April adds migrants. Dry months make tracks easier, and the rains bring green growth and breeding birds. Lake levels vary across years, so recent conditions matter more than the calendar for flamingo viewing. See best time to visit Lake Nakuru and the Kenya birding calendar.

Viewing and Photography Tips

Use early morning and late afternoon for good light, and bring a long lens or scope, since birds can be far from the shore. Respect rules on staying in vehicles except at designated points, and avoid flushing flocks. Dust and wind can affect equipment. See safari photography tips and, for optics, best binoculars for safari.

Getting There and Combining Stops

Nakuru is a short day's travel from Nairobi. See Nairobi to Lake Nakuru and the Nakuru town guide. It combines with Naivasha, Elmenteita and, further north, Bogoria and Baringo. See the Kenya birding itinerary planner for suggested pacing, and where to stay at Lake Nakuru.

Planning a Uganda safari? Send us your dates and we will build the route, permits and transport around what you want to see.

Related Tours, Guides and Resources

• Ameera Africa Safaris homepage: Uganda safaris, tours and holidays
• Uganda safari packages
• Uganda travel guide
• How to book a Uganda safari
• Plan your safari with our team