Lake Nakuru National Park offers several distinct safari routes and game drive zones, each known for its unique habitats, signature wildlife sightings, and scenic photography stops. Whether you are on a guided private tour or self-drive safari, understanding the main Lake Nakuru safari routes helps you maximize chances of seeing rhinos, lions, flamingos, and big flocks of birds.
This guide covers all major Lake Nakuru safari routes, when to drive them, and what to expect in each area.
1. Eastern Forest & Rhino Sanctuary Route (Main / Lanet Gate Area)
Best for: ✅ Black & white rhinos ✅ Buffalo ✅ Lions ✅ Wooded landscapes
Landscape: Thick yellow fever acacia forest & lush wetlands near the lake shore
Ideal time: Morning — excellent rhino activity before heat rises
This is the first major game-viewing circuit after entering through Main Gate or Lanet Gate. It is home to Lake Nakuru’s famous rhino sanctuary, the park’s most protected and monitored zone.
Wildlife highlights:
- Black rhinos & white rhinos (best sighting chance in Kenya after Nairobi NP)
- Lions, often lying under fever trees or near buffalo herds
- Buffalo, waterbuck, giraffe, and troops of baboons
2. Lake Shore & Flamingo Belt Route
Best for: ✅ Flamingos ✅ Pelicans ✅ Birdwatchers ✅ Open views
Landscape: Alkaline lake flats & seasonal wetlands
Ideal time: Late morning or mid-day — bird activity peaks
This is the iconic photo route along the lake’s eastern and southern shores — where flamingos gather seasonally in massive pink clusters.
Wildlife highlights:
- Greater & lesser flamingos (seasonal — based on water alkalinity)
- Great white pelicans, cormorants, ibis, storks
- Zebras & antelopes grazing by the waterline
3. Baboon Cliffs & Western Escarpment Route
Best for: ✅ Panoramic photography ✅ Scenic views ✅ Picnic stop
Landscape: High rocky escarpment overlooking the lake basin
Ideal time: Late morning or afternoon — perfect light & fewer mosquitos
Baboon Cliffs is Lake Nakuru’s most famous viewpoint, popular for its elevated panoramic view of the entire lake and its flamingo belts.
Wildlife highlights:
- Troops of olive baboons (name origin)
- Vultures & eagles soaring on thermal currents
- Wide-angle landscape photographers’ dream
Note: Picnic site available here — very safe viewpoint.
4. Southern & Makalia Waterfall Circuit
Best for: ✅ Waterfall viewing ✅ Rare solitude ✅ Buffalo herds
Landscape: Acacia woodlands & seasonal streams
Ideal time: Green season/summer & afternoon
This less-visited southern loop leads to the Makalia Falls, a seasonal waterfall that swells during wet season.
Wildlife highlights:
- Huge buffalo herds
- Warthogs, impalas, zebras
- Rare hyena & leopard sightings
Makalia Campsite is also found here — a quiet, rustic stop for adventurous travelers.
5. Lion Hill & Honeymoon Hill Circuit
Best for: ✅ Lion sightings ✅ Leopard sightings ✅ Photographers
Landscape: Low hilly terrain with open bushland
Ideal time: Early morning or sunset — peak predator movement times
Lion Hill and Honeymoon Hill are named for their high lion activity — especially lion prides resting on elevated rocks and leopards perched on fever trees.
Wildlife highlights:
- Lions (high probability)
- Leopards (often spotted when lucky and patient)
- Hyenas & big buffalo group movements
Summary — Best Routes by Purpose
| Interest | Best Route |
|---|---|
| Rhinos | Eastern Forest Rhino Sanctuary |
| Flamingos / Birds | Lake Shore Flamingo Belt |
| Scenic Photography | Baboon Cliffs Viewpoint |
| Predators (Lions/Leopards) | Lion Hill / Honeymoon Hill |
| Secluded Experience | Makalia Waterfall Circuit |
| Bird + Rhino Combo |