Lake Naivasha or Lake Nakuru: Which is Better?

December 20, 2023

Planning a safari in Kenya and wondering which lake is best to visit between Lake Naivasha and Lake Nakuru? In this comprehensive guide, we will compare and contrast these two iconic Great Rift Valley lakes to help you decide which one is right for your African adventure.

We’ll look at key factors like location, wildlife, activities, accommodations, and more. By the end, you’ll have all the information you need to determine whether Lake Naivasha or Lake Nakuru is the better fit for your safari itinerary.

Also check out; Nairobi to Mombasa Train Guide: Booking, Classes, Stations & Travel Tips

Overview of Lake Naivasha

Lake Naivasha is a large, beautiful freshwater lake located in the Great Rift Valley of Kenya. Here are some quick facts about the lake:

Location: 100km Northwest of Nairobi
Size: 139 sq km surface area; over 200 sq km with surrounding swamps
Depth: Ranges from 6m to 30m
Type of Lake: Freshwater
Known For: Hippos, beautiful birds, lake activities

As one of the few freshwater lakes in the Rift Valley, Lake Naivasha acts as an oasis amidst the arid landscape. It has become a popular weekend getaway spot for Nairobi residents and tourists alike looking to enjoy the lake’s beauty and serenity.

The lake is home to a variety of wildlife, most notably large populations of hippos who wallow in the shallow water. It also attracts over 400 species of birds, offering some of the best birdwatching in Kenya. The fertile lake is surrounded by flourishing agriculture, flower farms, geothermal plants, and lodges catering to visitors.

Lake Naivasha National Park

While there is no official national park designation, Lake Naivasha is bordered by protected land preserves and game reserves. The lake itself, along with the shoreline and nearby Crescent Island, serve as sanctuaries for wildlife including giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, impalas, and more.

Crescent Island is a top attraction, where visitors can walk among giraffe, zebra, wildebeest and other wildlife on guided nature walks. Since predators cannot access the island, it offers a safe yet exciting bushwalking experience.

Hell’s Gate National Park

Hell’s Gate National Park lies just south of Lake Naivasha. Despite its intimidating name, Hell’s Gate offers picturesque scenery featuring imposing cliffs, gorges, and grassy savannas.

Though Hell’s Gate has fewer dangerous predators compared to other Kenyan parks, visitors may still spot lions, leopards and small numbers of cheetahs while exploring the unique landscape. Other wildlife includes klipspringers, reedbucks, buffalos, gazelles, and plentiful bird species.

Hell’s Gate is one of only two national parks in Kenya where you can explore on foot and by bicycle. Activities include nature walks, rock climbing, boat rides, or visiting the geothermal power station located within the park.

Lake Naivasha Wildlife

As a freshwater lake ecosystem, Lake Naivasha harbors a diversity of wildlife species:

Mammals

Hippos: Large numbers gather near the lake
Giraffes: Commonly sighted on the shore and islands
Black and white Colobus monkeys
Zebras, wildebeests, and impalas on Crescent Island
Small populations of buffalo also roam near the lake

Reptiles

Crocodiles: Up to 20 reside mostly at the river mouths

Birds

Over 400 bird species spotted at Lake Naivasha, including:

African fish eagles
Goliath heron
Pelicans
Cormorants
Storks
Flamingos
Ibises
Egrets
Kingfishers
And many more water birds and raptors

Lake Activities

Popular activities to enjoy at Lake Naivasha include:

Boat rides: Cruise across the calm waters for excellent wildlife viewing
Nature walks: Bush walk on Crescent Island or Hell’s Gate for a walking safari experience
Birdwatching: Spot over 400 bird species around the lake shore and on the islands
Fishing trips
Biking tours
Horseback riding
Hippo spotting: See families of hippos along the lake at night or early morning

Accommodations

Lake Naivasha offers a variety of accommodation options for visitors:

Luxury Lodges & Resorts

Lake Naivasha Country Club
Great Rift Valley Lodge & Golf Resort
Naivasha Kongoni Lodge

Intimate Camps & Lodges

Crater Lake Camp
Olerai House
Chui Lodge

From five-star resorts to small boutique retreats, Lake Naivasha features lodging for every budget and style. Most overlook stunning views of the lake within natural bush settings.

Overview of Lake Nakuru National Park

Lake Nakuru lies in its own designated national park about 160km Northwest of Nairobi. Here’s an overview:

Location: Central Kenya, in the Great Rift Valley
Size: Small park at 168 square kilometers
Landscapes: Grasslands, woodlands, forested areas, the lake
Known For: Flamingo flocks, black & white rhinos, lions, leopards, many bird species

As a protected national park, Lake Nakuru offers guided safari drives into the wilderness landscape that surrounds the lake. The park protects populations of black and white rhino, among Kenya’s highest densities.

Lake Nakuru Wildlife

Diverse wildlife inhabits the park’s grassy plains, forested areas, and lake shores:

Mammals

White rhinos: Among highest population densities in Africa
Black rhinos
Lions
Leopards
Buffalo
Waterbucks
Bohor reedbucks
Rothschild’s giraffes: An endangered subspecies
Zebras
Warthogs
Baboons
Small antelopes like duikers, klipspringers, oribis and more

Birds

Famous for its amazing bird spectacle, Lake Nakuru hosts millions of flamingos and 400+ bird species.

Flamingo Flocks

Up to 2 million Lesser flamingos and Greater flamingos flock to the lake. When present, they completely blanket the lake in pink!

Other Water Birds and Raptors

Great white and yellow-billed pelicans
Eagles
Hawks
Kites
Herons
Egrets
Hamerkop
And many more!

Reptiles & Amphibians

The lake area contains pythons, cobras, monitor lizards, agama lizards and various frogs.

Tree Cover

Activities

Top things to do at Lake Nakuru National Park include:

Wildlife safaris: Spot diverse species on game drives
Birdwatching: View massive flamingo flocks and 400+ bird species
Black rhino tracking: See these endangered giants up-close
Walking safaris: Guided forest and bush walks available
Night game drives: View nocturnal animal behavior after dark
Picnic sites: Dine alongside beautiful lake views

Lodging

Lake Nakuru National Park offers several lodges just outside the park boundaries:

Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge: Luxury option overlooking the lake
Lake Nakuru Lodge: Lodge and tents amid acacia forest
Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge: Comfortable hotel-style lodging
Mbweha Camp: Intimate tented camp on a private conservancy

Staying near the park allows easy access inside for wildlife viewing. Night stays inside the park are not permitted.

Lake Naivasha vs Lake Nakuru

Now let’s directly compare these two Rift Valley lakes:

	Lake Naivasha	Lake Nakuru
Lake Type	Freshwater	Soda lake (alkaline)
Location	100km NW of Nairobi	160km NW of Nairobi
Area (Size)	139 sq km	168 sq km (park area)
Depth	6m-30m	Varies with rainfall; generally shallow
Wildlife	Hippos, giraffes, zebras, over 400 bird species	Rhinos, hippos, buffalo, lions, leopards, zebras, and massive flamingo flocks
Landscape Features	Grasslands, acacia woodlands, forests	Open grasslands, forests, erupted craters, hot springs
Activities	Boating, fishing, nature walks, horseback riding	Game drives, bushwalks, birdwatching, picnics
Accommodations	Lodges, country clubs, small boutique camps and retreats	Lodges, tented camps just outside park
Accessibility from Nairobi	Easy 2 hour drive, very accessible	Easy 2-3 hour drive

To summarize the key differences:

Lake Naivasha offers a tranquil freshwater retreat with hippos and abundant birdlife, along with a variety of lodging and lake activities perfect for families.
Lake Nakuru National Park promises exciting wildlife game drives and massive flamingo flocks within a protected wilderness setting better suited to hardcore safari enthusiasts.

So in deciding which lake to visit on your Kenyan safari, consider whether you prefer a relaxed lakeside retreat or more active wildlife viewing adventure.

Below we’ll explore additional pros and cons when choosing between these two iconic Rift Valley lakes.

Lake Naivasha Pros

Reasons to visit Lake Naivasha:

Kids will delight seeing friendly giraffes, zebras, and wildebeests wandering the shores
Abundant hippos gather near lake shores within view
Prime location for birdwatching with over 400 species spotted
Boating, fishing, and peaceful lakeside picnics
Visit Crescent Island Game Reserve to walk within a wildlife sanctuary
Proximity to Hell’s Gate National Park and stunning natural scenery
Great sunsets and views from your lakeside lodge
More affordable lodging compared to luxury safari camps

Lake Naivasha Cons

Downsides to consider regarding Lake Naivasha:

Not an officially protected reserve, less regulated
Prone to droughts and rainfall changes altering water levels
Invasive wildlife species disrupting the ecology
Not as abundant big game like lions, leopards, buffalo etc. compared to national parks
Very popular now, can feel crowded with tourists at times

Lake Nakuru National Park Pros

Why visit Lake Nakuru National Park?

Chance to see up to 2 million flamingos carpeting the lake pink!
Highest black and white rhino densities in Kenya
Spot lions, leopards and other predators on guided drives
Fantastic birdwatching with 400+ species including vast flamingo flocks
Stunning viewpoints like Baboon Cliff overlook the lake and beyond
Less crowds than other Kenya safari circuits like Maasai Mara
Protects endangered Rothschild’s giraffes, black rhinos, and African wild dogs
Educational visitor center provides background on wildlife conservation efforts

Lake Nakuru National Park Cons

Factors to keep in mind regarding Lake Nakuru National Park:

Less accommodation choices compared to Lake Naivasha area
Very reliant on Lake Nakuru’s fluctuating water levels and temperatures
Being fenced in prohibits natural wildlife migration patterns
Peak visitor periods and weekends may feel crowded within the park
Less amenities and activities overall beyond wildlife viewing safaris

When to Visit Lake Naivasha or Lake Nakuru

The best times to visit these Rift Valley lakes are during Kenya’s dry months from June through February.

At Lake Naivasha, you’ll enjoy pleasant sunny weather ideal for boating, walking safaris, or lounging lakeside. Prime game viewing on safari at Lake Nakuru National Park also aligns with the annual migration of flamingos to East African lakes during dry months.

Lake Nakuru’s Flamingo Seasons

If seeing thousands of flamingos is a priority, peak months at Lake Nakuru National Park are:

July-October

Main flamingo breeding season, best chance to witness vibrant pink lake

December-March

Flocks drawn by ideal water temperatures and algae growth

Keep in mind the flamingo migration is somewhat unpredictable, as heavy rains or other conditions alter the lake ecology. Check with your safari guide for recent Lake Nakuru updates.

Conclusion

We hope this comparison guide helps you decide whether to visit Lake Naivasha or Lake Nakuru on your Kenyan safari adventure. While Nakuru promises prolific wildlife within a spectacular national park, Lake Naivasha charms with its laidback lakeside atmosphere.

Consider visiting both lakes to experience the diverse attractions of Kenya’s magnificent Great Rift Valley region. A lake safari here combined with the renowned Masai Mara Game Reserve makes for an unforgettable African journey.

To recap key details:

Lake Naivasha Ideal for…