Lake Nakuru

Lake Nakuru Facts

• Lake Nakuru forms one of a rather unique group of lakes, also collectively known as the Rift Valley Soda Lakes.
• This picturesque lake also sits in an area of rugged beauty in the rift valley of Kenya, in Africa.
• The lake also forms part of Lake Nakuru National Park, an astonishingly beautiful haven for wildlife, including many threatened species.
• The beauty and importance of this rather incredible site led to its being protected under the Ramsar Convention on wetlands.

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Lake Nakuru Physical Description

The rather breathtaking Lake Nakuru also represents one of the most beautiful soda lakes in the world. It sits at an altitude of roughly 5,755 ft (1,754 m) above sea level.

The surface area of the lake also varies rather dramatically, according to the seasons. As a result, its diameter varies between 2-18 sq mi (5-45 sq km).

The unique chemistry of the lake, the warm alkaline water, allows for the growth of prodigious quantities of algae. This, in turn, also draws enormous numbers of flamingos and other wildlife.

Lake Nakuru Habitat and Wildlife

Lake Nakuru remains extremely famous for its avian spectacle. More than 400 species of birds call this marvel of geology and the surrounding park home. Chief among these are two types of pink flamingo.

At times, as many as 2 million of these birds stay on the lake at one time. What an incredible photo opportunity this must be.

The lake and surrounding park are also home to a myriad of animal species such as a population of both highly endangered black rhino and white rhinos.

Such a concentration of wildlife also draws numerous predators, as well. These include cheetahs, lions, and leopards.

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