Lake Nakuru National Park

On a day trip from Lake Naivasha, we headed to Lake Nakuru National Park at which we were lucky enough to see millions of flamingos ringing the lake. The lake is brine/salt-water and the birds feed on the algae. The lake is extremely shallow and dries up near the end of the dry season.

On our way in toward the lake, we passed through a wooded area where leopards are often seen. However, we did not see any on our trip through. However, we did come across a baboon troupe playing in the trees near the side of the road. Only one of the males came out onto the road and sat near our truck.

October 17, 1996

This baboon sat and watched us for awhile as we frantically snapped pictures. Some people threw some crackers about for him, but he did not climb the truck, which I thought he might at one point. The shadow at the lower left is that of the truck.

Here is about the best shot of a white rhinoceros I got! It emerged only briefly from the forest and then turned around and headed back in again. It was quite far away, which is ok, since rhinos are reknowned for charging any time they feel threatened! Luckily, they have abominable aim and lousy eyesight!

Soon after we passed the rhino, we came to the lakeshore. I took a lot of pictures here, but as I assumed they simply do not do justice to the sight!

The spectacle of those millions of birds is really fantastic. We were able to pull up and park right on the beach there and get out to take our pictures. All the while, we were keeping a close eye on the Cape Buffalo which were resting further up the beach!

We passed this buffalo as we headed up from the beach and were all safely back in the truck.

On our way to our lunching spot, we passed briefly back into the forest and had a chance to see some vervet monkeys playing. These monkeys are mischievous and will steal from tents if given the chance. They will make off with small trinkets as well as anything edible that they can find!

We headed uphill for a look down on the water and it was heading up the road, now higher than the level of the lake, that the picture below was taken. Then, all the way up a nearby cliff, we stopped for lunch. From there, the flamingos look like a ribbon of pink ringing the edge of the lake.

The trouble with the pictures which I took at the lake side was that all the birds get squished together and it becomes difficult to realize just how many there are. From this angle, their numbers and distribution on the lake are more obvious.

This flamingos in this picture no longer appear distinct, but when you know what you are looking at, you can't help but be impressed by their sheer numbers.

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