Animals and Birds of Nakuru

We spent a weekend in Nakuru National Park at the Wildlife Club of Kenya Guest House. It is literally right on the edge of the park (you can see the other big houses on the hill behind it). It was a pleasant place with a shared kitchen, bathroom and dining room. The park encircles Lake Nakuru, one of a string of Rift Valley lakes.

They don't exactly know why, but all the Rift Valley Lakes are currently rising at a fairly rapid pace, flooding out many campgrounds, hotels, park buildings, etc.

I've included some of my favorite animal shots from the weekend. The main thing to do in the park is to drive around looking for animals and birds. Back in the US, this is completely the opposite of my value system. Normally, I say, "get out of your car, go walk, climb, hike!", but here, that is not even allowed except at a couple places, due to the large animals.

Grey Crowned Crane

Hamerkop

Cape Buffalo and the ubiquitous egrets that manicure them. There were hundreds of these big dangerous beasts, grazing, hanging out in the mud holes.

We had a special sighting of a lioness and four cubs. Here are three of them hiding in the grass, under a small shrub in the rain.

We got to see our first White Rhinos.  This guy was impressively huge, grazing along in the rain.

Large troops of baboons hang out in the treed areas. 

We saw two Spotted Hyenas running one morning. They were big and had rather intense expressions.

These Lesser Flamingos could be seen in large colorful flocks.

I probably added 30 plus first time bird identifications to my Kenya bird list.  This Saddle-billed crane was a showy example.

We saw the lions a second day this time resting in the shade. Their fur seemed so healthy and plush and pet-able, though they were clearly not kitty cats!

This was one of my favorites, the Long Crested Eagle. It reminds me of a Dr Suess creature.

The Water Bucks were plentiful, though they seemed out of place, like they were too furry to be in such a warm climate.

Lilac-Breasted Roller

Hoopoe

Secretary Bird