Makalia Falls and the park's viewpoints
Makalia Falls is a waterfall inside Lake Nakuru National Park, and one of the park's attractions. The park, run by the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), has three viewpoints: Baboon Cliff, Lion Hill and Out of Africa Hill. There are picnic sites at Baboon Cliff, Out of Africa Hill and Makalia Falls, so you can plan a stop with food and a view.
Do not count on a fixed water flow at the falls. Ask the rangers at the gate how the falls look that week. If you want a driver who knows the tracks, compare Lake Nakuru day trips from Nairobi or read the Lake Nakuru safari guide for the rules on game drives.
Baboon Cliff
Baboon Cliff is one of the park's named viewpoints, and from here you look over green forest to the lake. It also has a picnic site, which makes it a natural place to stop during a drive.
Lion Hill and Out of Africa Hill are the other two named viewpoints. Out of Africa Hill has a picnic site too, and you may also see it called a lookout. Lion Hill is a viewpoint only.
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The viewpoints compared
What you find at each place.
| Place | Viewpoint | Picnic site | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Makalia Falls | – | Yes | An attraction in the park, flow varies, check at the gate |
| Baboon Cliff | Yes | Yes | View over forest and lake |
| Out of Africa Hill | Yes | Yes | Also called Out of Africa Lookout |
| Lion Hill | Yes | – | Viewpoint only |
For most visitors: combine Baboon Cliff and Makalia Falls on one drive, because both have picnic sites, and treat Lion Hill and Out of Africa Hill as extras if the tracks are open.
Getting to the viewpoints
Roads in the park can change, so check before you drive.
Choose a gate
The park has three gates: Main Gate, Lanet Gate and Nderit Gate. Main Gate is about 4 km from Nakuru city. From Nairobi, Lanet Gate is the one suggested to avoid traffic in the city. For fees and payment, see the Lake Nakuru entry fee page.
Ask which tracks are open
Rising water has flooded roads in the park. In March and April 2024 heavy rain flooded part of the ring road. An old map is not a guide to what you can drive today, so ask at the gate which tracks lead to each viewpoint and which vehicle you need.
Stay on the designated tracks
Drive only on designated roads and tracks, no faster than 40 km/h. Leave the vehicle only at designated spots. Keep at least 20 m from wildlife, because animals live around the viewpoints too.
Pack for a picnic
Bring your own food and water. Single-use plastic is banned in the park, so use a reusable bottle. Feeding animals is forbidden.
Mind the time
The gates are open from 06:00–18:00, with an exception for overnight guests. Plan to be back at the gate before it closes, and see Nakuru weather for rain.
Makalia Falls and Baboon Cliff: frequently asked questions
Where is Makalia Falls?
Makalia Falls is inside Lake Nakuru National Park, and you reach it through one of the park gates. The park also has a public campsite called Makalia. Ask at the gate which track leads there and whether it is open.
Is there water in Makalia Falls all year?
Do not count on a fixed flow. Ask the rangers at the gate how the falls look that week before you decide to drive there.
What is Baboon Cliff?
Baboon Cliff is one of the park's three named viewpoints, with a picnic site and a view over the forest and the lake. The other two viewpoints are Lion Hill and Out of Africa Hill.
Do the viewpoints have their own entry fee?
You pay the park entry fee. The viewpoints are inside the park, so ask at the gate whether anything extra applies on the day.
Can I get out of the car at the viewpoints?
Only at designated spots. Everywhere else stay in the vehicle, stay on the roads and keep at least 20 m from wildlife.
Is this the official Lake Nakuru website?
No. This is an independent travel guide. It is not run by the Kenya Wildlife Service or Nakuru County, and it has no connection to any safari operator, lodge or hotel.