Lake Nakuru

Lake Nakuru, in the floor of the Rift Valley, is famous for the flamingos that can turn its shallows pink, but it is also one of the best places in Kenya to see rhino — both black and white — inside a protected sanctuary. Rothschild's giraffe, lion and huge herds of buffalo round out a compact, wildlife-dense park.

Nakuru is an easy addition on the way west or north, a half-day's drive from Nairobi. Water levels change the flamingo story year to year, but the rhino and the setting make it worthwhile whatever the birds are doing.