What it is
A compact Rift Valley park enclosing Lake Nakuru, with yellow-barked acacia woodland and euphorbia forest on the slopes and an electric fence around the whole thing.
Why go
Both black and white rhino live here, and the park is small enough that a full day gives you a real chance of both. Rothschild's giraffe were introduced and are easy to find. Buffalo and baboon everywhere.
When to go
Any dry month. Do not come for flamingos: lake levels rose sharply through the 2010s, the water freshened, and the enormous flocks that made Nakuru famous largely moved elsewhere. Some birds are still around; the photographs you have seen are not what you will get. Two to three hours from Nairobi on tarmac, so it works as a stop rather than a destination.
Most people stay 1-2 nights.