Set within Kenya's Great Rift Valley, Lake Nakuru National Park is a fully fenced rhino sanctuary, protecting healthy populations of both black and white rhino in a relatively compact, easy-to-explore area.
The lake itself has fluctuated in size and salinity over the years, and when conditions align, it draws spectacular numbers of lesser flamingo, painting its shoreline pink.
Nearby Lake Naivasha offers a gentler complement — boat rides among hippo pods and a walking safari on predator-free Crescent Island, where giraffe, zebra and antelope can be approached on foot.
A year-round destination, since rhino sightings and the general game viewing don't depend heavily on season.