Where to stay, what to expect, and how to choose the best base for your safari
Choosing where to stay around Lake Nakuru National Park directly shapes your safari experience—how early you enter the park, how much wildlife time you get, your comfort level, and your overall budget. Unlike very large parks, Lake Nakuru is compact and close to Nakuru City, so location, gate access, and accommodation type matter more than distance alone.
This guide breaks down all accommodation options inside the park, just outside the gates, and in Nakuru town, from ultra-luxury lodges to practical budget camps.
1. Understanding accommodation zones around Lake Nakuru
Inside Lake Nakuru National Park
- Highest level of immersion
- Wake up already in wildlife habitat
- Fewer daily gate delays
- Limited number of properties
- Higher nightly rates
Just outside the park (gate areas)
- Best balance of price and access
- Wide range of lodges, camps, and hotels
- Easy day trips into the park
- Ideal for 1–2 night stays
Nakuru City
- Most affordable and flexible
- Suitable for business travelers, overlanders, or short stops
- Longer daily drives into the park
- Less “safari atmosphere”
2. Lodges and camps inside Lake Nakuru National Park
Staying inside the park maximises wildlife time and scenic immersion.
Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge
- Hilltop location with panoramic lake views
- Classic safari lodge style
- Swimming pool, restaurant, bar
- Excellent for families and first-time safari visitors
Best for: Comfort, views, convenience
Price range: Upper midrange–luxury
Lake Nakuru Lodge
- Centrally located within the park
- Mix of lodge rooms and cottages
- Reliable access to rhino and buffalo areas
- Slightly quieter than Lion Hill
Best for: Balanced safari experience, photographers
Price range: Midrange–upper midrange
Mbweha Camp
- Located in a private conservancy adjacent to the park
- Rustic-luxury tented camp style
- Walking safaris and night activities possible (outside park rules)
Best for: Couples, eco-conscious travelers
Price range: Midrange–luxury
3. Safari lodges and camps just outside Lake Nakuru
These provide strong value and flexibility while keeping park access easy.
Flamingo Hill Tented Camp
- Upmarket tented camp near the park boundary
- Landscaped grounds, permanent tents
- Popular with tour operators and independent travelers
Best for: Classic tented feel without luxury prices
Price range: Midrange
Ziwa Bush Lodge
- Quiet bush setting south of the park
- Spacious cottages and bandas
- Strong value-for-money positioning
Best for: Relaxed stays, couples, longer visits
Price range: Midrange
Kivu Lodge Nakuru
- Forested grounds near Nakuru town
- Cottages and family rooms
- Easy access to both the park and town amenities
Best for: Families, road-trip travelers
Price range: Midrange
4. Hotels near Lake Nakuru National Park (Nakuru town & outskirts)
Ideal for budget-conscious travelers or non-safari-focused stays.
Hotel Waterbuck Nakuru
- Centrally located
- Comfortable rooms, reliable service
- Good base for early park departures
Best for: Short stays, budget–midrange travelers
Claire De Lune Moonlight Hotel
- Popular with domestic travelers
- Clean, modern rooms
- Easy highway access
Best for: Affordable comfort, overnight stops
Legacy Hotel Nakuru
- One of Nakuru’s larger city hotels
- Conference facilities, pool
- Less safari ambience, more urban comfort
Best for: Business travelers combining safari with work
5. Budget camps and affordable stays near Lake Nakuru
These prioritise location and cost over luxury, while remaining practical.
Nakuru Backpackers Hostel
- Dorms and private rooms
- Popular with overlanders and budget travelers
- Easy transport links
Best for: Backpackers, students, solo travelers
Sleepway Cottages
- Clean, basic cottages
- Good value for money
- Suitable for families on a budget
Camps and simple lodges (various)
- Often used by safari operators for budget packages
- Basic rooms or tents
- Shared facilities in some cases
Best for: Travelers prioritising park fees and game drives over accommodation spend
6. Comparing accommodation types at Lake Nakuru
| Type | Best for | Trade-offs |
|---|---|---|
| Inside-park lodges | Maximum immersion, views | Higher cost, limited choice |
| Tented camps near park | Classic safari feel, value | Slightly longer daily drives |
| Lodges outside gates | Comfort + flexibility | Less wildlife ambience |
| Nakuru town hotels | Budget, convenience | Longer park access, urban setting |
| Budget camps/hostels | Lowest cost | Minimal amenities |
7. How to choose the right place to stay
Ask yourself:
- How long am I staying?
- 1 night → stay close to gate
- 2+ nights → consider inside-park or quiet bush lodge
- Who am I traveling with?
- Families → lodges with pools and space
- Couples → tented or eco-lodges
- Solo/budget → town hotels or camps
- How important is atmosphere vs cost?
- Safari immersion → inside park
- Value → outside gate
- Price → town
8. Typical price ranges (per person per night)
- Budget hotels / hostels: USD 20–60
- Midrange lodges & camps: USD 90–250
- Luxury safari lodges: USD 300–600+
(Prices vary by season and inclusions.)
9. Booking tips for Lake Nakuru accommodation
- Book early during July–October and December holidays
- Confirm which gate your lodge is closest to
- Ask whether meals and game drives are included
- For short stays, avoid changing lodges unnecessarily
Final takeaway
Lake Nakuru National Park offers one of Kenya’s widest accommodation spreads per square kilometre, from luxury hilltop lodges to simple town hotels. Whether you want full immersion inside the park, a comfortable midrange tented camp, or a budget-friendly base for a short safari, there is a well-matched option for every travel style.