📍 Quick Overview
Nakuru is the fourth-largest city in Kenya and the capital of Nakuru County, nestled in the Great Rift Valley about 160 kilometers northwest of Nairobi. Known for its proximity to Lake Nakuru National Park, volcanic landscapes, and cultural landmarks, Nakuru is a dynamic hub that blends nature, history, and urban charm.
Nakuru became a city in 2021 and continues to grow rapidly. Whether you’re here for safari, business, cultural exploration, or a weekend retreat, Nakuru offers something for every traveler.
🚗 Getting to Nakuru
🛣️ By Road
- From Nairobi: ~2.5–3 hours via the Nairobi–Nakuru Highway (A104)
- From Naivasha: ~1 hour
- From Eldoret: ~3.5 hours
- Options: Drive yourself, take a matatu (shared minibus), or board a long-distance bus (e.g., EasyCoach, Guardian Bus, Mololine Shuttle)
🛫 By Air
- Lanet Airstrip (Nakuru Airport) is currently under development for commercial use.
- Closest airport with scheduled flights: Wilson Airport (Nairobi) + drive to Nakuru
- Private charters can land at Lanet
🏨 Where to Stay in Nakuru
💎 Luxury & Upper-Mid-Range
- Sarova Woodlands Hotel & Spa – 4-star, modern amenities, spa, heated pool
- Lake Nakuru Lodge – Inside Lake Nakuru Park with stunning views of the lake and wildlife
- Midland Hotel – Colonial-style charm in central Nakuru
- Ziwa Bush Lodge – Tranquil eco-lodge near the park
💰 Mid-Range
- Merica Hotel – City center with a rooftop pool
- Eagle Palace Hotel – Comfortable, centrally located
- The Alps Hotel Nakuru – Good views and quiet location
💵 Budget & Backpacker
- Sleepway Cottages
- Legacy Hotel & Suites
- Hotel Marvin
- Airbnbs and Hostels – Available on major platforms
💡 Tip: If planning to visit Lake Nakuru National Park, consider staying inside the park for early game drives.
🍴 Where to Eat & Drink
🥘 Local Favorites
- Gilani’s Restaurant – Popular with locals; Indian, Swahili, and continental meals
- Mwangaza – Tasty Kenyan dishes like ugali, sukuma, and nyama choma
- Kokeb – Great Ethiopian cuisine
🍽️ International & Cafe-Style
- Java House Nakuru – Western-style meals, coffee, good Wi-Fi
- Taidy’s Nakuru – Trendy hangout with drinks and varied cuisine
- Merica Rooftop Bar – Great for dinner with a view
☕ Coffee & Snacks
- Origin Coffee House
- Coffee House at Westside Mall
🧭 Top Things to Do in Nakuru Town
🦩 1. Lake Nakuru National Park
- A UNESCO-recognized site
- See white and black rhinos, lions, giraffes, leopards, and flamingos
- Entry: ~KES 860 for citizens, ~$60 for non-residents
- Open 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Game drives, picnic spots, baboon cliff view, Makalia Falls
🌋 2. Menengai Crater
- Dormant volcano with panoramic views and caves
- Hike to the rim or descend with a guide
- Known for spiritual retreats and legends
- Entry: ~KES 200–800 depending on nationality
🏺 3. Hyrax Hill Museum & Prehistoric Site
- Archaeological site with a small museum
- Learn about early human settlement and prehistoric tools
- Entry: KES 100–500
🏰 4. Lord Egerton Castle (30–40 mins from town)
- Built in the 1930s, filled with tragic romantic history
- Elegant English architecture with gardens
- Great for history lovers and photographers
🏞️ 5. Lake Elementaita
- A tranquil soda lake known for flamingos and pelicans
- Visit nearby Soysambu Conservancy
- Ideal for birdwatching, sundowners, or canoe rides
🛍️ 6. Maasai Market & Souvenir Shopping
- Thursdays and Saturdays in town center
- Buy Maasai jewelry, wood carvings, beadwork, and fabrics
🚶♂️ Local Experiences & Hidden Gems
- Nature walks around Menengai Forest and Lion Hill
- Cultural visits to Kalenjin, Kikuyu, or Maasai homesteads (arranged with guides)
- Visit Nyayo Gardens – a public park great for relaxing
- Attend local festivals or events (check city bulletin boards or Facebook pages)
🛍️ Where to Shop
- Westside Mall – Largest mall; banks, restaurants, fashion
- Naivas Supermarket (Downtown) – Groceries and daily needs
- Gilani’s Supermarket – Offers imported goods
- Curio Shops on Kenyatta Avenue – Handcrafted souvenirs
🚌 Getting Around Nakuru
🛺 Local Transport
- Matatus (minibuses) – Cheap but sometimes overcrowded
- Boda Bodas (motorbike taxis) – Fast for short trips, negotiate fare
- Tuk-tuks – Safer than boda bodas, perfect for short rides
🚕 Taxis & Ride Apps
- Bolt (operational in Nakuru)
- Local taxis (agree on fare before boarding)
🚗 Car Hire
- Several companies offer car rentals for self-drive or with a driver
- Ideal for day trips to parks and nearby lakes
🌦️ Best Time to Visit
| Season | Months | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Dry Season | Jan–Mar, Jun–Oct | Ideal for game drives, hiking, clear views |
| Short Rains | Nov–Dec | Still accessible, greener landscapes |
| Long Rains | Apr–May | Some roads muddy, fewer tourists |
🧳 Packing List
- Light, breathable clothing for daytime
- Warm layers for cool mornings and nights
- Comfortable walking/hiking shoes
- Sunhat, sunglasses, sunscreen
- Binoculars and camera
- Raincoat (if visiting April–May or Nov–Dec)
- Insect repellent
💻 Internet & Connectivity
- Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, cafes, and restaurants
- Mobile networks: Safaricom, Airtel, and Telkom Kenya
- Buy a local SIM card at malls or kiosks (passport required)
- MPESA is widely used for payments (mobile money)
🏥 Health & Safety Tips
- Vaccines: Ensure up-to-date on tetanus, typhoid, yellow fever (recommended)
- Malaria: Nakuru is lower-risk but carry repellent and consult doctor if camping
- Emergency:
- Police: 999
- Nakuru Level 5 Hospital
- Mediheal or War Memorial Hospital for private care
⚠️ Safety Tips
- Avoid walking alone at night
- Use Bolt or trusted taxis
- Keep valuables secure, especially in crowded areas
- Tap water is not recommended – buy bottled water
📞 Useful Contacts
| Service | Contact |
|---|---|
| Tourist Info (KWS) | +254 20 600800 |
| Lake Nakuru Park HQ | +254 51 2211216 |
| Mediheal Hospital | +254 726 732459 |
| Bolt (Customer Care) | In-app support |
| Police Emergency | 999 / Nakuru Central Police |
✅ Why Nakuru Should Be on Your Itinerary
- Easy access from Nairobi and central location in Kenya
- Amazing wildlife + volcano hikes + cultural depth
- Affordable compared to more tourist-heavy destinations
- Safe, vibrant, and welcoming city