Nakuru, Kenya: travel guide
Rift Valley lake town with flamingos, rhinos and a vast volcanic crater
Rift Valley town beside Lake Nakuru National Park — flamingos, rhino sanctuary, the vast Menengai Crater and prehistoric Hyrax Hill.
About Nakuru
Nakuru is a Rift Valley town on the edge of Lake Nakuru National Park, a soda lake ringed by woodland and grassland that is known for its birdlife and its rhino sanctuary. Flamingos have long gathered along the shore, though their numbers shift with the water level.
Other sights fill out a two or three day stay. Menengai Crater, an enormous volcanic caldera, looks over the town, Hyrax Hill preserves a prehistoric site, and Lake Naivasha and Hell's Gate National Park, where you can walk or cycle beneath the cliffs, are within reach.
Nakuru suits independent travellers breaking the journey between Nairobi and the Maasai Mara, and anyone who wants safari without long distances. The drier months, June to October and January to February, are generally the easiest time to visit.
- Country
- Kenya
- Currency
- KES
- Time zone
- Africa/Nairobi
Last updated
Top places to visit in Nakuru
Hell's Gate National Park
national park · about 5 h · check the fee at the gate
A dramatic gorge-and-cliff park you can explore on foot or by bicycle among zebra and giraffe — the inspiration for 'The Lion King'.
Lake Nakuru National Park
national park · about 5 h · check the fee at the gate
A soda lake fringed by forest and cliffs — flamingos, both black and white rhino, Rothschild's giraffe and abundant birdlife.
Menengai Crater
volcanic crater · about 2 h · check the fee at the gate
One of the world's largest calderas, rising above Nakuru with sweeping viewpoints over the Rift Valley floor.
Hyrax Hill Prehistoric Site
archaeological site · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate
An archaeological site and museum with Iron Age and Neolithic settlements excavated by Mary Leakey.
Lake Naivasha
freshwater lake · about 4 h · check the fee at the gate
A freshwater Rift Valley lake with hippos, fish eagles and boat trips to Crescent Island — a popular day trip from Nakuru.
Things to do
- Lake Nakuru National Park Game Drive Safari · 5 h · from KES 9,000 per person
- Lake Naivasha Boat Safari & Crescent Island Walk Nature · 5 h · from KES 6,000 per person
- Hell's Gate Cycling & Gorge Walk Adventure · 5 h · from KES 5,000 per person
- Menengai Crater Hike Hiking · 3 h · from KES 3,000 per person
Day trips and tours
- Lake Nakuru & Rift Valley Day 8 h · from KES 9,000
Where to stay in Nakuru
- Nakuru Town
Convenient base near the Lake Nakuru park gate with hotels and restaurants.
Hotels
- Sarova Woodlands Hotel & Spa 4-star · KES 10,000 to KES 16,000 per night
- Lake Nakuru Lodge 4-star · KES 12,000 to KES 20,000 per night
- Hotel Merica 4-star · KES 8,000 to KES 13,000 per night
Where to eat
- Gilani's Kenyan, Indian · about KES 900 per person
- Papprigano Italian, Pizza · about KES 1,500 per person
- Sarova Woodlands Restaurant International, Kenyan · about KES 2,500 per person
Getting to Nakuru
Nearest airport: Nairobi (WIL), about 139 km away in a straight line. The road or rail journey is longer.
Getting around
- Minibus
- Motorbike Rental
- Walking
More in Kenya
Frequently asked questions about Nakuru
- What are the main places to visit in Nakuru?
- Places covered in our Nakuru guide include Hell's Gate National Park, Lake Nakuru National Park, Menengai Crater, Hyrax Hill Prehistoric Site, Lake Naivasha.
- Where should I stay in Nakuru?
- Our guide covers these areas to stay in Nakuru: Nakuru Town.
- How do I get around Nakuru?
- Ways to get around Nakuru covered in our guide: Minibus, Motorbike rental, Walking.