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Couple in a sandstorm in Nakuru National Park during a safari in Kenya, Africa.
Couple in a sandstorm in Nakuru National Park during a safari in Kenya, Africa. - Photo by elCarito

Explore Kenya's Splendor: Spend a Vacation in Nakuru,

About Nakuru, Kenya

Nakuru, Kenya offers visitors an unforgettable experience with its stunning landscapes, including the breathtaking Lake Nakuru and picturesque Menengai Crater. Visitors can also explore the bustling city center, filled with markets, restaurants, and cultural attractions. Don't miss the opportunity to immerse yourself in the vibrant culture and natural beauty of Nakuru on your next trip to Kenya.

Nakuru, Kenya is a stunning travel destination that is often overlooked. While it may not be as well-known as other Kenyan destinations, such as Nairobi or Mombasa, it is a hidden gem that is well worth a visit. With its breathtaking scenery, diverse wildlife, and fascinating cultural attractions, Nakuru is the perfect destination for travelers who want to experience the best that Africa has to offer.

One of the main draws of Nakuru is its stunning national park. Located just outside the city, the park is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including lions, leopards, giraffes, and zebras. Visitors can take a guided safari tour through the park to see these majestic animals up close and personal. In addition to the wildlife, the park also boasts beautiful scenery, including stunning vistas of the Rift Valley.

Another popular attraction in Nakuru is the Menengai Crater. This massive volcanic crater is over 8 kilometers wide and offers visitors a unique opportunity to see the incredible power of the earth. Visitors can hike to the top of the crater for stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

For those interested in cultural attractions, Nakuru has plenty to offer as well. The city is home to several museums and cultural centers, including the Nakuru Museum and the Kariandusi Museum. These museums offer visitors a chance to learn about the history and culture of the region, including the traditions of the Maasai people.

Finally, Nakuru is also a great destination for foodies. The city is known for its delicious cuisine, which features a mix of African, Indian, and European influences. Visitors can sample local delicacies such as ugali (a type of maize porridge), chapati (a type of flatbread), and nyama choma (grilled meat).

Overall, Nakuru is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Kenya. With its stunning scenery, diverse wildlife, and rich cultural attractions, it offers something for everyone. So why wait? Start planning your trip to Nakuru today!

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Popular Stays in Nakuru, Kenya

Explore some of the most affordable vacation packages and accommodation stays in Nakuru, Kenya

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Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge

This lodge is nestled along the Lion Hill overlooking the spectacular flamingo pink rimmed Lake Nakuru. Its location affords panoramic vistas of the lake and the picturesque Lake Nakuru National Park. A short two-hour drive from Nairobi, it is a favourite with residents and visitors to Kenya. The railway station is around 2 km away. The lodge is cleverly laid out such that most rooms and sitting areas afford stunning views of the lake and the park. The lodge incorporates natural landscaping with tall acacia trees, winding walkways and greenery dotted with bird feeders. It is a natural haven for birdlife and attracts over 50 species of birds amongst the 400 species that inhabit the park. The property comprises 67 guest rooms and features a lobby with 24-hour reception, a hotel safe, currency exchange facilities, a cloakroom and a hairdressing salon. In their free time guests may take advantage of the games room and TV lounge, whilst younger guests are sure to be entertained at the kids' club. Dining is provided at the hotel restaurant and guests may sip their favourite drinks at the bar and pub. Business guests will appreciate the conference facilities and wireless Internet access and room service offer additional convenience. Kenya Wildlife Service offers shuttle buses from the nearby town of Nakuru. All chalet-style rooms and suites have private patios or balconies with panoramic views of the flamingo pink rimmed Lake Nakuru. The lodge offers en suite bathrooms with permanent showers, bathtubs and WCs, running hot and cold water, razor outlets with 220 and 240 volts, as well as double or king-size beds with mosquito nets and duvets. Guests have 240-volt power 24 hours a day. All rooms are equipped with a hairdryer, Internet access, a safe, a minibar, a fridge and individually regulated air conditioning.
Lake Naivasha Country Club is located 10km from Naivasha town -District of Nakuru -Rift Valley Province. Lake Naivasha Country Club was opened in 1930s - staging a post for Imperial Airways flying boat service from Durban to London - The old colonial architecture is solid and comfortable with accommodation in rooms and cottages set on 12hectares of green lawns shaded by mature acacias and spreading fever trees
Panari Resort, BW Signature Collection is set in the heart of Nyahururu, 31 mi from Nakuru. The resort offers a choice of accommodations, all with views of the Thompson Falls gorge, Ewaso Nyiro river and the Marmanet Forest. The rooms are housed in cottage units, consisting of 4 rooms each. A fireplace and flat-screen TV are featured in each room. Panari Resort Nyahururu has 3 food outlets with different offerings and sitting arrangements to cater for different needs. There is The Brown Olive Restaurant, the Silk Oak Bar, and the Pool Bar and Restaurant. The resort offers conference and meeting venues for up to 200 people. For relaxation, guests can relax in the steam sauna, take a swim in the heated indoor pool, work out in the fitness center or get pampered at the spa and beauty salon.
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Business hotels

Sarova Woodlands Hotel & Spa

Sarova Woodlands is located off the main Nairobi-Nakuru highway just before the main Nakuru town en route from Nairobi, on a wooded avenue in the upscale Milimani residential area close to the State House. The hotel is an unmistakable landmark on the way to the Menengai Crater and the famous Hyrax Pre-historic site. Sarova Woodlands is just 2.5kms from the Central Business District of Nakuru town, a peaceful retreat away from the hustle and bustle. The hotel is 9Kms away from the Menengai Crater, the Hyrax Prehistoric site is at an easy distance of 1km while the Main Gate of Lake Nakuru National Park is 10kms away. Sarova Woodlands Hotel and Spa is a tranquil retreat for travellers on business or leisure, offering the ideal place to break the journey for those passing through Nakuru. The hotel is located off the main Nairobi-Nakuru highway just outside of Nakuru town and is situated on a wooded avenue in the upscale Milimani area adjacent to the State House. All rooms at Sarova Woodlands are ensuite and feature contemporary guest facilities and services to ensure a tranquil, comfortable and pleasant stay. The main restaurant at Sarova Woodlands, offers a wide selection of cuisines including Continental, Pan-African, Pan-Asian and Indian in a buffet setting. It serves an extensive buffet spread for breakfast, lunch and dinner with a select a la carte menu for dinner and a table d'hote business lunch option. The food combines a fusion of international flavours with an element of live cooking using fresh ingredients.

Things to do in Nakuru, Kenya

Choose from a range of unique experiences and fun activities in Nakuru, Kenya

Discover Masai Mara, Lake Naivasha and Lake Nakuru on a 4-day private tour from Nairobi with transfers from the city’s airport and hotels. Go deep into the African plains and set out on daily game drives across the park. All the Big five: Lion, Elephant, Leopard, Buffalo and Rhino are here with many mammals and birds in this Masai Mara plain. Watch for the animals that emerge at dusk, see hippos and crocodiles along the banks of the Mara River, see the park’s stunning Great Migration. Feast your eyes with sightings of flamingos and White Rhinos in Lake Nakuru National Park. Enjoy your boat ride at Lake Naivasha. This tour is private (only you and our guide). Accommodation: based on tour option chosen at time of booking (standard, superior, luxury) Transport: based on tour option chosen at time of booking (minivan or jeep 4x4) Possible extra activities: • hot air balloon ride in Masai Mara • visit of maasai community • Lake Naivasha and Crescent Island, boat ride and walking tour
Our itinerary package starts from Nairobi, Lake Nakuru, Amboseli, and Maasai Mara National Park. You will be picked up from the airport with the briefing, thereafter you will be driven north past the equator to the northern frontier district. Continue to Amboseli National and check in to your lodge at 13.30 for Lunch at the lodge. There will be time to settle in before your evening Game adventure at 4.00 pm. At this time, set out for an afternoon game drive in the Reserve. Return to the lodge before dark at 7.30 pm. The dinner in the lodge
This is a private tour and you will be picked up anywhere within Nairobi. This is a 1 day tour where you will be visiting Lake Naivasha for a walking/biking safari in the Hells gate National Park . Some people will opt to drive in the park and that is also allowed. Later on in the afternoon guests will be taken to Lake Naivasha for a boat ride on the shores of the lake. Here you will be able to view the big hippos on the shores of the lake and bird watching most notably the fish eagle.
When you think of Africa with its vast wildlife, its broad Savannah, snow-capped mountains and deep forests…you are picturing the land of Kenya. This is where time began, where we feel a primal need to return and discover our beginnings. Kenya is the heart and soul of Africa – If you’re looking to embark on a once in a lifetime safari trip ,This is the safari ,the biggest thrills of your life. Travel doesn't become adventure until you leave yourself behind.
Viewing animals at a close range Swimming in the warm waters of Olkaria A boat ride in the lake with an opportunity to see the hippos at a close range
“A Walk and ride on the Wild Side”  Hell's Gate National Park is a tiny park located between Lake Naivasha and Longonot and Suswa volcanoes and it is an ideal venue for a weekend retreat far from the urban life of Nairobi. Named for the intense geothermal activity within its boundaries, the Hell's Gate National Park is a remarkable quarter of the Great Rift Valley. Spectacular scenery including the towering cliffs, water-gouged gorges, stark rock towers, scrub clad volcanoes and belching plumes of geothermal steam make it one of the most atmospheric Parks in Africa. Hell’s Gate is an ideal venue for a day trip from Nairobi-walking and biking are allowed. Animals seen here include bushbucks, dikdiks, gazelles, gnus, hartebeests, impalas, klipspringers, buffalo,  zebras, baboons, and monkeys among others. This is a joining tour with a maximum of 14 people per day
we always create smooth itinerary for our clients .that enables our client to get touch with flora and fauna, conducive environment neat tour guides,open roof top 4WD Van we also provide excellent customer service.
The tour will give you a unique opportunity of interacting with the wild animals, in crescent island you will have a chance to walk with the wild animals in your 1 hour nature walk, a close up with hippos in Lake Naivasha, and also a chance to visit hells gate the most scenic park in kenya and also have cycle in the wild.

Why People Love Nakuru, Kenya

See what people have to say about activities and accommodations in Nakuru, Kenya

ТК
Тереза К
5
Jul 2018
Хочу выразить слова признательности Bencia Africa за достойную организацию нашего пятидневного сафари-тура Масаи Мара-Накуру-Найваша. Это было незабываемо! В техническом плане все было в порядке, машина надежная, крепкая, гид-водитель Джон очень аккуратный в вождении, по дороге много общались, шу...
6
611vasylb
1
Dec 2017
Единственное что имеет отношение к приватному сафари у этой фирмы - индивидуальное авто. Оно грязное и разбитое, но больше никто к вам точно не присоединится. По факту Дмитрию была внесена предварительная оплата за лоджи и бронь сафари-модифицированного джипа с водителем. Что мы получили в резул...
A
ayazmadris
5
Jun 2018
The trip was one of its kind. We had the opportunity to see the big five, the guides were friendly and amazing. Every moment was fun. We also had the opportunity to see the Storks in lake Naivasha. In Lake Nakuru we were able to experience the exquisite atmosphere and the birds too including flam...

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Frequently Asked Questions about Nakuru

What are the must-see attractions in Nakuru?

Nakuru is home to some of the most spectacular natural attractions in Kenya. The Lake Nakuru National Park is a must-visit destination, with its vast flamingo population and diverse wildlife. Other attractions include the Menengai Crater, Hyrax Hill Museum, and the Nakuru town viewpoint.

What are the best activities to do in Nakuru?

There are plenty of activities to do in Nakuru. Visitors can go on a game drive in the Lake Nakuru National Park, where they can spot some of the Big Five animals. The Menengai Crater is also a great place for hiking and camping. For a more relaxed experience, visitors can visit a nearby spa or hot spring.

What is the best time of year to visit Nakuru?

The best time to visit Nakuru is during the dry season, which runs from January to February and from June to September. During these months, the weather is warm and dry, and the wildlife is easier to spot. However, visitors should be aware that the dry season is also the busiest time of year, with higher prices and larger crowds.

What is the local cuisine like in Nakuru?

Nakuru is known for its delicious local cuisine, which includes dishes such as ugali (a maize-based porridge), sukuma wiki (a vegetable stew), and nyama choma (grilled meat). Visitors can also try local fruits such as mangoes, avocados, and passion fruit. There are plenty of restaurants and street vendors throughout Nakuru where visitors can sample the local cuisine.

What are the best accommodations in Nakuru?

Nakuru has a variety of accommodations to suit every budget and preference. For a luxurious stay, visitors can book a room at the Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge or the Lake Nakuru Lodge. For a more affordable option, there are plenty of guesthouses and hostels in the town center. Visitors can also opt for a camping experience, with campsites available in the Lake Nakuru National Park.

What is the local culture like in Nakuru?

Nakuru is a melting pot of different cultures, with influences from the Maasai, Kikuyu, and Kalenjin tribes. Visitors can experience the local culture by attending a traditional dance performance, visiting a local market, or taking a guided tour of a nearby village. Visitors should be respectful of local customs and traditions.

What is the nightlife like in Nakuru?

Nakuru has a vibrant nightlife scene, with plenty of bars and clubs throughout the town. Visitors can enjoy live music, dancing, and drinks at venues such as The Terrace, Platinum 7D Club, and Club Euphoria. Visitors should be aware that the nightlife scene can be rowdy, and should take precautions to stay safe.

What is the transport system like in Nakuru?

Nakuru has a good transport system, with buses and matatus (minibuses) available throughout the town. Taxis are also available for hire. Visitors can also rent a car to explore the surrounding areas, although they should be aware that driving in Kenya can be challenging. Visitors should also be aware of the risk of carjackings and should take precautions.

What are the best souvenirs to buy in Nakuru?

Nakuru is known for its traditional handicrafts, such as baskets, jewelry, and carvings. Visitors can find these items at local markets and craft shops throughout the town. Visitors can also purchase local foods and spices, such as tea and coffee, to take home with them.

What are the best day trips from Nakuru?

Nakuru is surrounded by some of the most stunning natural attractions in Kenya. Visitors can take a day trip to Lake Naivasha, where they can go on a boat ride and spot hippos and crocodiles. Visitors can also visit the Thomson Falls, a spectacular waterfall located just outside of Nakuru. Other popular day trips include visiting the Lake Bogoria National Reserve and the Hell's Gate National Park.