Nakuru
Discover Nakuru
Nakuru is the administrative and economical headquarters of Nakuru County. Sitting between Nairobi and Western Kenya, it also serves as a transit city for many travellers. Nakuru is the fourth largest city in Kenya after Kisumu City. Passenger services from Nairobi and Kisumu resumed in 2021. Rehabilitation on the line from the border with Uganda via Eldoret is ongoing and passenger services is expected to commence in 2022.
What to Experience in Nakuru
Taste of Nakuru...
Local drinks (Tusker) from the local bars, pops are available. There are a great many budget hotels available in Nakuru, many are within 5 minutes walking distance from the Matatu station. At the Westside Mall (intersection Kenyatta Ave and West Road) is a Java Coffee (like Starbucks) with free Wifi and good coffee. There are also many "Cyber" (internet cafes) all over down town. Nakuru is generally one of Kenya’s safer mid-sized cities, but normal urban precautions apply. The city center is busy, especially around the market and bus stages, and petty theft does occur. Nakuru is one of Kenya’s more comfortable regional cities, with reliable services, good transport links, and plenty of places to restock supplies before heading to Lake Nakuru National Park or onward to the Rift Valley. Most hotels, guesthouses, and cafés offer free Wi-Fi, though speeds vary. Mobile data coverage from Safaricom and Airtel is strong across the city and around the park entrance. Major supermarkets and mid-range hotels accept credit/debit cards, but always carry some cash (Kenyan shillings) for matatus, tips, or small food stalls. Pharmacies are common throughout the town center and in malls. Always bring personal prescriptions and any specialty medications you may need. Supermarkets such as Naivas, Quickmart, and Tuskys (select locations) stock snacks, drinks, toiletries, mobile phone credit, and some outdoor essentials.
Essential Information
Getting There
Multiple OptionsPassenger services from Nairobi and Kisumu resumed in 2021. Rehabilitation on the line from the border with Uganda via Eldoret is ongoing and passenger services is expected to commence in 2022. From Nairobi, the 158-km (100-mile) journey would take approximately 2 hours. The roads can be dangerous as not all sections have dual carriageways. The scenery is beautiful, from Nairobi you will see the Great Rift Valley below from the highway. To Nakuru from Kericho it is 108 km, from Nyahururu it is 65 km, and from Eldoret it is 156 km. Lake Nakuru National Park is home to the famous pink flamingoes. It also offers viewing of various other species of animals and birds. Menengai Crater is a dormant volcanoes that still spews out smoke. A view from the edge of the crater is a must. You can visit the Lake Nakuru National Park which is nearby or get inside the malls. Visit a game of rugby at Nakuru Athletics Club on a Saturday at 2PM and 4PM....
Getting Around & Staying
Getting Around
Lake Nakuru National Park is home to the famous pink flamingoes. It also offers viewing of various other species of animals and birds. Menengai Crater is a dormant volcanoes that still spews out smoke. A view from the edge of the crater is a must. You can visit the Lake Nakuru National Park which is nearby or get inside the malls. Visit a game of rugby at Nakuru Athletics Club on a Saturday at 2PM and 4PM. Local drinks (Tusker) from the local bars, pops are available. There are a great many budget hotels available in Nakuru, many are within 5 minutes walking distance from the Matatu station. At the Westside Mall (intersection Kenyatta Ave and West Road) is a Java Coffee (like Starbucks) with free Wifi and good coffee. There are also many "Cyber" (internet cafes) all over down town. Nakuru is generally one of Kenya’s safer mid-sized cities, but normal urban precautions apply. The city center is busy, especially around the market and bus stages, and petty theft does occur.
Where to Stay
There are a great many budget hotels available in Nakuru, many are within 5 minutes walking distance from the Matatu station. At the Westside Mall (intersection Kenyatta Ave and West Road) is a Java Coffee (like Starbucks) with free Wifi and good coffee. There are also many "Cyber" (internet cafes) all over down town. Nakuru is generally one of Kenya’s safer mid-sized cities, but normal urban precautions apply. The city center is busy, especially around the market and bus stages, and petty theft does occur. Nakuru is one of Kenya’s more comfortable regional cities, with reliable services, good transport links, and plenty of places to restock supplies before heading to Lake Nakuru National Park or onward to the Rift Valley. Most hotels, guesthouses, and cafés offer free Wi-Fi, though speeds vary. Mobile data coverage from Safaricom and Airtel is strong across the city and around the park entrance.
Money & Budget
Local drinks (Tusker) from the local bars, pops are available. There are a great many budget hotels available in Nakuru, many are within 5 minutes walking distance from the Matatu station. At the Westside Mall (intersection Kenyatta Ave and West Road) is a Java Coffee (like Starbucks) with free Wifi and good coffee. There are also many "Cyber" (internet cafes) all over down town. Nakuru is generally one of Kenya’s safer mid-sized cities, but normal urban precautions apply. The city center is busy, especially around the market and bus stages, and petty theft does occur. Nakuru is one of Kenya’s more comfortable regional cities, with reliable services, good transport links, and plenty of places to restock supplies before heading to Lake Nakuru National Park or onward to the Rift Valley.
Safety Information
Glimpses of Nakuru
Beautiful scenes from a safari in the natural reserves in Kenya
Beautiful scenes from a safari in the natural reserves in Kenya
a group of flamingos wading in a body of water
Beautiful scenes from a safari in the natural reserves in Kenya
a rhinoceros in a field
Lake nakuru
Active zebras at Lake Nakuru National Park
A zebra photographed with Lake Nakuru in the background
a gazelle standing in a field with a tree in the background
a gazelle standing in a field with a tree in the background
Beautiful scenes from a safari in the natural reserves in Kenya
Beautiful scenes from a safari in the natural reserves in Kenya
a group of flamingos wading in a body of water