About Nakuru
Lake Nakuru National Park Safari brings Nakuru’s flamingo-lined lake and wildlife into focus, making this Kenyan Rift Valley city a base for nature and adventure.
The area near Lake Nakuru National Park works well for a stay, with the reserve close to the city’s main wildlife outings. Safaris follow the lake and its surrounding grassland, while Baboon Cliff offers a broad viewpoint over the water.
Menengai Crater brings hiking into the volcanic landscape, and Hyrax Hill Prehistoric Site adds a cultural stop in town. Swahili, English, and Kikuyu are used locally; ugali and nyama choma are familiar choices.
Hotels in Nakuru
Book direct on our own Nakuru hotel pages — no booking fee.
Sarova Woodlands Hotel and Spa Nakuru
8.3V. good · 166 Reviews
Nairobi-nakuru Highway | Nakuru, KE
Vienna Woods Hotel Nakuru
6.8Pleasant · 48 Reviews
Along Nakuru-kabarak Road Next To Mololine Milimani Annex | Nakuru, 00200, KE
Grand Winston Hotel
8.2V. good · 46 Reviews
B4 Nakuru - Kabarak Road | Nakuru, 19212, KE
Claire de Lune Moonlight Hotel
8.4V. good · 141 Reviews
Mburu Gichua Road Moonlight Building | Nakuru, 20100, KE
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Stay like a local in Nakuru
Places to stay in Nakuru
Districts
All districtsPopular amenities
Best for
Ranked by verified guest score, then stars. Based on 438 of 551 hotels with verified data.
Best for families
Family rooms listed · 8 hotels qualify
- Maili Saba Camp9.4/10 · 78 reviews · 3-star
- Midland Hotel Nakuru8.6/10 · 202 reviews · 3-star
- Lake Elementaita Mountain Lodge8.4/10 · 158 reviews · 5-star
- Sarova Woodlands Hotel and Spa Nakuru8.3/10 · 166 reviews · 4-star
- The Ole-Ken Hotel8.3/10 · 84 reviews · 3-star
Best for drivers
Free parking · 14 hotels qualify
- The Shed9.3/10 · 82 reviews · 4-star
- Jacky's Milimani suites8.9/10 · 50 reviews · 4-star
- Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge8.8/10 · 186 reviews
- Black Wattle House8.6/10 · 80 reviews · 4-star
- Ziwa Bush Lodge8.4/10 · 110 reviews · 4-star
Best for a pool
Swimming pool listed · 14 hotels qualify
- Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge8.6/10 · 110 reviews
- Merica Hotel8.2/10 · 86 reviews · 4-star
- Lake Nakuru Lodge8.2/10 · 132 reviews
- Hotel Waterbuck7.9/10 · 200 reviews · 4-star
- Brooks Lodge7.6/10 · 74 reviews · 4-star
Nakuru at a glance
History, culture and food in Nakuru
History
95 · Outstanding
Culture
90 · Outstanding
Food
90 · Outstanding
Our own 0–100 ratings for this one destination. They describe a city; they are not a league table of cities.
Food to try
Hotel facts in Nakuru
Based on 438 of 551 hotels with verified data.
| Hotels that list | Hotels | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Free parkingof hotels with verified parking | 372 of 375 | 99% |
| Swimming pool | 105 of 438 | 24% |
| 24-hour front desk | 106 of 438 | 24% |
| Facilities for disabled guests | 30 of 438 | 7% |
| Family rooms | 35 of 438 | 8% |
| Breakfast availablefree or paid depends on the rate | 12 of 438 | 3% |
| Kitchen or kitchenette | 24 of 438 | 5% |
| Airport shuttle0 free | 41 of 438 | 9% |
Pools and room sizes by star rating
| Stars | Pool | Standard room |
|---|---|---|
| 3-star | 22 of 80 | 28 m²usually 24 m²–38 m² · 8 hotels |
| 4-star | 29 of 59 | 24 m²usually 20 m²–35 m² · 11 hotels |
| 5-star | 3 of 7 | 26 m²usually 20 m²–54 m² · 3 hotels |
When to visit Nakuru
How good each month is here, on this destination's own scale. It compares months within this city, never one city against another.
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Jan50
Pleasant weather (avg high 24°C)
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Feb50
Pleasant weather (avg high 26°C)
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Mar55
World Rally Championship Safari Rally, Nakuru-area stages
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Apr13
Often avoided: heavier rain
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May27
Long rains, wet
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Jun41
Cool, dry, cloudy
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Jul41
Cool, dry, sunny
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Aug41
Cool, dry, sunny
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Sep41
Warm, dry, sunny
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Oct30
Warm, short rains begin
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Nov19
Often avoided: heavier rain
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Dec44
Cyclone season (Nov-Apr); impacts uncommon
Things to do in Nakuru
7 places worth your time, grouped by when they are at their best.
Showing 7 of 7 places ·
Best in the morning
3 places
Lake Nakuru National Park Safari
Lake Nakuru 6 hours
Spot flamingos, rhinos, and lions in a unique alkaline lake ecosystem.
Menengai Crater Hike
North of Nakuru 3 hours
Hike to the rim of an extinct volcano for panoramic Rift Valley views.
Nakuru Town Market Exploration
Nakuru Town 2 hours
Immerse yourself in local life, buying fresh produce and crafts.
Best in the afternoon
2 places
Hyrax Hill Prehistoric Site
Nakuru Town 2 hours
Explore an archaeological site with Stone Age and Iron Age artifacts.
Lord Egerton Castle Visit
Njoro 2 hours
Tour a historic castle with a fascinating love story and grand architecture.
Any time of day
2 places
Baboon Cliff Viewpoint
Lake Nakuru NP 1 hour
Enjoy breathtaking views of Lake Nakuru and its surroundings.
Rift Valley Escarpment View
Along highway 1 hour
Stop at scenic points for iconic views of the Great Rift Valley.
Tours and activities in Nakuru
Guided tours, day trips and tickets to book alongside your stay.
Standard tour
1 Day Safari to Lake Nakuru National Park
Standard tour
Lake Nakuru National Park; Admission Ticket
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Before you go to Nakuru
Our own ratings and notes on eating out, signature experiences, who the city suits and planning ahead.
Near Nakuru
Straight-line distance from the centre of Nakuru.
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Frequently asked questions about Nakuru
How many places to stay are there in Nakuru?
There are 550+ hotels, apartments and other places to stay in Nakuru. They include 76 hotels and 340+ apartments.
When is the peak season in Nakuru?
The peak season in Nakuru is Jul-Oct, Dec-Mar.
Which area is a good base in Nakuru?
The travel guide suggests staying in Near Lake Nakuru National Park when visiting Nakuru.
How many hotels in Nakuru have free parking?
372 of the 375 hotels in Nakuru with verified parking details list free parking (99%). 1 charge for parking.
What is the usual check-in time at hotels in Nakuru?
2:00 PM at 109 of the 370 hotels with a verified check-in time. The next most common time is 3:00 PM (84 hotels).
What time is check-out at hotels in Nakuru?
11:00 AM at 243 of 404 hotels with a verified check-out time; 10:00 AM at 87.
How many hotels in Nakuru have a pool?
105 of 438 hotels with verified data list a swimming pool.