Nakuru Voyage Tips and guide

Nakuru is a city in the Southern Rift Valley region of Kenya.

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.

L. Nakuru airstrip is available for landing.

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.

• -0.283336.0771 Nakuru railway station.  (updated May 2021)

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.

• Mololine Prestige Shuttle, Crossroads, 2NK shuttle offer 9-seater up to 14 seater minivan services to Nairobi, Kisumu and Eldoret.
• Mololine Prestige Shuttle is known for its excellent service and security. It has only 10 seats per minivan. Takes 3 hours.
• The large bus companies Easy Coach & Modern Coast Express have Nairobi to Kampala coaches which stop in Nakuru. Busways have booking offices opposite the mosque.
• Easy Coach & Modern Coast Express has buses from Nairobi 3 hours, Eldoret 3 hours, Kisumu 4 hours.
• There are also buses going from Kericho, Nyahururu and Kisii.
• There also other buses from Kigali, Trinity buses are an example.
• Tosha Express buses from Nakuru to Nairobi or from Nakuru to Kitale which goes northward to Kakuma Refugee Camp in Turkana

0°17′25″S 36°4′18″E

Map of Nakuru

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.

• -0.279636.10551 Hyrax Hill Prehistoric Site and Museum. A major site of Neolithic and Iron Age findings in Kenya, includes a museum.  (updated May 2021)

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.

• -0.36666736.0833331 Lake Nakuru National Park.  (updated May 2021)
• -0.2536.0833332 Menengai Forest.  (updated May 2021)

• Westside Mall, Kenyatta Aveune, ☏ +254 717333813. 9AM-9PM. Has a Naivas supermarket and a food court. (updated Jun 2023)
• Ecobank, westside mall, ☏ +254 20-2883000. 24 hour. Has a no-fee Master Card/Visa Card ATM. (updated Jun 2023)
• Naivas Supermarket, old Nairobi Road Milimani Estate. 8AM-9PM.  (updated Jun 2023)
• Quick Mart Supermarket, Pandit Nehru Road.. 8AM-9PM.  (updated Jun 2023)
• Clean Self Supermarket, Pandit Nehru Road.. 8AM-8PM.  (updated Jun 2023)
• Cooperative Bank, Kenyatta aveune (city center). 24 hours. Has a no fee Mastercard/Visa card ATM. (updated Jun 2023)

• Rift Fries Restaurant, Inder singh road. 8am-8pm. great value for money food. 

• Taidys (Mburu Gichua road at the south end by the roundabout.). A mix of African and Western food. Pizza Ksh 300, most courses a little less. 

• Merica Hotel (Wwst end of Kenyatta Avenue). Western food in an upmarket hotel. Meals for around Ksh 500, they also have a pool you can use for Ksh 300. 

Local drinks (Tusker) from the local bars, pops are available.

• Blue Magic bar and lounge (Blue Magic bar and lounge), Kiti,mawanga. (Taxi, motorbike, tuktuk), ☏ +254 722437761, [email protected]. 10AM-midnight. Local and international quality drinks all at affordable prices. Wide variety of whiskeys, vodkas, brandy and beer. A place you definitely want to visit and share the experience with friendly staff and clientelle. US$10. (updated Nov 2016)

There are a great many budget hotels available in Nakuru, many are within 5 minutes walking distance from the Matatu station.

• Care Guest House, Gusii road (city centre), ☏ +254 721636447. Single/double room with own hot water bathroom. Ksh 800/1200. (updated Jun 2023)
• -0.3017836.073971 Premier lodge, ☏ +254 710119592. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 10:00. Wifi. Parking. Rooms with mosquito net and bathroom/hot shower. Cafe with simple food on site. Have power generator, but it is used only in the morning/at night during longer outages. 600-1000 Ksh.  (updated Sep 2021)
• -0.290336.06432 Yara Airbnbs (Mashi Airbnbs) (Opposite Nakuru Athletics Club Gray Gate), ☏ +254 799134471, [email protected]. Check-in: 0001, check-out: 1100. One and Two bedroom furnished homes. 3000.  (updated Nov 2022)

• -0.29652236.072793 Chester Hotel, General Kariba Street, near Moi Rd (100 metres west of Afraha Stadium), ☏ +254 020-2327654. Check-out: 10AM. Clean, secure, and comfortable hotel with pleasant staff. Wireless internet in lobby, good restaurant. US$40/single, $60/double, $85/triple.  (updated Jan 2013)

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.

In town

• Pickpocketing can happen in crowded areas such as the main matatu stages and open-air markets; keep phones, cameras, and wallets secure.
• Avoid walking alone after dark, especially on quiet side streets. Use taxis or rideshare services instead.
• Keep valuables out of sight, especially when seated near windows in matatus where “snatch-and-run” theft can occur.
• Large public gatherings or political events can become tense—observe from a distance or avoid them altogether.

Around Lake Nakuru National Park

• The park is generally safe when visiting with a guide or staying in designated areas, but keep in mind:
• Do not exit your vehicle except at marked viewpoints and picnic sites.
• Wildlife such as buffalo, rhinos, baboons, and lions are unpredictable—maintain a safe distance at all times.
• Baboons near Baboon Cliff and Makalia Falls can be aggressive if provoked or if food is visible; keep windows closed around them.
• Roads become muddy during rainy seasons—use a reliable 4×4 if self-driving.

Health

• Nakuru has good access to clinics and pharmacies, but bring your own basic medical supplies and prescriptions.
• Tap water is not safe to drink—use bottled or filtered water.
• The area is not heavily malarial compared to western Kenya, but discuss malaria prophylaxis with your doctor.
• Early mornings and lake drives can be chilly—carry a warm layer.

Traffic

• The A104 highway through Nakuru carries heavy truck traffic; use caution when crossing or merging onto main roads.
• Traffic jams are common near the town center—keep belongings secure in slow-moving vehicles.

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.

Internet

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

ATMs are widely available, especially along:

• Kenyatta Avenue
• Westside Mall
• Government Road

Major supermarkets and mid-range hotels accept credit/debit cards, but always carry some cash (Kenyan shillings) for matatus, tips, or small food stalls.

Medical

Nakuru has several reputable medical facilities:

• Nakuru Level 5 Hospital – the main regional referral hospital.
• Mediheal Hospital – private facility with emergency services.
• War Memorial Hospital – long-established private hospital.

Pharmacies are common throughout the town center and in malls. Always bring personal prescriptions and any specialty medications you may need.

Supplies

Supermarkets such as Naivas, Quickmart, and Tuskys (select locations) stock snacks, drinks, toiletries, mobile phone credit, and some outdoor essentials. For bottled water, insect repellent, or road snacks, these stores are convenient and inexpensive.

Communication

English and Kiswahili are widely spoken, and most locals working in tourism are very friendly. It is easy to ask for directions, negotiate prices, or get help if needed.

Weather

Nakuru sits at a high elevation, giving it relatively mild weather:

• Warm days
• Cool evenings
• Occasional heavy rains during the March–May and October–December wet seasons

If visiting the lake early in the morning, bring a jacket or fleece.

Laundry

Many hotels offer laundry services at reasonable rates. For budget travelers, informal laundries operate around residential areas, but confirm prices beforehand.

Religion & quiet hours

Nakuru is home to a mix of churches, mosques, and temples. Expect early-morning calls to prayer or church singing on weekends. Consider earplugs if you are a light sleeper.