Lake Nakuru National Park
One of Kenya's finest parks lies on the edge of the city, with rhinos, lions, flamingos and Rothschild's giraffes.
Kenya Cities
Nakuru
In the heart of the Great Rift Valley, Nakuru is a lively highland city ringed by soda lakes, volcanic craters and one of Kenya's finest rhino parks.
- Location
- Central Rift Valley, Kenya
- Altitude
- About 1,850 m
- Known For
- Lake Nakuru & Menengai Crater
- Best Time
- June – October, December – March
Discover Nakuru
The Rift Valley's city of lakes.
Nakuru is one of Kenya's major cities, alongside Nairobi, Mombasa and Kisumu, and the leading city of central Kenya's Rift Valley. Set in a fertile farming region at around 1,850 m above sea level, it lies right beside Lake Nakuru National Park, famous for its flamingos, rhinos and Rothschild's giraffes.
Kenya's road and railway network links Nakuru with Nairobi, Kisumu and Mombasa, making the city a natural crossroads for safaris heading north to Samburu, west to the Masai Mara or Kisumu, or along the chain of Rift Valley lakes. Many travellers stay in or around Nakuru for a night on their way between parks.
Beyond the national park, Nakuru offers dramatic volcanic scenery at Menengai Crater, the prehistoric site of Hyrax Hill and easy access to Lakes Elementaita, Naivasha and Bogoria, all within a short drive.
Why Nakuru
A perfect base in the Rift Valley.
Nakuru's central location and surrounding attractions make it far more than a place to change vehicles.
Menengai Crater
Stand on the rim of one of the largest volcanic calderas in Africa, with sweeping views across the Rift Valley.
Hyrax Hill
A prehistoric site with remains of ancient settlements and a small museum telling the story of early life in the Rift.
Rift Valley Lakes
Lake Elementaita, Lake Naivasha and Lake Bogoria are all within easy reach for day trips.
Crossroads for Safaris
Nakuru links routes to Samburu, Ol Pejeta, the Masai Mara and western Kenya.
Location
Where is Nakuru?
Nakuru lies in the central Rift Valley, about 160 km north-west of Nairobi, roughly 2.5 to 3 hours by road along the escarpment and past Lake Naivasha. The entrance to Lake Nakuru National Park is just a few minutes from the city centre.
From Nakuru, the Masai Mara is around 5 hours' drive, Kisumu about 3 to 4 hours, and Ol Pejeta and Nanyuki roughly 3 to 4 hours. Travellers from Arusha usually reach Nakuru via Nairobi, about 5 to 6 hours from Arusha by road.
When to visit
Every season tells a different Nakuru story.
Nakuru's altitude keeps it mild year-round, with two dry seasons and two rainy periods.
Short Dry Season
Warm, sunny days and clear views over the Rift Valley, ideal for crater walks and game drives.
Long Rains
Heavier rain and green landscapes, with fewer visitors.
Long Dry Season
Cool, dry weather and the busiest safari season, perfect for combining Nakuru with the Masai Mara.
Short Rains
Brief showers and fresh green countryside.
What is the best month to visit Nakuru?
Nakuru can be visited all year, with the dry months best for walks and game drives.
Warm and dry, with clear views from Menengai Crater.
Sunny and dry, one of the best months for game drives in Lake Nakuru park.
Mostly dry before the rains, with green hills on the horizon.
The long rains arrive, bringing lush farmland and fewer visitors.
Rainy but green, with quieter roads and lodges.
The dry season begins, with cool mornings and evenings.
Cool and dry, a comfortable month for exploring the Rift Valley.
Dry and busy, as travellers pass through on the way to the Masai Mara.
Pleasant and dry, ideal for crater hikes and lake visits.
Warm and mostly dry, with good wildlife viewing nearby.
Short rains bring brief showers and fresh greenery.
Warm and mostly dry, with a festive atmosphere in town.
Explore the area
Discover the different faces of Nakuru.
From volcanic craters to ancient settlements, Nakuru's highlights lie close together.
South of the cityLake Nakuru National ParkA soda-lake park famous for flamingos, black and white rhinos, Rothschild's giraffes and tree-climbing lions, covered on its own page.
North of the cityMenengai CraterA vast volcanic caldera with viewpoints, hiking trails and wide views across the Rift Valley floor.
East of the cityHyrax Hill Prehistoric SiteAn archaeological site with ancient settlements, burial sites and a small museum.
South-eastLake ElementaitaA small soda lake, part of the UNESCO-listed Kenya Lake System, known for birdlife and calm lakeside lodges.
WestLord Egerton CastleA grand early 20th-century mansion near Njoro, with gardens and an intriguing history.
NorthLake BogoriaA soda lake with steaming hot springs and geysers, reachable on a longer day trip.
Menengai Crater
On the rim of a giant volcano.
Just north of Nakuru, Menengai Crater is one of the largest volcanic calderas in Africa, its floor covered in old lava flows and bush. From the rim, the views stretch across the Rift Valley and Lake Nakuru far below.
Combine a crater walk with a game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park and a visit to Hyrax Hill for a full day that brings together the volcanic, natural and human history of the Rift Valley.
Safaris to 中文
Tours that include Nakuru
Kenya safaris that pass through Nakuru, often combined with Lake Nakuru National Park, Naivasha and the Masai Mara.
Kenya · 7 days
7-Day Kenya Classic Safari
Amboseli · Lake Naivasha · Masai Mara
Private & tailor-madePrice on requestView trip
Kenya · 8 days
8-Day Kenya Safari (Amboseli, Nakuru, Mara)
Amboseli · Lake Naivasha · Lake Nakuru · Masai Mara
Private & tailor-madePrice on requestView trip
Kenya · 7 days
7-Day Hartebeest Safari
Ol Pejeta Conservancy · Lake Nakuru · Masai Mara
Private & tailor-madePrice on requestView trip
Kenya · 8 days
8-Day Spirit of Wild Safari
Amboseli · Lake Naivasha · Masai Mara
Private & tailor-madePrice on requestView trip
Kenya · 10 days
10-Day Kenya's Grandeur Safari
Samburu National Reserve · Ol Pejeta Conservancy · Lake Nakuru · Masai Mara
Private & tailor-madePrice on requestView trip
Kenya · 6 days
6-Day Signature Kenya Safari: Majesty of the Mane
Masai Mara · Lake Nakuru
Private & tailor-madePrice on requestView trip
Kenya · 8 days
8-Day Through Kenya's Wild Heart: Maasai Lands & Big Five
Ol Pejeta Conservancy · Lake Nakuru · Masai Mara
Private & tailor-madePrice on requestView trip
Kenya · 8 days
8-Day Ultimate Kenya Safari Experience
Samburu National Reserve · Ol Pejeta Conservancy · Lake Nakuru · Masai Mara
Private & tailor-madePrice on requestView trip
Kenya · 9 days
9-Day Big Five Signature Safari: Tracks of Legends
Aberdare · Ol Pejeta Conservancy · Lake Nakuru · Masai Mara
Private & tailor-madePrice on requestView trip
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Planning to visit Nakuru?
Tell us your route and dates. A GIP Adventure specialist will plan your stay in Nakuru and combine it with Lake Nakuru National Park, the Rift Valley lakes and the Masai Mara.
Usually replies within minutesHeritage
The story behind Nakuru.
Nakuru's name is often said to come from the Maasai word for a dusty place, a reminder of the dust devils that swirl across the Rift Valley floor. People have lived in the area for thousands of years, as the prehistoric remains at Hyrax Hill show, and the land was later home to Maasai pastoralists.
The modern town grew up around the Uganda Railway in the early 20th century, becoming a centre for farming in the fertile Rift Valley highlands. Nakuru has since grown into one of Kenya's fastest-growing urban centres and was officially granted city status in 2021.
Is Nakuru the same as Lake Nakuru?
No. Nakuru is the city, while Lake Nakuru National Park lies right beside it and has its own page.
How far is Nakuru from Nairobi?
About 160 km, or 2.5 to 3 hours by road.
What is there to do in Nakuru?
Game drives in Lake Nakuru National Park, Menengai Crater, Hyrax Hill and day trips to nearby Rift Valley lakes.
Is Nakuru a good overnight stop?
Yes. It sits between Nairobi, the Masai Mara, Samburu and western Kenya, making it ideal for breaking long journeys.
What is the weather like in Nakuru?
Mild all year thanks to its altitude, with warm days, cool nights and two rainy seasons.
Can I combine Nakuru with Lake Naivasha?
Yes. Lake Naivasha is about an hour away and makes an easy addition to any Rift Valley itinerary.
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