Explore Nakuru County

Nakuru County is recognized as a top destination for safaris, vacations, and a variety of travel adventures in the Rift Valley. Famous for its breathtaking scenery, rich wildlife, and lively culture, it draws tourists from across the globe. This guide will help travelers discover exciting activities, find comfortable accommodation, explore major attractions such as Lake Nakuru National Park and Menengai Crater, and experience the vibrant local traditions. Whether you are seeking thrilling wildlife encounters, tranquil nature walks, or cultural immersion, Nakuru County offers something for every type of traveler.

Attractions in Nakuru County

Naivasha

Naivasha has gained widespread recognition over the past twenty years for its thriving flower farms, which contribute significantly to Kenya’s horticultural industry. However, beyond its agricultural fame, Naivasha is equally celebrated for the stunning freshwater Lake Naivasha. Situated approximately 90 kilometers from Nairobi, about an hour’s drive through the scenic Great Rift Valley, the lake offers a serene escape with its crystal-clear waters and rich biodiversity. It is an ideal destination for bird watching enthusiasts, boasting a variety of vibrant bird species. Additionally, visitors can explore the surrounding wildlife sanctuaries, including Elsamere, the historic home of Joy and George Adamson, who are renowned for their work with wildlife conservation and popularized by the *Born Free* legacy. This unique blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage makes Naivasha a captivating spot for nature lovers and travelers alike.

Popular Camping Sites in Naivasha: Fisherman’s Camp, Camp Carnelleys, Crayfish, Crater Lake Camps, KWS Hippo Camp

Hell’s Gate National Park – A Wild Adventure

Situated south of Lake Naivasha and northwest of Nairobi, Hell’s Gate National Park is famous for its striking rock formations, vast plateaus, and deep gorges. The park features dormant volcanoes such as Olkaria and Hobley’s, along with volcanic plugs like Fischer’s Tower and Central Tower. It hosts a rich variety of wildlife including buffalo, zebra, eland, hartebeest, giraffe, Thomson’s gazelle, lions, leopards, cheetahs, and the rare mountain reedbuck. Additionally, the park serves as a sanctuary for more than 100 bird species, including vultures, eagles, and buzzards. Historically, the cliffs provided habitat for the now almost extinct Lammergeyer vulture.

Key Activities and Attractions: Game drives, hiking, and cycling, Spectacular gorge walks, Hot springs, The Olkaria Geothermal Station, Mervyn Carnelley Raptor Hide

Access to Hells Gate by road: The location is approximately 90 kilometers from Nairobi. To reach it, you would travel via Naivasha, taking the route that passes along Lake Road South. This scenic drive offers views of the surrounding landscape as you journey from the capital city towards your destination. The road is generally well-maintained, making the trip comfortable and accessible by private car or public transport options.

Access to Hells Gate by Air: Naivasha airstrip is a convenient option for travelers wishing to reach Naivasha quickly. The airstrip is located close to the town, providing easy access to nearby attractions, accommodations, and business centers. It primarily serves small aircraft and charter flights, making it ideal for tourists, private pilots, and those on short visits. From the airstrip, passengers can enjoy scenic views of the surrounding landscapes, including the famous Lake Naivasha and the Great Rift Valley. Transfers and shuttle services are often available from the airstrip to various hotels and resorts in the area, ensuring a smooth and comfortable arrival experience.

Accommodation: There are no lodges within the park itself, but a variety of options are available in Naivasha town and along Moi South Lake Road. Campsites include Oldubai (situated on a clifftop), Nairburta, and Endchata (located on the northern cliffs).

Mt. Longonot National Park – “Sheer Adventure”

Situated 90 km from Nairobi, Mt. Longonot rises to an impressive height of 2,776 meters above sea level. This inactive volcano is characterized by its rugged ridges adorned with sparse plant life, resulting in a distinctive and striking landscape. The expansive crater floor at the top presents an excellent opportunity for hiking enthusiasts, offering stunning views and a fulfilling outdoor adventure. Its closeness to Nairobi makes Mt. Longonot a favored spot for both casual walkers and dedicated trekkers eager to explore volcanic landscapes and appreciate the area’s natural beauty.

Key Highlights: Extinct volcano and crater forest, Lake Naivasha, Mount Eburru, Mount Suswa, and the Rift Valley, Wildlife such as buffalo, eland, lions, leopards, and several antelope species

Accommodation: Visitors to Mt. Longonot will not find lodging within the park itself, as accommodations are not allowed inside the park boundaries. However, a range of options is available in the nearby town of Naivasha and along Moi South Lake Road, providing easy access to the park. For those looking for a more authentic outdoor experience, campsites like Olongoonot and Osotua offer great alternatives. Osotua, in particular, operates as a community-run campsite, supporting local development while allowing guests to connect closely with nature. These choices ensure that travelers have comfortable and convenient places to stay while enjoying the stunning landscapes of Mt. Longonot.

Popular Activities: Mountain hiking, Biking, Bird watching, Wildlife viewing

Lake Naivasha

Lake Naivasha, a freshwater lake located northwest of Nairobi, covers an area of approximately 139 square kilometers and rests at an altitude of 1,884 meters. The lake is surrounded by vibrant flower farms and patches of remaining wetlands, which support a diverse and abundant birdlife, boasting over 400 species. Additionally, Lake Naivasha is home to a healthy population of hippos that thrive in its waters. In the vicinity, smaller lakes such as Lake Oloiden and the crater lake Sonachi add to the region’s rich natural landscape.

Nakuru Town and Nearby Attractions

Menengai Crater

Menengai Crater, situated just 8 kilometers from the Nyahururu-Nakuru road, is a remarkable dormant volcano known for its massive and exceptionally well-preserved caldera, which descends 483 meters from the rim. This impressive geological site offers an ideal terrain for hiking, with the crater floor providing a unique and adventurous experience for visitors. Both the summit and the surrounding areas can be reached either on foot or by vehicle, making it accessible for a variety of explorers. Additionally, Menengai is a significant site for geothermal energy exploration, highlighting its importance not only as a natural attraction but also as a vital resource for sustainable energy development.

Attractions: Crater walks, Wild South African protea flowers, Bird watching

Accommodation: Maili Saba, a simple tented camp on the crater rim, offers stunning views.

Lake Elementeita

Lake Elementeita, located just 40 kilometers from Nakuru along the Nairobi-Nakuru highway, is a remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Site encompassing 18 square kilometers within the Soysambu Conservancy. This serene soda lake serves as a vital sanctuary for a diverse array of wildlife, including large flocks of great white pelicans and vibrant flamingos that grace its shores. Additionally, the conservancy provides a protected habitat for the endangered Rothschild giraffe, contributing to important conservation efforts. Lake Elementeita’s unique ecosystem and rich biodiversity make it a significant natural treasure in Kenya.

Key Activities: Game drives, Horse riding, Bird watching, Visits to natural hot springs

Accommodation: Lake Elementeita Lodge, Lake Elmenteita Serena Camp, The Sleeping Warrior Camp and Lodge

Museums and Historical Sites

Kariandusi Site:

Acheulian archaeological site with ancient tools and fossils near Lake Elementeita. The site features a remarkable collection of ancient stone tools and fossils. This site provides valuable insights into early human technology and behavior, showcasing hand axes and other implements characteristic of the Acheulian industry. The proximity to Lake Elementeita suggests that early hominins may have utilized the area for resources such as water and food, making it an important location for understanding human evolution and prehistoric life in the region. Fossil remains found alongside these tools help to reconstruct the environment and the species that inhabited it millions of years ago, contributing significantly to the study of our ancient ancestors.

Hyrax Hill Museum:

Hyrax Hill Museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the history and culture of the extinct Sirikwa people through its carefully preserved artifacts and ancient dwellings. Situated on a prominent hilltop, the museum not only showcases archaeological finds that reveal the lifestyle and traditions of this early community but also provides breathtaking panoramic views over the city of Nakuru and its scenic lake. Visitors to Hyrax Hill Museum can immerse themselves in the rich heritage of the region while enjoying the stunning natural beauty that surrounds this unique historical site.

Olorgesailie Prehistoric Site:

The Olorgesailie Prehistoric Site, located about 90 kilometers southwest of Nairobi, is a significant archaeological area known for its rich collection of prehistoric fossils dating back approximately 1.2 million years. This remarkable site provides valuable insights into early human history and evolution. Visitors to Olorgesailie can explore the extensive museum that showcases these ancient artifacts, as well as enjoy the adjacent campsite, which offers a unique opportunity to experience the natural surroundings where early humans once lived. The combination of well-preserved fossils and accessible facilities makes Olorgesailie an important destination for both researchers and tourists interested in the origins of humanity.

Lake Nakuru National Park

Located 140 km northwest of Nairobi, Lake Nakuru National Park is renowned for its stunning alkaline lake, whose shores are often tinted pink by vast flocks of flamingos. This vibrant display of wildlife attracts birdwatchers from around the world, as the park is home to over 450 bird species. Beyond its avian population, Lake Nakuru National Park supports diverse mammal life, including both black and white rhinos, majestic lions, elusive leopards, and lively baboons, making it a rich and dynamic ecosystem well worth exploring.

Accommodation Options: Lake Nakuru Lodge, Sarova Lion Hill Lodge, Flamingo Hill Tented Camp

Campsites: Naishi, Chui, Rhino, Soysambu, Nyati, Nyuki, Reedbuck, Public campsites: Makalia, Backpackers

Activities: Game drives, Bird watching, Camping

Access to Lake Nakuru by Road: The park is located 156 km northwest of Nairobi along the A104 highway, accessible through several gates including the main gate and Lanet Gate.

Access to Lake Nakuru by Air: Via Naishi airstrip.

Njoro Town: Lord Egerton Castle

Lord Egerton Castle, built between 1938 and 1954 by Lord Egerton, stands as a grand and impressive estate spanning over 100 acres. Originally constructed as a romantic gesture for his fiancée, the castle’s story took a tragic turn when she rejected his proposal. In response, Lord Egerton famously forbade women from entering the castle. The mansion itself is notable for its exquisite use of imported marble and tiles, reflecting the luxury and ambition behind its construction. Today, the castle is owned by Egerton University and is open to visitors, offering a fascinating glimpse into its unique history and architectural grandeur.

Nakuru County offers a rich blend of natural beauty, wildlife, cultural heritage, and adventure-making it an exceptional destination for all travelers. Whether you seek wild safaris, tranquil lakes, or historic explorations, Nakuru’s tourism circuit promises an unforgettable experience.

Related Articles

• Explore the breathtaking Lake Nakuru National Park, famous for its flamingo populations and diverse wildlife including rhinos and lions
• Visit Menengai Crater, one of the largest volcanic calderas in the world, offering hiking and panoramic views
• Discover Hyrax Hill Prehistoric Site to learn about early human settlements and archaeological findings
• Experience the cultural richness through visits to local Maasai villages and community-run tourism initiatives
• Enjoy bird watching at Lake Elmenteita, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its rare and migratory bird species
• Take scenic drives and nature walks around the Great Rift Valley escarpments for stunning landscapes and photography
• Enjoy waterfalls, nature trails, and picnic spots within the Lake Nakuru ecosystem
• Participate in local festivals and events to immerse in Nakuru’s vibrant culture and traditions
• Explore Nakuru town’s markets for local crafts, souvenirs, and authentic Kenyan cuisine
• Use Nakuru as a gateway to other nearby attractions such as Hell’s Gate National Park and Lake Naivasha