Top 7 Must-See Places To Visit In Nakuru

By Azure Lee

For tourists who are madly in love with wildlife, Kenya has been the bull's eye. As the most developed nation in East Africa, the nation has had an influx of immigrants and investors both since and before the time when the last of the British people left. Nakuru is regarded as the East African city with the quickest growth. Nakuru has a lot to offer a visitor, with tremendous promises to transform it from a little town to a "state of the art" city. If you've decided to travel to Kenya, make sure to stop in Nakuru and enjoy the area.

In this article, we'll explore the top 7 must-see places to visit in Nakuru, ensuring you make the most of your trip to this beautiful destination.

List Of Best Places To Visit In Nakuru

Nakuru offers cultural opportunities in addition to its natural beauty, such as visiting nearby Maasai villages and touring historical locations like the Hyrax Hill Archaeological Site. All visitors can expect a memorable and rewarding experience in Nakuru, whether they choose to explore the national park or become fully immersed in the community.

Here are the best places to visit in Nakuru for your next vacation.

1. Lake Nakuru National Park

For those who enjoy the outdoors and wildlife, Lake Nakuru National Park is one of the fun places to visit in Nakuru. This picturesque park is well-known for its stunning scenery, variety of fauna, and most notably, its large pink flamingo carpets.

Thousands of lesser and larger flamingos congregate along the shoreline here, generating an eye-catching pink tint that truly captures the attention. Visitors can also see majestic Rothschild giraffes, zebras, buffalo, even elusive leopards and lions while touring the park. In addition, approximately 450 different bird species, including pelicans, cormorants, and various raptors, can be found here.

Bring binoculars, a camera, and some comfortable walking shoes if you want to get the most out of your trip to Lake Nakuru National Park. The park has a variety of lodging choices, including hotels and campsites, enabling guests to fully enjoy the wilderness.

Lake Nakuru National Park is one of the fun places to visit in Nakuru

Lake Nakuru National Park is one of the fun places to visit in Nakuru

2. Hyrax Hill Museum and Site

If you are looking for affordable places to visit in Nakuru, then Hyrax Hill Museum and Site is a must on this list. There are three prehistoric village zones at the site, which is barely 4 kilometers from Nakuru city. 

While being small in comparison to other museums, Hyrax Hill is a historical treasure. A Neolithic settlement is still discernible on the property in addition to the museum.

Hyrax Hill Museum is a fantastic little excursion out of Nakuru. The location also boasts a hill from which you can see Lake Nakuru and a little woodland perfect for nature treks.

You might visit the Lanet Prehistoric Site nearby to enhance the experience. The location has the largest known excavations of earthworks in Kenya.

3. Menengai Crater

Beautiful panoramic views may be seen in the crater, especially around sunrise and sunset. Visitors can experience its magnificence up close by hiking to the crater's rim, which is a popular pastime. One of the good places to visit in Nakuru, Menengai Crater is an amazing destination for those who love exploring

When you reach the top, you can explore the crater's broad floor, which is covered in luxuriant fauna and plants. Eagles and vultures are the birds that can be seen soaring above the crater. The wide variety of plant species that are abundant in the area will appeal to those who love nature.

Menengai Crater also provides the chance to go camping and take in the peace and quiet of the natural surroundings for the adventurous. Many permitted camping areas offer minimal amenities, guaranteeing a comfortable stay.

Beautiful panoramic views may be seen in Menengai Crater, especially around sunrise and sunset

Beautiful panoramic views may be seen in Menengai Crater, especially around sunrise and sunset

4. Lord Egerton Castle

When talking about nice places to visit in Nakuru, one cannot ignore Lord Egerton Castle. Lord Maurice Egerton of Tatton built the architectural masterpiece in the 1930s.

In the 1920s, Lord Egerton immigrated to Kenya and resided in the Nakuru region, along with other royals like Lord Delamere. Eventually, he constructed a four-room cottage in an effort to impress the Austrian princess he was about to wed.

The young lady only stayed in the compound for two hours since she wasn't impressed. The magnificent residence was still out of character for the lady, and in 1954 she left for London, refusing to wed him.

Explore this magnificent location to discover the full tale of Egerton's heartbreak and despair. Additionally, you'll uncover the narrative of how he affixed messages to tree branches, cautioning women not to enter his property.

5. Hell’s Gate National Park

Hell’s Gate National Park is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Nakuru. It is situated on the southern bank of Lake Naivasha. This amazing park is well recognized for its towers of granite that are naturally constructed. The steep cliffs and eroded gulleys of this place must be very relaxing. 

The fact that Olkaria and Hobley, two extinct volcanoes, make up this national park is its outstanding feature. The Central Tower and Fischer's Tower are two other volcanic plugs that can be found in the Hell's Gate Gorge. 

Travelers have the opportunity to partake in hiking or cycling along the park's meticulously kept paths, providing them with the chance to closely observe zebras, giraffes, gazelles, and various other wildlife. Furthermore, leopards, cheetahs, and lions inhabit this park as well. Remarkably, over 100 avian species have been documented in this area, encompassing swifts, augur buzzards, vultures, and Verreaux's eagles. 

Hells Gate National Park is situated on the southern bank of Lake Naivasha

Hell's Gate National Park is situated on the southern bank of Lake Naivasha

6. Lake Naivasha

Among the top places to visit in Nakuru on a budget is Lake Naivasha, which is situated in the Great Rift Valley. A paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers, this freshwater lake is located at an elevation of 1,884 meters (6,180 feet) above sea level.

The lake provides a magnificent setting for photography and leisure because it is surrounded by picturesque mountains and lush greenery. Visitors are encouraged to participate in a variety of water sports, including swimming, boating, and fishing.

Lake Naivasha is known for having a wide variety of birds, making it a haven for birdwatchers. Many animals, including giraffes, zebras, and wildebeests, can be seen on guided walking safaris on the nearby Crescent Island.

7. Lake Elementaita

Last on our list of good places to visit in Nakuru is Lake Elementaita. This soda lake, which is situated in the Great Rift Valley, provides visitors with an extraordinary and stunning experience. The lake is renowned for its beautiful surroundings, varied birdlife, and a lengthy past that dates back to the earliest settlers.

A local preserve famed for its various animals, including zebras, giraffes, and antelopes, the Soysambu Conservancy is a beautiful place for nature lovers to explore and take in the scenery.

Lake Elementaita, with its glistening turquoise waters, flamingo flocks, and magnificent sunsets, provides a picturesque setting for photographers. It is the perfect location to take beautiful pictures and make unforgettable memories.

Lake Elementaita is renowned for its beautiful surroundings and varied birdlife

Lake Elementaita is renowned for its beautiful surroundings and varied birdlife

Best Time To Visit These Tourist Attractions In Nakuru

The best time to visit these tourist attractions in Nakuru, Kenya, is between June and October and between December and March, which is the dry season. You'll enjoy clear sky, bright days, and decreased humidity during these months, making it the best time to visit national parks and observe wildlife.

In conclusion, Nakuru is a destination that invites you to uncover its hidden treasures, from wildlife safaris to cultural explorations and encounters with natural wonders. 

For travelers interested in exploring Nakuru and other captivating destinations in Kenya, it's important to note that you may need to apply for a Kenya ETA online before your trip. Be sure to check the Kenya ETA requirements and application process well in advance to ensure a smooth and hassle-free journey. Contact Kenya Immigration Services and plan your unforgettable journey today.