Kenya
Nakuru
Nakuru is the central city of Kenya's Rift Valley region and one of the country's largest. Bordering Lake Nakuru, it offers scenic views along the lakeshore.
Updated August 15, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors
- Gateway airport
- Eldoret International Airport (EDL)
- Best season
- Mar, Jun–Aug
- Time zone
- Africa/Nairobi
- Sights covered
- 4 places
Sights worth seeing
Nature
Lake Nakuru
This lake lies in southern Nakuru, Kenya, at an elevation of 1,754 meters, with shallow, calm waters. It's a great spot to relax amid the open, expansive scenery typical of the highlands.
Nature
Menengai
Menengai is a shield volcano in the Great Rift Valley near Nakuru, home to one of the largest calderas in Africa. It's a great spot to take in both the massive crater and the surrounding valley scenery.
Parks & gardens
Lake Nakuru National Park
This national park surrounds Lake Nakuru, about 160 km northwest of Nairobi. It is the second most visited park after the Maasai Mara, drawing around 200,000 visitors a year.
Museums & galleries
Hyrax Hill Prehistoric Site and Museum
A prehistoric site in Nakuru where excavations led by Dr. Mary Leakey in 1938 uncovered traces of habitation from several eras, leading to its designation as a national monument in 1945. Open to the public since 1965, it offers a firsthand look at the traces of early human life in Kenya.
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Average temperature by month
5-year average
Getting there
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Getting around the city
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Guides by theme
Best value
How to find the best value accommodation in Nakuru, Kenya
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5-star & luxury
Where to stay for a luxury experience in Nakuru, Kenya
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Pool villas & resorts
Where to find pool villas and resorts in Nakuru, Kenya
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Family travel
Where to stay in Nakuru for a family trip
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Couples & honeymoon
Where to stay in Nakuru for couples and honeymooners
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Central & near stations
Where to stay in Nakuru for central access and transport
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Best time to visit
When is the best time to visit Nakuru, Kenya?
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First-time guide
How to visit Nakuru Kenya for the first time
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Getting around
How to get around Nakuru, Kenya
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