Nakuru Tourist Places to Visit in Nakuru, Kenya, Africa

Nakuru Tourist Places to Visit in Nakuru, Kenya, Africa

Nakuru is one of the important cities of Kenya, situated in the western part of the country, functioning as the capital of Rift Valley Province. It is the 4^th largest urban centre of Kenya with a population of 307,990 people. Lying around 1850 meters above sea level, Nakuru is located about 160 km northwest of Nairobi, the capital and largest city of Kenya. The geographical coordinates of Nakuru are 0°18′ S 36°4′ E.

Nakuru holds a wide range of winsome attractions to show tourists visiting the city year round, of which the most recognized attractions include the Lake Nakuru National Park, Rift Valley Sports Club and Hyrax Hill Prehistoric Site. The economy of Nakuru is equally concentrated on the three different sectors like agriculture, manufacturing and tourism.

History of Nakuru:

According to the local belief, Nakuru got its name from the Maasai speaking people, who are major natives to Kenya. Nakuru came to limelight during the British colonial period and it gained town status in the year 1904. Nakuru was the hometown of many eminent politicians like Kihika Kimani, Mirugi Kariuki and Kariuki Chotara.

How to reach Nakuru?

Nakuru is served by the Nakuru Airport, which is situated around 10 km away from the midpoint of the city of Nakuru. The airport receives scheduled flights from Nairobi, served by Airkenya Express.

Nakuru can also be reached directly from Nairobi through road by regular bus services.

The local transportation of Nakuru is catered by buses, rental cars and bikes.

Culture, Shopping and Food in Nakuru:

Nakuru is home to the Egerton University, Kabarak University and many other larger and reputed educational institutions of the country.

Shops are abundant including both traditional and modern in Nakuru and some famous restaurants in Nakuru are listed below:

Guava Restaurant
Oyster Shell Restaurant
Merica Hotel Restaurant

Things to do in Nakuru:

Bird watching
Game viewing
Shopping

Tourist Attractions in Nakuru:

Lake Nakuru National Park:

The Lake Nakuru National Park is mainly noted for millions of flamingos nesting along the Lake Nakuru’s shores. Established in 1961, the park is also famous for white rhinos and black rhinoceros population. The park covers a total area of 188 km².

Hyrax Hill Prehistoric Site:

The Hyrax Hill Prehistoric Site is a well known neolithic excavation site, situated in the vicinity of Nakuru. The museum named, Hyrax Hill Prehistoric Site and Museum, was founded in 1945, which provides the complete information on archaeological excavations took place here.

Rift Valley Sports Club:

The Rift Valley Sports Club is located in the heart of Nakuru, hosting different sporting activities throughout the year, including cricket. Cricket is mainly played and organized by the local Indian community here.

Lake Bogoria:

The Lake Bogoria is the part of Lake Bogoria National Reserve, measuring a length of 34 km and width of 3.5 km. Watching Lesser Flamingos nesting on the shoreline of Lake Bogoria will be a big treat for visitors’ eyes.

Lake Baringo:

The Lake Baringo is home to around 470 bird species, including migrating flamingos. The lake measures a surface area of 130 sq. km and elevation of 1,000 meters. There are also many smaller islands including the largest of which Ol Kokwe Island.

Other attractive places in Nakuru include:

Makalia Falls
Baboon Cliff
Lion Ridge
Masai Mara National Reserve
Shaba National Reserve
Lake Oloidien
Ol Kinyei Conservancy
Baboons & Vervits
Hyrax Hill Prehistoric Site
Mara Naboisho Conservancy
Amboseli National Park
Selenkay Conservancy

Ideal time to visit Nakuru:

As like the rest of Kenya, the months of January, February and from June to August is the best time to visit Nakuru.

Where to stay in Nakuru?

Nakuru is a city with all sorts of well facilitated accommodation centres spread up all around the city and its surroundings. It is advised visitors to book hotels well in advance as the city gets fuller with tourists during high season. Here are some nice hotels in Nakuru: