Where to stay at Lake Nakuru
Several privately run lodges operate inside the park, alongside self-catering accommodation run by the Kenya Wildlife Service and a set of campsites. Outside the park, Nakuru city has hotels at every level. The right choice depends on how early you want to start and whether you bring a car.
Room prices and availability change by season, so this guide shows locations and the park's camping rates. It has no booking links for rooms.
If you are still deciding how to see the park, look at Lake Nakuru safari options first, since the choice between a day trip and an overnight stay shapes where you sleep.
Nakuru hotels and lodges compared
Four ways to sleep around the park.
| Option | Where | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Lodge in the park | Inside the park boundary | Privately run. Park entry is charged separately. Overnight guests have an exception to the usual gate hours |
| KWS self-catering accommodation | Inside the park | Run by KWS. Reserve through the park warden or the KWS reservation office |
| Campsite | Inside the park | Public site at Makalia and special sites. Special campsites must be reserved ahead and are a pitch only |
| Hotel in Nakuru | Nakuru city, 4 km from Main Gate | Not automatically on the lake shore. Fits visitors with a car or a pickup who start at the gate opening at 06:00 |
For most visitors with a car or a driver, a hotel in Nakuru near Main Gate is the simplest start. Choose a lodge in the park if you want to stay inside after the afternoon drive. Choose a campsite if you bring your own equipment and enjoy self-sufficient travel.
Our pick: nights included near Nakuru
Three nights are included, with the last hotel night near Nakuru, so you do not have to book a bed separately.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Lake Nakuru tours and safaris
Day trips from Nairobi, safaris and combinations with Lake Naivasha, with live prices and availability.
Lake Nakuru lodge: stays inside the park
Several lodges inside the park are privately operated, next to the accommodation run by KWS. If you search for a Lake Nakuru lodge, you may find a property that carries the lake's name, so do not read that name as a description of every stay in the park. When you compare stays, look at the location inside the park and at what the rate includes.
A lodge stay and the park fee are two separate things. Ask your lodge how park entry is handled before you pay, and do not assume that it is waived. Overnight guests have an exception to the standard gate hours of 06:00 to 18:00. That does not mean private night drives are allowed.
The lake level has risen in recent years, so ask your lodge about the current access to the lake and see the weather guide for the rainy seasons.
Camping in Lake Nakuru National Park
Public campsite at Makalia, plus Reedbuck, Naishi, Rhino, Chui, Soysambu, Kambi Nyuki and Kambi Nyati as special campsites.
Not every campsite is open on your day. Special campsites must be reserved ahead and offer a pitch only, so bring your own equipment and drinking water. Reserve through the park warden or the KWS reservation office. Campsites can flood after heavy rain, so check with the park administration before you go.
| Visitor category | Public campsite, adult / child | Special campsite, adult / child |
|---|---|---|
| East African citizen | KES 250 / KES 200 | KES 500 / KES 250 |
| Kenya resident | KES 350 / KES 250 | KES 700 / KES 350 |
| Non-resident | $30 / $25 | $50 / $25 |
| African citizen outside the EAC | $15 / $13 | $25 / $15 |
These are per person and per day, as of October 2025, and they are paid on top of park entry. Confirm the current amount when you reserve. A reservation fee of KES 10,000 per week applies to special campsites and is non-refundable under the tariff. It is not a nightly price. For most visitors a public campsite is the lower-cost start, and a special campsite suits groups who want a private pitch.
Nakuru hotel: staying in the city
Close to the gate, but not on the shore.
Nakuru city lies 4 km from Main Gate, so a hotel in town keeps the drive short. If you arrive from Nairobi, Lanet Gate is the usual entrance because it bypasses the traffic in town. A hotel in the city is not automatically a lakeside stay.
Read the Nakuru town guide for the markets, Hyrax Hill and tips for moving around. If you plan to combine the lake with the Masai Mara, where to stay in the Masai Mara covers the next stop.
Plan the rest of your trip
Pages that go with your choice of stay.
Nakuru hotels: frequently asked questions
Can I stay inside Lake Nakuru National Park?
Yes. Several privately run lodges operate inside the park, and KWS runs its own self-catering accommodation and campsites as well.
Is there only one lodge in the park?
No. Several lodges operate inside the park, and one of them carries the lake's name.
Do I pay park fees on top of a lodge stay?
Park entry is a separate charge, so ask your lodge how it is handled before you pay. Do not assume it is waived.
How much does camping cost?
A public campsite costs $30 per adult and day for non-residents, a special campsite $50, as of 2026. Special campsites also carry a reservation fee of KES 10,000 per week.
Do I have to reserve a campsite?
Special campsites must be reserved ahead. Reserve through the park warden or the KWS reservation office, and check whether your campsite is open after heavy rain.
Is this site run by a hotel or lodge?
No. This is an independent travel guide. It is not the official website of the Kenya Wildlife Service or Nakuru County, and it is not connected to any lodge, hotel or tour operator.