Nakuru town at a glance
Nakuru is the main city of Nakuru County and the place where most people sleep, eat and stock up before a visit to Lake Nakuru National Park. Locals and visitors still say Nakuru town, but the official status is city: the city charter was granted on 1 December 2021.
The urban area had about 570,000 residents at the 2019 census. That figure covers the city only, not the whole county. Main Gate of the park is 4 km from Nakuru City, which makes the town an easy base. If you arrive from Nairobi, Lanet Gate is the usual way in because it bypasses the traffic in town.
Most visitors want the park first. If you would rather have the planning done, compare Lake Nakuru day tours from Nairobi before you look for a place to stay.
Places to visit in Nakuru
The park comes first, but the city and its surroundings add a few more stops.
Lake Nakuru National Park
The park covers 188 km² and lies right next to the city. Main Gate, Lanet Gate and Nderit Gate are the three entrances. Gates are open from 06:00 to 18:00. See the safari guide for the rules on the drive.
Hyrax Hill
An archaeological site beside the Nairobi to Nakuru highway. It has Neolithic burials, stone structures, bao game stones and a small museum exhibition. Rates and hours are in the table below.
Lord Egerton Castle
The castle belongs to Egerton University. Ask the university about entry fees and opening hours before you go.
Nyayo Gardens and the Kisulisuli market
The reopening of the gardens and the opening of the market were part of the city charter celebrations in 2021. Ask where you stay about opening hours and market days before you plan a visit.
Menengai Crater
A large caldera above the city with walking trails and viewpoints. Read the Menengai Crater guide for the safety rules at the rim.
Lake Elementaita
About 45 km south of Nakuru on the A104. It is a separate sanctuary with its own entry fees. See the Lake Elementaita guide.
Our pick: pickup in Nakuru
This day trip can start in Nakuru instead of Nairobi, which saves the long drive if you are already in town.
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 day trips
Safaris, day trips from Nairobi and combinations with Lake Naivasha, with live prices and availability.
Hyrax Hill: rates and opening hours
Rates in Kenyan shillings (KES) per person, for the site in 2026.
| Visitor category | Adult | Child |
|---|---|---|
| Kenyan citizens | KES 100 | KES 50 |
| Non-residents within East Africa | KES 400 | KES 200 |
| Non-residents outside East Africa | KES 500 | KES 250 |
Hyrax Hill has its own rates. It is not part of the museum fee revision that took effect on 7 May 2026 for other National Museums of Kenya sites, so do not apply the new Nairobi prices here.
The site is open daily, including public holidays, from 08:30. The site closes at 17:30 or 18:00, so plan to arrive well before 17:30. For most visitors from outside East Africa, the last row of the table applies.
Nakuru city: markets, buses and getting around
Nakuru is a working city, and the busiest parts are the markets and the bus stations. Keep your valuables out of sight there, and do not walk alone at night in areas you do not know. That is general advice for Kenyan cities, not a warning specific to Nakuru.
Ask your accommodation about market days and the usual taxi fare before you head out, and look for a guarded parking space if you bring a car.
For the park, the distances are short. Main Gate is 4 km from the city. Lanet Gate is the recommended entrance for arrivals from Nairobi. Check the getting there guide for the road, bus and shuttle options. Entry is paid through KWSPay or eCitizen, so see the entry fee guide before you set off. If you start in Nairobi, day trips from Nairobi shows what else fits in a Kenya trip.
Where you sleep changes your morning. A hotel in the city is not automatically on the lake shore, and the lake level has changed a lot in recent years. The hotels guide explains stays inside the park, camping and options in town.
Plan the rest of your trip
Pages that go with a stay in Nakuru.
Nakuru town: frequently asked questions
Is Nakuru a town or a city?
Nakuru received city status when the city charter was granted on 1 December 2021. Many people still say Nakuru town, and both names refer to the same place.
How far is the park from Nakuru city?
Main Gate is 4 km from Nakuru City. Lanet Gate and Nderit Gate are the other two entrances, and Lanet is recommended for arrivals from Nairobi because it avoids the traffic in town.
What is there to see at Hyrax Hill?
Hyrax Hill is an archaeological site with Neolithic burials, stone structures, bao game stones and a museum exhibition. It sits beside the Nairobi to Nakuru highway and is open daily from 08:30.
How many people live in Nakuru?
The urban area had about 570,000 residents at the 2019 census. This is the city, not Nakuru County.
Is Nakuru safe for visitors?
Use the same care as in any Kenyan city. Watch your belongings at markets and bus stations and avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas. Check your government's current travel advice before you go.
Is this the official Nakuru or park website?
No. This is an independent travel guide. It is not run by the Kenya Wildlife Service, Nakuru County or any tour operator, lodge or hotel.