Apart from the pink lake, do you know the breathtaking places to visit in Nakuru? Destinations in Nakuru include famous lakes, a spa and historic sites that make Nakuru worth visiting.
Do you want to see Heaven and Hell in Nakuru? Tourist attractions in Nakuru County have breathtaking, scary-like features that make it a preferred destination. The things to do in Nakuru open up visitors to experience what makes Nakuru unique.
And after all is said and done, rest at the best places to stay in Nakuru. With expert consultants in tourism, Naicef knows the best time to visit Nakuru County for the best experiences.
Our contacts, my@naicef.com and calling at +254799922277, enable the Naicef team to handle your enquiries and curate the best packages to Nakuru.
From healing spas, gorges, towers, pink birds, food-like and sleeping man hills to early man excavation sites, Nakuru County is one of the fascinating places to visit in Kenya.
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Best Places To Visit in Nakuru County
Below are the best tourist attractions in Nakuru that make it one of the must-visit destinations in Kenya.
1. Lake Nakuru
The pink lake, as it is called, is one of the famous attractions in Kenya in Nakuru County. The lake is an Important Bird Area and a RAMSAR site. These two recognitions show the significance of the lake and why it has its pink nature. Moreover, it’s the first bird sanctuary in Africa!
Now, the pink nature of the lake from far and closer views because of the flamingoes that inhabit the lake shore. These birds make the lake famous, as curiosity lingers in the minds of people as to why that lake is pink.
Well, the lake is alkaline in nature and produces food for the flamingoes, attracting them to the lake.
So, Barbie fans, the pink lake is perfect for your aesthetics!
For the best view of these birds and many more, the best time to visit Lake Nakuru is from May to June.
2. Lake Nakuru National Park
One of the unique national parks in Kenya with a one-of-a-kind attraction. Birds, wild animals, four out of the five big 5 animals and attractions make the park interesting.
Within the park is the beautiful Lake Nakuru, which, as mentioned above, is the main attraction in Nakuru.
Naicef’s professional guide ensures you get the best of the park and enjoy the best things to do in Lake Nakuru National Park.
3. Hell’s Gate National Park
Welcome to the Pride Lands! Towers of rocks, gorges, herds of Zebras, and a spa define this park, making it a unique destination to travel in Kenya.
The park that gave inspiration for the making of one of the best animations in history, the famous Disney’s The Lion King.
Hell’s Gate National Park makes it to the top 10 best national parks in Kenya. Why? This is because this national park has 5 geothermal spas, caves, rocks and towers that can’t be found anywhere in Kenya!
4. Ol Karia Geothermal Spa
This spa is one of the best wellness destinations in Kenya, found within the dramatic Hell’s Gate National Park.
The Ol Karia Geothermal Spa is an attractive natural hot watered pool and is the largest in the African Continent.
Here, hot water can be from the different wells and in the form of hot steam that cools through the collecting pipes and can be collected into the main pool that has higher temperatures between 30-40 degrees Celsius.
Desire to experience the Ol Karia Geothermal Spa because the pool has health benefits that help soften the skin, detoxify it and overall heal the skin.
5. Menengai Crater
The Menengai crater is a famous tourist attraction in Kenya, which is known as an extinct volcano in the entire East Africa.
The crater has a surface area of 90 sq km with a height of 2,490 m. Moreover, the crater is deep and is best seen during a safari in Nakuru County.
Menengai Crater, which has a dark mystery to it, is specifically on Mount Longonot within Mount Longonot National Park.
Did you know Mount Longonot is has one of the challenging hiking trails in Kenya that can be done in a day? Naicef gives you a chance to experience the best 1 day Mt.Longonot hike.
Moreover, whether you want to see the world’s largest caldera or the highest mountain in Kenya, Naicef has well-curated packages for you.
6. Lake Elementaita
Lake Elementaita is a soda lake between Lake Nakuru and Lake Naivasha in the Great Rift Valley. There are over 61,000 average birds and more than 450 species, and 80 of them are waterfowl.
Moreover, there are Zebras, Gazelles, Rothschild Giraffes, Colobus Monkeys, and Eland,s making it one of the best places to go for a safari in Kenya.
At the southern end of the lake, there are Kikopey hot springs where tilapia grahami breed.
Our professional Naicef guide has interesting stories about Lake Elementaita and its beautiful surroundings.
7. Lord Egerton Castle
The way to a lady’s heart is? Well, for Lord Egerton the castle was to impress an English Lady, Victoria, whom he was courting. But, to his surprise, the lady turned down his offer, naming his house a chicken coop.
Determined to impress her, he built an imposing castle in 1938 to win her love. The lady turned down his marriage offer and left for England. Feeling humiliated, Lord Egerton became angry and made a resolution to have nothing to do with any woman, even with his workers; no females were allowed in his compound.
Lord Egerton Castle is one of the destinations in Nakuru a fortress, located 14 km outside Nakuru, Kenya.
Maurice Egerton, 4th Baron Egerton, laid the castle’s foundation in 1938. There are swelling hills and rolling scrubs in the background, hence its architecture rises above the landscape.
The castle has 52 rooms which comprise master bedrooms, entrance hall, wine cellar, dark chamber for developing photos, dance hall with electric organ and study rooms.
8. Crescent Island Game Sanctuary
Located on Lake Naivasha and accessed via a boat ride on the lake, either from the east or west side.
This sanctuary is one of the best places to visit in Nakuru for a picnic with family or friends. The birds, animals and beautiful environment give the perfect company for a lively experience. Whether during the morning or afternoon.
9. Kigio Wildlife Sanctuary
One of the beautiful tourist attractions in Nakuru, located in Gilgil, is a community-owned wildlife conservancy.
The conservancy was founded in 1997, having 3,500 acres, and is now home to over 100 indigenous plant species, bird species and animals.
10. Ugali Hills and Sleeping Warrior
Located near the shores of Lake Elementaita, Sleeping Warrior and Ugali Hills have one of the most picturesque hiking trails in Kenya.
The hike takes 6 hours and is suitable for all levels of hikers, whether beginner or expert hikers. Sleeping warrior hills looks like a man sleeping on his back, while Ugali hills resemble Kenya’s staple food made from maize flour.
Remember to put on appropriate hiking gear before hiking.
11. Heaven’s Gate Prayer Mountain
A strict place of prayer and fasting for those seeking a spiritual retreat with God, where divinity meets humanity.
Started in 2011, Heaven’s Gate Prayer Mountain is managed by Apostle John Kimani William, founder of Kingdom Seekers Fellowship and the Mission To The Body Of Christ (MBCI). It is open to anyone strictly looking to meditate in the presence of God.
Furthermore, there are guidelines and requirements to follow before visiting the place.
Heaven’s Gate prayer mountain overlooks Lake Nakuru and includes a prayer hall, watchtowers, guest houses and beautiful landscaping.
12. Kariandusi Museum & Prehistoric Site
This site is one of the destinations in Nakuru, east of Lake Elementaita. In 1928, Louis Leakey, a palaeontologist, visited the central Rift Valley and discovered this site.
As one of the best historic places to visit in Nakuru, it is known for having fossils, a gorge, a cave, cleaver specimens, volcanic glass knives and heavy hand axes.
Next to it is the Kariandusi museum, where there are exhibits of early man displays.
13. Hyrax Hill Prehistoric Site and Museum
Named after a small animal, a hyrax that lived around the area, the site was discovered by Louis Leakey in 1926.
This is one of the tourist attractions in Nakuru that rarely gets crowded, and so, it is perfect to spend time with your loved ones.
14. Subukia Shrine
Subukia Shrine is one of the destinations in Nakuru that is most visited by Christian believers. The shrine is owned by the Kenya Episcopal Conference and managed by the Franciscan Friars, a Catholic order.
Subukia Shrine is one of the best places to visit in Nakuru for families for a spiritual retreat.
15. Soysambu Conservancy
Soysambu Conservancy is one of the destinations in Nakuru bordering Lake Elementaita Wildlife Sanctuary.
Moreover, the conservancy is a national treasure and a heritage wildlife conservancy in Kenya that is of great value to the people through sustainable conservation.
Did you know one of the noted visitors is Theodore Roosevelt? In addition, the film Tomb Raider 3 was filmed in this conservancy!
This is one of the best places to visit in Nakuru!
16. Makalia Falls.
Located within Lake Nakuru National Park in Kenya, Makalia Falls is one of the rewarding tourist attractions in Nakuru after a game drive inside the park.
Cool yourself at the baby falls. Did you know that Shimba Hills National Reserve has rewarding attractions? Yes, the Elephant viewpoint and the Sheldrick waterfalls.
17. Lake Elementaita
Lake Elementaita is one of the tourist attractions in Nakuru and one of the best places to visit in Nakuru with friends and family.
Moreover, it is in the Great Rift Valley, 30 kilometres from Nakuru and is part of the lake system, recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Things To Do In Nakuru County
With the tourist attractions in Nakuru, here are the best things to do
1. Safari
Nakuru County is one of the best places to go for a safari in Kenya. Lake Nakuru National Park is one of the most visited national parks in Kenya because of its large population of lesser and greater flamingoes.
A game drive in the park is worth every experience. Moreover, get to see four of the Big 5 animals in Kenya. A safari in Lake Nakuru National Park is one of the main things to do in Nakuru.
A 2-day Lake Nakuru Safari Package is an experiential package to enable the best of Lake Nakuru National Park.
Moreover, Hell’s Gate National Park is a perfect safari destination in Kenya where gorges, towers, and caves await your exploration.
And yes, children can visit Hell’s Gate National Park and learn where their favourite Disney animation got its inspiration from.
Naicef has a student’s educational tour to Hell’s Gate National Park..
2. Birdwatching
Did you know Nakuru has some of the best birdwatching places in Kenya? So, if you want to go to the best places for birdwatching in Kenya, Nakuru should be at the top of your list.
Chirp with the birds as you carry your binoculars along. Not to mention, do you know your birds? Our Naicef professional guide will educate you on what you didn’t know about the bird watching places in Kenya.
3. Hiking
The Sleeping Warrior and Ugali Hills hiking trails are the most rewarding hiking trails in Kenya.
Hiking is one of the most amazing things to do in Nakuru because of the picturesque views of the lakes.
If you want to hike on a mountain towering over two countries, Naicef has the best 4-day Mount Elgon Hike, where you will see hot springs. See you at the top!
4. Spa Activity
One of the best things to do in Nakuru is to go for a spa in the largest geothermal spa in Africa! This spa has health benefits to clean your skin and make it look beautiful and healthy again.
Ol Karia Geothermal Spa is one of the best wellness destinations in Kenya and Africa!
So, dive and get refreshed!
Need a refreshing spa experience between Naivasha and Nakuru? Naicef gives you the best 3-day wellness package.
5. Cycling & Rock Climbing
It is at Hell’s Gate National Park where cycling is common and rock climbing. Can you climb to the Pride Rock and overlook the savannah?
Find out during your visit to Nakuru!
4. Cultural Tours & Interaction
Kenyans are the friendliest people with heartwarming welcomes. That is no exception to the Nakuru people!
Learn their way of life and what makes them unique, like Kenya’s Maasai Culture. Visit the local markets, enjoy nightlife and local dining.
The Best Places To Stay In Nakuru
Here are the best hotels in Nakuru, as you visit these fascinating destinations in Nakuru
- Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge
- Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge
- The Midland Hotel, Nakuru
- Sarova Woodlands Hotel
- Lake Elementaita Mountain Lodge
- Merica Hotel
- Rock Hyrax Hill Hotel
- Ole-Ken Hotel
- Emboita Hotel
- Nakuru Milimani Guest House
Naicef has the best hotel deals for the best hotels in Nakuru, an example, see the best hotel deals for Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge or Sarova Hotels in Nakuru
However, if you want to stay at a B&B in Nakuru, see Naicef’s best guide on BnBs in Nakuru.
Conclusion Of The Best Places To Visit In Nakuru
In conclusion, the best destinations in Nakuru County include;
- Lake Nakuru
- Lake Nakuru National Park
- Lake Naivasha
- Lake Elementaita
- Lord Egerton’s castle
- Hell’s Gate National Park
- Menengai Crater
To have the best tour in any county in Kenya, reach out to Naicef for the best Kenyan experiences.
We are the best tour company in Kenya for county experiences because we focus on;
- Customer Centricity: We customise the best experiences in Kenya and give the best to each traveller.
- Quality: We craft African experiences of the highest quality for unforgettable memories.
- Professionalism: Our team is dedicated to fostering long-lasting relationships with all travel partners.
Moreover, on every safari/county experience you take with Naicef, you contribute to Sustainable tourism through our sustainable environmental and local community programs. Naicef focuses on raising responsible tourists.
For the best Kenyan experience, contact Naicef via my@naicef.com or +254799922277
You can also opt for our Naicef savings plan to plan your visit to any national parks in Kenya.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Best Places To Visit In Nakuru County
Here are the most asked questions about the tourist attractions in Nakuru
1. What is Lake Nakuru Famous for?
Lake Nakuru is known as the pink lake, because it is a haven for the lesser and greater flamingos. Moreover, there are sightings of four of the big 5 animals of Kenya.
2. What is there to see in Hell’s Gate National Park?
Rocks, Towers, Gorges, wildlife and bird species.
3. Where is Ol Karia Spa located?
Ol Karia Geothermal Spa is one of a kind and the largest in Africa. It is located within Hell’s Gate National Park.
4. How much does it cost to enter Lord Egerton Castle?
The entrance fee for entering Lord Egerton Castle is KES 150 for residents and KES 450 non-residents.
5. Is Lake Nakuru worth visiting
Thousands of flamingos at the shore and Rhinos, other wildlife animals, in addition to birds, await your exploration and sighting. Making it worth visiting Lake Nakuru.
