Nakuru

Nakuru is the administrative and economical headquarters of Nakuru County. Conveniently situated between Nairobi and Western Kenya, it also serves as a transit city for many travellers. Nakuru is the fourth largest city in Kenya after Kisumu City.

By plane

L. Nakuru airstrip is available for landing.

By train

There is only one train line. however it has not been operating for some years now.

By car

From Nairobi, the 158-km (100-mile) journey would take approximately 2 hours. The newly renovated roads can be dangerous as not all sections have dual carriageways. The scenery is beautiful, from Nairobi you will see the Great Rift Valley below from the highway. from Nakuru to Kericho it is 108 km, from Nakuru to Nyahururu it is 65 km and from Nakuru to Eldoret it is 156 km.

By bus and shuttle

• Mololine Prestige Shuttle, Crossroads, 2NK shuttle offer 9-seater up to 14 seater minivan services to Nairobi, Kisumu and Eldoret.
• Mololine Prestige Shuttle cost Ksh 500 from Nakuru to Nairobi. and is known for its excellent service and security. It has only 10 seats per minivan. Takes 3 hours.
• The large bus companies Easy coach & Modern Coast Express have Nairobi to Kampala coaches which stop in Nakuru. Busways have booking offices opposite the mosque.
• Easy Coach & Modern Coast Express has buses to Nairobi 3 hours. Eldoret 3 hours. Kisumu 3 hours.
• There are also buses going to/from Kericho, Nyahururu and Kisii.
• The large bus fare from Nakuru to Nairobi (Oct 2015) is Ksh 400.

Lake Nakuru National Park is home to the famous pink flamingoes. It also offers viewing of various other species of animals and birds.
Menengai Crater is a dormant volcanoes that still spews out smoke. A view from the edge of the crater is a must.

You can visit the lake Nakuru National Park which is near by or get inside the malls.
Visit a game of Rugby at Nakuru Athletics Club on a Saturday at 2PM and 4PM.

• Westside Mall

  phone: +254 717333813
  address: Kenyatta Aveune
  Has a supermarket and a food court.

• Ecobank

  phone: +254 20-2883000
  address: Club Road
  Has a no fee Master Card/Visa Card ATM

• Naivas Supermarket

  address: old Nairobi Road Milimani Estate

• Choppies Supermarket

  address: Pandit Nehru Road.

• Tuskys Supermarket

  address: Pandit Nehru Road.

• Equity Bank

  address: West Road
  Has a no fee Mastercard/Visa card ATM.

Budget

• Ribbons

  address: Mburu Gichua Rd
  African food for around Ksh 100-150 per course.

Mid-range

• TaidysA mix of African and Western food. Pizza Ksh 300, most courses a little less.

Splurge

• Merica HotelWestern food in an upmarket hotel. Meals for around Ksh 500, they also have a pool you can use for Ksh 300.

Local drinks (Tusker)from the local bars, pops are available.

• Blue Magic bar and lounge

  phone: +254 722437761
  address: Kiti,mawanga.
  Local and international quality drinks all at affordable prices. Wide variety of whiskeys, vodkas, brandy and beer. A place you definitely want to visit and share the experience with friendly staff and clientelle.

There are a great many budget hotels available in Nakuru, many are within 5 minutes walking distance from the Matatu station.

Budget

• Nakuru Backpackers Hostel

  phone: +254 721 543 406
  address: Oginga Odinga Aveune
  Hostel with a bar and hot showers.

• Shik Park view Hotel

  phone: +254 20 2614381
  address: Kenyatta Ave
  The cheapest are very small rooms with bathroom, reasonably clean, with mosquito nets, and good security. Downstairs is a restaurant and a quiet bar.

• New Mount Sinai Hotel

  address: Bazar road
  Has single and double rooms.

• Care Guest House

  phone: +254 721636447
  address: Pandhit Nehru road
  Single/double room with own bathrooms.

• Joska Hotel

  phone: +254 51 2212546
  address: Pandhit Nehru road
  Single/double rooms

• Carnation Hotel

  phone: +254 51 2215360
  address: Mosque Road
  Single/double rooms.

• Salama Resort

  address: Market road
  Double room with own bathroom and mosquito net, TV, free breakfast.

• Kaka Guest House

  address: Mosque Road
  Double rooms with own bathrooms and TV.

• Pekars Lodge

  address: Mburu Gichua Road
  Double rooms with own bathrooms, TV, free Wi-fi, free buffet breakfast.

• Rhino Campsite

  address: Off Kabatini Road
  Camping in rhino campsite tent.

• Amigos Guest House

  address: Gusil Road

• Tropical Vlley Lodge

  address: Moi Road.

• Amoodis B&L

  phone: +254 51-2241939
  address: Nehru Road
  Double room with hot water bathrooms.

• Avenue Suites

  phone: +254 51-2210607
  address: Kenyatta Avenue.
  Single/double rooms with own hot water bathroom, nets.

• Pivot Lodge

  phone: +254 714-471111
  address: Lower Factory Road
  Single/double rooms with own hot water bathroom, nets, DSTV.

• Pandoria Hotel

  address: Mosque Road
  Double room with own hot water bathroom, views over the lake.

• Kivu Retreat ResortCamping/double room with own bathroom. Swimming pool.

• El mawanga bar and lodge

  phone: +254 722437761
  Bar and lodge away from the town center. Safe, secure and affordable. Staff is very courteous.

Mid-range

• Chester Hotel

  phone: +254 020-2327654
  address: General Kariba Street, near Moi Rd
  Clean, secure, and comfortable hotel with pleasant staff. Wireless internet in lobby, good restaurant.

Splurge

At the Westside Mall (intersection Kenyatta Ave and West Road) is a Java Coffee (like Starbucks) with free Wifi and good coffee. There are also many "Cyber" (internet cafes) all over down town.

Nakuru is safe to walk around during daytime. In the evening, Bazaar Road and the small side lanes don't feel too safe anymore. After 11PM the night security guards in front of the banks on main Kenyatta Road start to fall asleep and nobody seems to walk on the streets anymore.