Nakuru, a cosmopolitan city and the fourth largest in Kenya have an estimated population of 2,162,202 people.
It is famous for flamingoes and hosts a large number of animals and birds. Apart from being a transport and commercial center for west Kenya, it provides a lot of tourist attractions affordable for local and international tourists. In no particular order, here are some of the best places to visit in Nakuru, Kenya.
Soysambu conservancy
Situated in Kenya’s central Rift Valley approximately 130 km northwest of Nairobi and 25 km southeast of Nakuru, Soysambu conservancy was created in 2007 as an entity to conserve the flora, fauna, and scenery. It is home to buffalo, leopard, hippo, hyena, jackal, eland, zebra, impala, Thompson’s and Grant’s Gazelle, waterbuck, reedbuck, warthog, steenbok, klipspringer, colobus monkey, vervet monkey, and baboons. It offers game drives, and camping sites and has beautiful scenery to enjoy with family and friends.
Lake Nakuru National park
The lake is described as a beautiful wildlife haven. It is on the floor of the great rift valley, surrounded by wooden and bushy grassland. It is home to beautiful flamingoes, wildlife, and birds, a major tourist attraction to the county. The site offers a variety of viewpoints, a waterfall, beautiful hills, and Cycle with the Rhinos every year. The entrance fee is very affordable to citizens and non-citizens and the beautiful location is worth every shilling spent.
Lake Naivasha
This beautiful freshwater lake is located in Naivasha town, northwest of Nairobi. The name derives from the local Maasai name Nai’posha, meaning “rough water” because of the sudden storms which can arise. Lake Naivasha is famous for its highpopulation of hippos and flamingos and is home to over 400 bird species. It is a haven for boat riders and the best part is that access to the lake is free.
Hells gate national park
Named for the intense geothermal activity within its boundaries, Hell’s Gate National Park is a remarkable quarter of the Great Rift Valley. The 68 km site was established in 1984, and once a tributary of a prehistoric lake that fed early humans in the Rift Valley, it is famous for its hiking trails and beautiful scenery and caves. Entrance is affordable and a guide is offered to facilitate the experience. Cycling through the park to the gorge is 8km where you will see plenty of zebras, gazelles, warthogs, and the odd giraffe, and takes approximately an hour.
Lord Egerton castle
Owned by Egerton university, Lord Egerton Castle is a house styled like a fortress located 14 km outside Nakuru, Kenya. The foundation was laid in 1938 by Maurice Egerton, to impress his Austrian fiancée, Lady Victoria. She had previously rejected a 6-bedroomed cottage built for him by his farm manager, calling it a chicken coop and a dog’s kennel. It is a symbol of timeless beauty, offering grounds for team-building activities, picnic spots, and a beautiful photography destination.
