Nakuru Viewpoints and Sights

October 31, 2026

Travel advice, 31 October 2026: the US State Department rates Kenya at Level 3 (“Reconsider Travel”) and an Ebola outbreak is being reported in Nairobi. Nakuru is not named in the UK or US lists of areas to avoid. Read the UK government Kenya advice and the US travel advisory before you book.

Most of Nakuru’s best sights are lookouts, and several are inside Lake Nakuru National Park. You see them from a vehicle or from the designated picnic and viewpoint sites, so plan the day around the park’s gate hours and bring layers for the cool mornings at about 1,850 m.

Inside Lake Nakuru National Park

Baboon Cliff is the highest viewpoint in the park. It has a picnic site, and its long view across the lake is the reason most people stop. Baboons live here, so keep food sealed in the vehicle and never feed them.

Out of Africa Lookout is a cliff viewpoint with views across the lake.

Lion Hill is a viewpoint area on the eastern side of the park.

Makalia Falls is a waterfall that is at its best after rains. There is a picnic site, and swimming is not allowed.

You can step out of the vehicle only at the designated picnic and viewpoint sites, and only as the rangers or your guide direct. Lake Nakuru has no boat rides, and flamingo numbers vary, so make the lake views and the birds the point of the visit. Pelicans and fish eagles are the dependable sightings among 400 or more bird species.

Menengai Crater rim

The viewpoint on the Menengai Crater rim looks over Nakuru town and the caldera, and geothermal steam plants are visible from the rim. The slopes are steep and slippery volcanic ash, and flash floods follow rain, so keep to the rim viewpoint unless you have a local guide, and do not go alone.

Hyrax Hill

Hyrax Hill is about 4 km from the town centre, on a lava spur about 50 m high. A short walk up the hill takes you past excavated stone enclosures to the hill fort. The farmhouse museum has three galleries. Entry is KSh 500 for adults from outside Africa, KSh 400 for residents and visitors from the rest of Africa, and KSh 100 for Kenyan and East African citizens. Opening hours are generally 08:30 to 17:30.

Practical notes

Park fees are published by the Kenya Wildlife Service for 24 hours: USD 90 per non-resident adult and USD 45 per child. The fee schedule dates from October 2025 and has been challenged in the High Court, so confirm the amount on KWSPay before you travel and pay online in advance. Gate availability changes with water levels, so confirm which gate is open with KWS or your lodge.

Find guided sightseeing drives at GetYourGuide .