Overview
Lake Nakuru National Park is famous for its flamingos, dramatic lake views, acacia woodlands, and rhino populations. The park is close to Nakuru town and conveniently situated on the main Nairobi–Nakuru–Eldoret route, making it one of Kenya’s most accessible parks. Accommodations range from high-end lodges inside the park to affordable hotels and hostels in Nakuru town, eco-camps, family-friendly stays, and basic camping options.
1. Luxury Lodges & High-End Camps (Inside or Near the Park)
Enjoy prime locations, upscale rooms or tents, excellent guiding, and all-inclusive safari experiences:
- Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge (Inside Park): Iconic lodge with chalets on the hill, lovely views, pool, spa, buffet dining, and cultural evenings.
- The Cliff Nakuru (Inside Park): Unique luxury tented suites on a clifftop with panoramic lake views, infinity pool, top-notch dining.
- Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge (Inside Park): Hilltop setting, spacious rooms, big pool, family-friendly, great for spotting wildlife from the veranda.
- Flamingo Hill Tented Camp (Inside Park): Eco-friendly luxury tents, intimate atmosphere, lush gardens, good food.
- Lake Nakuru Lodge (Inside Park): Historic lodge with modern upgrades, bungalows with views, pool, popular for birders and groups.
- Mbweha Camp (South of Park, Congreve Conservancy): Rustic luxury, lava-stone cottages, private conservancy access, guided walks.
- Mawingo Lodge (Near Park): Small-scale luxury, boutique feel, personalized service, great for couples.
- Sarova Woodlands Hotel & Spa (Nakuru Town): Five-star hotel, modern rooms, spa, pool, fine dining, close to park gate.
2. Mid-Range & Family-Friendly Hotels, Camps & Lodges
A balance of comfort, value, and great access to the park—ideal for families, small groups, or those wanting amenities at a reasonable price:
- Lake Nakuru Flamingo Resort (Near Park): Spacious rooms, pool, kids’ playground, restaurant, good for families.
- Ziwa Bush Lodge (Near Park): Thatched cottages, eco-conscious, wildlife viewing in lodge grounds.
- Kambi Amani Eco Camp (Near Park): Glamping tents, eco-friendly, immersive bush experience, campfire meals.
- Eagle Palace Hotel (Nakuru Town): Modern, centrally located, business and leisure amenities, reliable service.
- Merica Hotel (Nakuru Town): City hotel with pool, gym, restaurant, convenient for business travelers.
- Hotel Waterbuck (Nakuru Town): Affordable comfort, pool, restaurant, good reviews.
- Sleepway Cottages (Near Park): Simple cottages, quiet gardens, good for groups and families.
- Milele Resort Nakuru (Nakuru Town): Family-friendly, conference facilities, garden setting.
- Nakuru Backpackers Hostel (Nakuru Town): Budget-friendly dorms/private rooms, social vibe.
- Huduma Place (Near Park): Self-catering apartments, budget-friendly, good for long stays.
3. Budget & Backpacker Options
Simple, safe places to sleep, often with communal kitchens, WiFi, and a social atmosphere—ideal for young travelers or overlanders.
- Nakuru Backpackers Hostel (Nakuru Town): Dorm beds, shared kitchen, social events, travel desk.
- Rocky Eco Camp (Near Park): Budget tents, basic facilities, bush setting, BYO food and drink.
- Chester Hotel (Nakuru Town): Reliable, centrally located, budget rooms, restaurant.
- Lakeland House Hostel (Nakuru Town): Clean, affordable, friendly staff.
- Mara Leisure Camp Nakuru Annex (Near Park): Budget extension of popular Mara camp.
- Hotel Cathay (Nakuru Town): Longstanding, no-frills hotel, safe parking.
- Kivu Resort (Nakuru Town): Budget rooms, pool, simple restaurant.
4. Self-Catering & Apartment Stays
For longer stays or travelers seeking independence, self-catering accommodations are widely available.
- Huduma Place (Near Park): Affordable apartments, full kitchens, secure parking.
- Chester View Apartments (Nakuru Town): Modern, serviced apartments, pool, gym.
- Legacy Apartments (Nakuru Town): Fully equipped, ideal for families/groups.
- Kivu Apartments (Nakuru Town): Value, family-friendly, self-cater options.
- Gilanis Apartments (Nakuru Town): Central, comfortable, near shops/restaurants.
- Milimani Serviced Apartments (Nakuru Town): Modern, great views, daily cleaning.
- Vickmark Apartments (Near Park): Simple, spacious, close to park gate.
5. Eco-Lodges & Sustainable Camps
For travelers who value low-impact stays and eco-conscious hospitality.
- Kambi Amani Eco Camp (Near Park): Glamping tents, off-grid power, community-run, bush dining.
- Ziwa Bush Lodge (Near Park): Native gardens, solar, conservation efforts.
- Mbweha Camp (South of Park): Private conservancy, local materials, supports wildlife.
- Flamingo Hill Tented Camp (Inside Park): Green operations, solar, minimal plastic use.
- Wileli House (Lake Naivasha, also serves Nakuru): Wildlife-friendly, eco-build, nature trails.
- Lanet Matfam Resort (Nakuru Town): Eco-awareness, gardens, local sourcing.
- Taidy’s Suites (Nakuru Town): Urban eco-initiatives, recycling program.
6. Public & Private Campsites
For the adventurous or budget-conscious traveler, camping in or near the park is possible.
- Nakuru Park Public Campsite (Inside Park): Managed by KWS, bring own gear, basic facilities (pit latrine, water tap), no electricity.
- Makalia Falls Campsite (Inside Park): Near scenic waterfall, best for self-sufficient campers.
- Rhino Campsite (Inside Park): Simple, safe, good wildlife access.
- Rocky Eco Camp (Near Park): Budget tent camping, simple meals available.
- Punda Milia Campsite (Near Park): Affordable, friendly, family-run, simple showers.
- Hotel Kunste Campsite (Nakuru Town): Budget travelers, near amenities.
- Kambi Amani Eco Camp (Near Park): Glamping and regular tent camping.
7. Best For Families & Groups
If you’re traveling with children or a large group, look for properties with family rooms, kid-friendly facilities, and pools.
- Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge (Inside Park): Family chalets, kids’ activities, pool.
- Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge (Inside Park): Family rooms, spacious grounds, playground.
- Ziwa Bush Lodge (Near Park): Cottages for groups, kids’ menus.
- Sleepway Cottages (Near Park): Private cottages for families, large garden.
- Milele Resort Nakuru (Nakuru Town): Multiple room types, pool.
- Kivu Resort (Nakuru Town): Pools, space for kids to play, affordable for groups.
- Flamingo Hill Tented Camp (Inside Park): Family tents, child-friendly meals.
8. Romantic & Honeymoon Options
For couples seeking privacy and luxury in a romantic setting.
- The Cliff Nakuru (Inside Park): Private suites, clifftop views, candlelit dinners.
- Mbweha Camp (Near Park): Secluded cottages, bush dinners, private verandas.
- Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge (Inside Park): Romantic hilltop setting, spa.
- Mawingo Lodge (Near Park): Boutique size, personalized service.
- Lake Nakuru Lodge (Inside Park): Sunset views, elegant suites.
- Ziwa Bush Lodge (Near Park): Rustic luxury, privacy.
- Flamingo Hill Tented Camp (Inside Park): Cozy tents, private decks.
Lake Nakuru Accommodation Comparison Table
| Property / Category | Location | Style / Type | Price Range (pppn) | Key Features | Family Friendly | Pool | Inside Park |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge | Inside Park | Luxury Lodge | $250–$400 | Chalets, views, kids’ club, spa | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| The Cliff Nakuru | Inside Park | Luxury Tented | $350–$600 | Clifftop suites, infinity pool, privacy | No | Yes | Yes |
| Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge | Inside Park | Lodge | $200–$350 | Family rooms, playground, hilltop | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Flamingo Hill Tented Camp | Inside Park | Tented Camp | $180–$300 | Eco tents, gardens, green focus | Yes | No | Yes |
| Lake Nakuru Lodge | Inside Park | Historic Lodge | $180–$320 | Bungalows, pool, birding | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Mbweha Camp | Near Park | Eco Camp | $220–$350 | Lava-stone cottages, conservancy walks | Yes | Yes | No |
| Ziwa Bush Lodge | Near Park | Mid-Range Lodge | $120–$200 | Eco, gardens, family rooms | Yes | Yes | No |
| Sleepway Cottages | Near Park | Cottage | $70–$130 | Self-catering, quiet, group friendly | Yes | No | No |
| Nakuru Backpackers Hostel | Nakuru Town | Hostel/Budget | $10–$30 | Dorms, social, kitchen, WiFi | Yes | No | No |
| Kambi Amani Eco Camp | Near Park | Eco Camp/Glamp | $50–$110 | Tented glamp, eco, community | Yes | No | No |
| Hotel Waterbuck | Nakuru Town | Mid-Range Hotel | $80–$150 | Modern, restaurant, conference | Yes | Yes | No |
| Huduma Place | Near Park | Apartment | $60–$120 | Self-cater, secure, long stays | Yes | No | No |
| Public Campsite (KWS) | Inside Park | Camping | $20–$40 | Basic, bring gear, wildlife access | Yes | No | Yes |
*pppn = per person per night. Prices are estimates and may vary by season.