When in Kenya, one of the best destinations to visit is Nakuru. It was just upgraded from town to city status, making it even more appealing. Nakuru county extends from Naivasha past the city itself all the way to almost Baringo. It is an immense land with several tourist attractions and activities. There is so much to see and do in this county, from the Great Rift Valley to the many lakes in the county including Lake Elementaita, Lake Naivasha, Lake Nakuru, Lake Bogoria and Lake Baringo, safari drive at Lake Nakuru National Park, a visit to Kariandusi Museum, and hiking Sleeping Warrior among other things.
When it comes to accommodation options in the area, they are also quite as many. Below are some of my recommendations. Some of the hotels can be quite pricey but you can get the best rates if you are good at planning and noting the off-peak seasons. Read about my travel hacks here.
Related : Fun and affordable activities to do in Naivasha
Hotel Waterbuck
Hotel Waterbuck is located in Nakuru CBD right behind the West Side Mall. It is a beautiful 3-star hotel which all hotel amenities. I have stayed at this hotel for almost a week and I loved everything except for a few days when the water could not get as hot as I wanted. The rooms are spacious, the food is freshly prepared and the service is great. I loved the swimming pool area which has coastal vibes and is very clean. It is free access for guests but for walk in guests, they charge Kshs. 500 per adult and Kshs. 300 per child. Their food and drinks are fairly priced as local beers cost 300 and main meals start from Kshs. 700. Room rates start from Kshs. 7,000 on bed and breakfast.
Ole Ken Hotel
This hotel is located opposite Waterbuck Hotel and is fitted with modern facilities and up to date technology. It is a contemporary hotel which amenities such as a gym, conference halls, rooftop café Moran, a fine dining Loresho restaurant, a lounge bar, and a rooftop terrace for the perfect view of the city. The room rates start from Kshs. 12,000 for two people.
Ivory Park Hotel
The recently opened Ivory Park Hotel has been the talk of the town due to its Safari Water world which is one of the best waterparks in Nakuru. The 4-star hotel provides accommodation with a garden, free private parking, a terrace and a restaurant. Hotel guests get free access to the waterpark and the swimming pool. Room rates start from Ksh. 8,000 for two on bed and breakfast with free access to the swimming pool and safari water world aqua park.
Kasri Holiday Home
This Airbnb is located outside Nakuru city in a place called Njoro. If you a large group that needs to unwind in a serene, quite environment, this is the perfect place to book. They have two 3-bedroom houses in the compound which can fit up to 12 people. You can opt to cook for yourself or request the host to provide you with a chef at a fee. The house also comes with a fireplace which can be lit for you at night to keep you warm. I loved the place and it is ideal even for families with kids as it has a massive field for them to use a playground. The rates are Kshs. 30,000 per night.
Ziwa Bush Lodge
One of my favourite spots to stay when in Nakuru. Ziwa bush Lodge has 7 stand-alone executive cabins and 3 standard rooms. With only six double accommodations, three twin units, and one family unit, it provides a personalized boutique experience to guests. Each room is built of local stone, canvas, and makuti roofing, and features wonderfully and distinctively handcrafted wooden furniture constructed on site by locals. They have a swimming pool on a site and a pool side bar perfect for cocktails and sundowners. Every last weekend of the month, they have an offer whereby you get 2 nights for 2 people at Kshs. 13,000 per night on bed and breakfast and a free bottle of wine. Kids below 10 years stay for free.
Sarova Woodlands Hotel & Spa
Sarova is located by the roadside and is hard to miss. The hotel has 147 luxurious spacious air-conditioned rooms, a stunning courtyard to spend sunny days in, the Cinnamon Restaurant, Leather Bar, and a wonderful swimming area with skillfully groomed gardens. Sarova Woodlands rooms and suites are designed to provide guests with comfort and convenience. They are very spacious, with modern conveniences and excellent décor. Superior rooms, studios, executive suites, and presidential rooms are available, each having high-speed WIFI, satellite TV, a minibar, a tea/coffee maker, and 24-hour room service.
The Cliff
For my luxury travellers, this is the place to stay in Nakuru to get a view from the top. This 10-room luxury camp inside Lake Nakuru National Park is a combination of a safari lodge, tented camp and boutique hotel. Each tent gives a 180 degree panoramic view of the park and the bathroom are outdoor facing giving that “living in the wild feeling”. The place is utterly breathtaking and all their amenities are modern and luxurious. You van even request for helicopter transfer services. The room rates start from about Kshs. 35,000 per night depending on the booking period. For a luxury tent experience, you can also try some of these affordable luxury camps in Kenya.
Read: Affordable Luxury camps in Kenya
The above are just some of my recommendations. Keep checking the blog as I update the articles regularly. If you opt to stay in Naivasha, feel free to check out some of these places and do some activities too.