Walking in and Around Nakuru

October 31, 2026

As of 31 October 2026, check US State Department, UK FCDO and CDC advice before booking. Kenya is at Level 3 in the US system and an Ebola outbreak is being reported in Nairobi; Nakuru is outside the listed do-not-travel areas. Official pages: UK FCDO Kenya and CDC Kenya .

There are no walking tours inside Lake Nakuru National Park. The Kenya Wildlife Service lists organised walking safaris only for Tsavo East, Tsavo West, Meru and Kora, and cycling only for Hell’s Gate, Oldonyo Sabuk, Mt Longonot, Sibiloi, Lake Elementaita Wildlife Sanctuary and Kakamega. At Lake Nakuru you stay in the vehicle. These five places are where Nakuru visitors do walk.

1. Hyrax Hill

A short hill walk, about 4 km from the centre, with open excavations and a stone-walled hill fort. Tortoises and guinea fowl roam the grounds. Bird walks are offered but must be booked in advance. Allow an hour or two. Adults from outside Africa pay KSh 500, while Kenyan and East African citizens pay KSh 100.

2. Menengai Crater

Walk with a local guide only. The two described routes are about 4 km round trip from the viewpoint and about 7 km through the caldera, finishing near London estate. Ash slopes are steep and slippery, floods follow rain, and isolated paths carry a crime risk. Do not go alone and do not go after heavy rain. Agree the route and price first.

3. Nakuru town centre

On foot you can reach Afraha Stadium, Wakulima Market and Christ the King Cathedral. There is no fixed route. Boda-bodas, tuk-tuks and matatus carry people across town.

4. Crescent Island, Naivasha

You reach this private sanctuary by boat. Walking is guided only, among giraffe, zebra and antelope, with no predators. Entry is about USD 33, boat extra.

5. Hell’s Gate gorge

Hell’s Gate is a KWS scenic park where walking and cycling are allowed. Non-resident adults pay USD 50 and children USD 25. It is a day trip from Nakuru.

Walking near wildlife

Wildlife is wild, and walking among animals needs a ranger or an accredited guide. That is why Crescent Island walks are guided only and why Menengai needs a local guide. At Hell’s Gate, where walking is allowed, keep to the gorge paths and keep a respectful distance from any animal you meet. Cycling at Hell’s Gate costs USD 10, or KSh 300, a day on top of entry, which makes it a good alternative if the gorge walk is too hot at midday.

Practical tips

Start early; Nakuru sits at about 1,850 m and mornings are cool.
Wear shoes with grip and carry water.
Never feed or approach wildlife.

Search for guided walks at Viator . The museum page has Hyrax Hill contact details.