Lake Nakuru is an exciting destination known for its beauty, culture, food, and exciting activities. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation.
How much does it cost to travel to Lake Nakuru?
You should plan to spend around $145 (KES18,757) per day on your vacation in Lake Nakuru. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $71 (KES9,119) on meals
- $41 (KES5,272) on local transportation
- $89 (KES11,515) on hotels
A one week trip to Lake Nakuru for two people costs, on average, $2,034 (KES262,598). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
-
One Week
Per person
$1,017
KES131,299
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$2,034
KES262,598
-
One Month
Per person
$4,359
KES562,710
-
One Week
For a couple
$2,034
KES262,598
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$4,068
KES525,196
-
One Month
For a couple
$8,718
KES1,125,420
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Lake Nakuru cost?
A one week trip to Lake Nakuru usually costs around $1,017 (KES131,299) for one person and $2,034 (KES262,598) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Lake Nakuru on average costs around $2,034 (KES262,598) for one person and $4,068 (KES525,196) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Lake Nakuru will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Lake Nakuru on average costs around $4,359 (KES562,710) for one person and $8,718 (KES1,125,420) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Lake Nakuru expensive to visit?
Lake Nakuru is a smaller destination that attracts travelers with diverse styles, spending habits, and budgetary preferences. Accommodation options range from budget-friendly hostels to mid-range hotels to high-end luxury properties.
Although Lake Nakuru can be quite pricey if you let it be, you can cut costs by looking for discounts and coupons.
On average, budget travelers spend $64 (KES8,238) per day, mid-range travelers spend $145 (KES18,757) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $278 (KES35,882) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Lake Nakuru.
Within Africa, Lake Nakuru is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Tsavo National Park or Arusha.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Lake Nakuru Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Lake Nakuru?
The average Lake Nakuru trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Lake Nakuru travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Lake Nakuru cost?
Lake Nakuru on a Budget
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$20
(KES2,519)
|
$45
(KES5,757)
|
$85
(KES11,001)
|
Local Transportation 1
|
$18
(KES2,306)
|
$41
(KES5,272)
|
$78
(KES10,073)
|
Food 2
|
$31
(KES3,982)
|
$71
(KES9,119)
|
$136
(KES17,526)
|
Entertainment 1
|
$16
(KES2,059)
|
$36
(KES4,707)
|
$70
(KES8,995)
|
Alcohol 2
|
$2-5
(KES215-646)
|
$4-11
(KES492-1,476)
|
$7-22
(KES940-2,821)
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
Setting realistic expectations for your travel budget is important. Many people think they can visit Lake Nakuru on a tight budget, but most travelers aren't comfortable with a low "shoestring" budget. Think about what you enjoy during your vacations and how you typically travel. Do you prefer resorts, vacation rentals, or hostels? Do you want to visit museums, sights, and participate in activities? Is dining out a priority? These factors will shape both your budget and your itinerary.
Who are Budget Travelers?
While you might think you're a budget traveler, without giving up many of your usual comforts, you'll likely need to spend more than the $64 per day that backpackers often spend.
Backpackers often work within this tight budget by staying in hostel dorms, eating fast food or street food, using public transit, and mainly visiting free attractions.
Could You Be an Average Traveler?
If you're a couple or a family on a fun getaway, you might want to choose a mid-range hotel, enjoy meals at well-liked restaurants, and visit the key museums and attractions that come with entry fees. Many who visit Lake Nakuru will seek to enjoy the major attractions, museums, and iconic landmarks. Most activities are not free, after all. Therefore, it's realistic to plan on a daily budget of about $145 per person, per day.
Want to Escape the Daily Grind in Style?
If you're looking for a high-end escape with every amenity and high-quality service, be prepared for daily expenses around $278. Staying in upscale hotels, enjoying meals at award-winning restaurants, indulging in lavish excursions, and utilizing taxis or private drivers in the destination will entail a more premium price tag.
Accommodation Budget in Lake Nakuru
Hotel rates in Lake Nakuru vary a lot, especially between budget and luxury options. Peak season () brings higher prices, with rates rising from an off-season averages of $98 to $183. Expect prices to range from $47 for budget hotels to $310 for luxury. Hostels, particularly dorms, are cheaper. To save money, travel off-season or book early.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Lake Nakuru for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $89 (KES11,515). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $45 (KES5,757) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Lake Nakuru? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Lake Nakuru include:
- Merica Hotel Nakuru starting at $110
If you avoid and go during the low or shoulder season, you'll find better hotel deals and fewer tourists.
Transportation Budget in Lake Nakuru
Lake Nakuru lacks an efficient public transit system.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $41 (KES5,272) per person, per day, on local transportation in Lake Nakuru. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Lake Nakuru is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$41
KES5,272
How much does it cost to go to Lake Nakuru? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Lake Nakuru will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Lake Nakuru
Food is a major reason many people explore new destinations, so don't skip the chance to try local delicacies.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in Lake Nakuru can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Lake Nakuru is $71 (KES9,119) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$71
KES9,119
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Lake Nakuru is around $71 (KES9119) per person, with previous travelers spending from $31 to $136. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Lake Nakuru are as follows:
- Breakfast: $7 to $21
- Lunch: $11 to $28
- Dinner: $21 to $49
- Coffee: $6
- Fast Food or Street Food: $11
The best way to enjoy the great outdoors and still get your meals in is to bring food with you and eat picnic style. If you are camping, you will definitely want to come fully stocked. However if you want to splurge, any of the park's lodges will offer a buffet or a la carte menu for an average price of $40 per person. Some even have poolside bars if you're looking to kick back for happy hour. In the nearby Nukuru town, restaurants serve a variety of options from Western to African. Most African staples include maize (a type of grain) served with meats and vegetables, as well as corn, potatoes, and beans. Ugali is a cornmeal starch made into a thick paste, Sukuma wiki is collard greens and usually fried in oil with onions and tomatoes, and nyama choma is the East African style of slow roasted meat over coals. Some restaurants in Nukuru include Ribbons for budget African food, Taidys for mid-range mix of Western and African fare, and the Merica Hotel for upmarket Western cuisine.
Some hotels include breakfast in the overall cost, while others add it as an extra charge. The quality and price of breakfast can vary greatly depending on the hotel. Being informed beforehand can help you determine if you need to set aside additional funds. The hotel's buffet may be worth it, or you might consider visiting a local bakery or cafe for a more budget-friendly option.
Carry a reusable water bottle with you to avoid spending on drinks. It's also a win for the environment.
If you're going to take a tour, make sure you understand which meals are included. You could end up paying for some food yourself, which might affect your budget.
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Lake Nakuru
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Lake Nakuru typically cost an average of $36 (KES4,707) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$36
KES4,707
The sights of Lake Nakuru National Park consist mainly of the native wildlife and natural scenery. While flamingos and rhinos steal the spotlight, the park is home to a total of at least 56 species of mammals from monkeys to lions to zebras, at least 400 species of birds, and over 500 species of flora. The landscapes are varied and beautiful with peaceful grasslands and dense forests. The park does have an entry fee of $80 U.S. dollars for nonresident adults and $40 for children.
As far as scenery goes, the best overlooks in the park can be found at Lion Hill near the Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge, Baboon Cliff with a great view of the lake and its wildlife, and Out of Africa, a rocky outcropping just a bit higher than Baboon Cliff and less frequented by tourists. From these lookouts, visitors might also catch sight of the volcanoes Suswa and Longonot. Each one is established and can be reached by car. Other lesser viewpoints include Enasoit, Honeymoon, and Lion Ridge.
Being a National Park, Lake Nakuru is a hub for outdoor activities. Whether you wish to observe the local wildlife, breathe in the air of African wilderness, or admire the natural landscape, the park is a treasure trove of the great outdoors. Camping and picnicking are very popular, though you must make sure to have all the supplies you need before entering the park. It is also a hotspot for photography, drawing amateurs and professionals from all over with its unique habitat for all things wild. If you're a bird-lover, you will be in birdwatching paradise. Flamingos take the stage with their presence in the lake, but there are about 400 species of bird to catch the eye from ostriches and ducks to stork, heron, osprey, and eagles. The list goes on. Rhinos are also common if you're on the lookout for wildlife, and you might even spot lions, leopards, or cheetahs. Game driving is another popular activity in the park that might give you a better chance to see the more elusive animals.
Nightlife Budget in Lake Nakuru
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $7.62 (KES984) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Lake Nakuru per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$7.62
KES984
Nights out are a travel highlight, but reducing your drink tab is a smart way to stretch your budget further.
Travel cost data last updated: Dec 22, 2024
Traveling in Lake Nakuru
Flamingos at Nakuru National Park, Kenya
Lake Nakuru is one of Kenya's 23 National Parks, also qualifying as one of the two Premium Parks in the country. Located in central Kenya, about 90 miles west of Nairobi, the area encompasses a large lake as well as the surrounding wooded grasslands. A naturalist's paradise, Lake Nakuru is home to wildlife like flamingos, other water birds, and the black and white rhinoceros.
Neighborhoods & Around
Nukuru town is the nearest hub for shopping and dining just outside the park. Situated between Nairobi and Western Kenya, it acts as the headquarters for the Rift Valley Province as well as a prime transit city for many travelers. As far as food goes, Nukuru is the fourth largest city in Kenya and so has a variety of options from local cuisine to international fare. In regards to shopping, the city is a center for various retail businesses, but there are also locals who sell souvenirs to visitors for a price about 1/3 of the amount you would pay at a lodge gift shop inside the National Park. Nukuru town is definitely a place where you can find the best bargains. A large public market lies to the west of the town on the main thoroughfare to the capital, Nairobi.
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.