Getting Around Nakuru: An Overview
Nakuru is Kenya's fourth city, sitting in the Great Rift Valley at around 1,850 metres above sea level, with Lake Nakuru and its national park just to the south. For a visitor, the practical reality is simple: there is no metro, tram, or extensive public bus network in the city. Movement around Nakuru is built on matatus (minibus taxis), conventional taxis, ride-hailing apps, and boda-bodas (motorcycle taxis), with walking a realistic option in the central commercial area during daylight.
Rail
Nakuru has a railway station on the edge of the central business district, served by the narrow-gauge Rift Valley Railways line. Passenger services from Nairobi and Kisumu resumed in 2021, and rehabilitation work on the line running from the Ugandan border via Eldoret was ongoing, with passenger services expected to follow. The line links Nakuru eastward to Nairobi and Mombasa and westward to Kisumu and Eldoret, making the train a viable option for arriving from or continuing to those cities.
Metro and Trams
There is no metro or tram system in Nakuru. Any expectation of a rail-based urban transit network should be set aside; the city's internal transport is entirely road-based.
Buses, Shuttles and Matatus
Matatus are the primary mode of public transport within Nakuru and to nearby towns. These are privately owned minibuses, typically 14-seaters, running on fixed routes. The route is usually displayed on the front of the vehicle or announced by the conductor. Main matatu stages and terminals are found in the city centre, near markets, and at major intersections.
- Fares: Paid in cash directly to the conductor. Fares are fixed per route, though slight negotiation or peak-hour surcharges are possible.
- Hours: Roughly 5:00 AM to 9:00–10:00 PM, with limited service at night.
- Comfort and safety: Matatus are not accessible for mobility impairments — high steps, confined spaces, and crowding make them unsuitable for wheelchairs. Pickpocketing can occur, so keep valuables secure, and expect heavy crowding during the morning and evening rush.
For longer intercity journeys, several shuttle and bus companies serve Nakuru. Mololine Prestige Shuttle, Crossroads, and 2NK offer 9- to 14-seater minivan services to Nairobi, Kisumu, and Eldoret; Mololine Prestige is noted for good service and security, with only 10 seats per minivan. Larger operators Easy Coach and Modern Coast Express run Nairobi–Kampala coaches that stop in Nakuru, with services from Nairobi, Eldoret, and Kisumu, and booking offices opposite the mosque for Busways. Other buses connect Kericho, Nyahururu, and Kisii, and Trinity buses are an example of services from Kigali. Tosha Express runs between Nakuru and Nairobi, and northward to Kitale and on to Kakuma Refugee Camp in Turkana.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing
Licensed taxis are identifiable by a yellow stripe or specific plates and can be found at designated stands or hailed on the street by raising a hand. Taxis are not metered, so the fare must be negotiated and agreed before the journey; cash in Kenyan shillings is standard.
Ride-hailing apps operating in Nakuru include Uber, Bolt (Taxify), and Little Cab. These offer transparent fares, driver details, and route tracking, with payment by cash or in-app. Checking the driver's name and licence plate before getting in is recommended, and ride-hailing is generally considered safer than unlicensed taxis. Taxis and ride-hailing apps are also the usual way to transfer to and from bus stations and around the city.
Boda-Bodas and Other Options
Boda-bodas (motorcycle taxis) are widely used locally for short trips. They can be hired with a driver, but safety standards are low, and they are not rented for self-drive by visitors because of safety and insurance issues. Tuk-tuks are not widely used in Nakuru, and scooter rental is uncommon for tourists. There are no formal bicycle-sharing programmes, though bicycles may be rented from some local guesthouses or tour operators — notably for day trips to Hell's Gate National Park, where cycling among wildlife is permitted. There are no public boat taxis in the city or on Lake Nakuru, though boat trips are available on nearby Lake Naivasha as a day trip. There are no cable cars or funiculars, and no hop-on-hop-off services.
Walking
Walking is feasible within Nakuru's main commercial area during the day, and the city's parks and gardens are safe for walking on foot. Some local guides offer walking tours, though these are less formalised; self-guided walking in the city centre during daylight is practical. Note that walking safaris are generally not permitted in Lake Nakuru National Park for safety reasons.
- Avoid walking or cycling alone at night, especially in dimly lit or deserted areas.
- Avoid cycling on major highways such as the A8.
- Do not walk or cycle off-road within Lake Nakuru National Park because of dangerous wildlife; obey park rules and ranger instructions.
Driving and Vehicle Rental
Self-driving is an option for visitors who want flexibility, particularly for safaris. Requirements typically include a valid national driving licence, an International Driving Permit (IDP), a passport, and a credit card, with drivers usually needing to be 23–25 years old and to have at least two years' driving experience. Major international chains such as Avis, Europcar, and Hertz operate alongside local companies, primarily based in Nairobi, with some services or pick-up and drop-off available in Nakuru. A 4x4 is recommended for self-drive safaris into Lake Nakuru National Park, especially in wet seasons.
Driving in Kenya is on the left, and seatbelts are required. Main roads are generally good, but secondary roads are poor, with potholes and uneven surfaces, and speed bumps are frequent and often unmarked. Parking is available in marked areas in the city centre, at hotels, and at attractions, sometimes for a small fee. Driving habits can be aggressive with risky overtaking, so defensive driving is advised, and animals may be on the roads, especially in rural areas and near national parks. Night driving beyond city centres is not recommended due to poor lighting, security concerns, and wildlife.
Getting from the Airport into the City
Nakuru is served by Lanet Airstrip, which was approved in 2017 to be upgraded to an international airport by the Ministry of Transport and the county government, and by Kabarak Airstrip, located away from the city centre. For practical transfers, private taxis are available from Nairobi (NBO), and pre-booking or communal shuttle buses are more cost-effective options. Within Nakuru, taxis and ride-hailing apps are the standard way to handle transfers to and from bus stations and around the city.
Accessibility
Public transport in Nakuru — matatus and boda-bodas — is not accessible for mobility needs. Some higher-end hotels and lodges may have limited accessible rooms, but overall infrastructure for mobility-impaired travellers is poor, and specialised wheelchair-accessible vehicles are rare. Arranging a private car hire with an accessible vehicle requires extensive pre-planning and direct communication with service providers.
Tour and Safari Vehicles
Safari operators use specialised 4x4 vehicles, such as vans or Land Cruisers, for game drives in Lake Nakuru National Park and for transfers from Nairobi. These vehicles often have pop-up roofs for unobstructed wildlife viewing and photography.