🌍 Overview
Lake Nakuru National Park lies in the heart of Kenya’s Great Rift Valley, just two hours northwest of Nairobi, making it one of the most accessible safari destinations in the country. The park has multiple entry gates, each serving different travel routes, accommodation zones, and visitor needs.
Whether you’re arriving from Nairobi, Elementaita, or Naivasha, or connecting by air via Nakuru Airstrip, the gate you choose can save time, enhance your wildlife experience, and determine how easily you reach your lodge or campsite.
This comprehensive guide covers all main gates, road directions, flight options, public transport access, and navigation tips to help you plan your journey to Lake Nakuru National Park smoothly and efficiently.
🏞️ Main Gate (Nakuru Town Side)
📍 Location & Access
The Main Gate is the park’s most frequently used entry point, located just 4 km from Nakuru Town Centre along the Nakuru–Nairobi Highway (A104).
- GPS Coordinates: 0.3907° S, 36.0966° E
- Driving Distance from Nairobi: ~160 km
- Estimated Time: 2.5–3 hours by car
🛣️ Route Description
- From Nairobi, drive via Naivasha and Gilgil along the A104 highway.
- After Gilgil, continue past the Hyrax Hill Museum and follow signs to Lake Nakuru National Park Main Gate.
- The road is tarmacked and well-maintained up to the gate.
✅ Why Choose This Gate
- Closest to Nakuru town hotels and lodges (e.g., Sarova Woodlands, Hotel Waterbuck).
- Most convenient for day visitors, self-drive tourists, and travelers arriving by bus or Easy Coach.
- Ideal if staying outside the park and entering for a full-day safari.
🌅 Lanet Gate (Eastern Access)
📍 Location & Access
Located about 10 km northeast of Nakuru town, Lanet Gate serves as an alternative to the Main Gate for visitors approaching from the Nairobi–Nakuru highway.
- GPS Coordinates: 0.3834° S, 36.1425° E
- Distance from Nairobi: ~160 km
- Estimated Driving Time: 2.5–3 hours
🛣️ Route Description
- From Nairobi, follow the A104 highway.
- At Lanet town, turn left (signposted) toward Lake Nakuru National Park.
- The access road is graded gravel for the last 2–3 km.
✅ Why Choose This Gate
- Quicker access for travellers from Nairobi or Elementaita heading to the eastern park circuit.
- Closer to Ziwa Bush Lodge and accommodations east of Nakuru.
- Often less congested than the Main Gate during weekends and holidays.
🐘 Nderit Gate (Southern Gate via Elementaita or Naishi)
📍 Location & Access
Nderit Gate lies on the park’s southern boundary, accessible from Lake Elementaita or Naishi. It is the preferred gate for guests staying in lodges or camps on the park’s southern and eastern sides.
- GPS Coordinates: 0.4802° S, 36.1554° E
- Distance from Nakuru Town: ~25 km
- Driving Time from Nairobi: 3.5–4 hours
🛣️ Route Description
- From Nairobi, drive through Naivasha and Gilgil toward Elementaita.
- Turn onto the Moi South Lake Road, then follow signs toward Nderit and Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge.
- The final 10 km is gravel but manageable for both 2WD and 4WD vehicles in dry season.
✅ Why Choose This Gate
- Closest entry for guests at Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge, Flamingo Hill Camp, and Kambi Amani Eco Camp.
- Scenic drive along the southern plains, passing acacia woodland and rhino territory.
- Offers a quieter, more relaxed entry experience.
💦 Naishi or Makalia Gate (Southern Route)
📍 Location & Access
The Naishi and Makalia gates are located at the park’s southern end near the Makalia Waterfall. They are mainly used by campers, researchers, and groups staying at the Makalia Campsite or Naishi Bandas.
- Naishi Gate Coordinates: 0.4980° S, 36.0858° E
- Makalia Gate Coordinates: 0.5255° S, 36.1033° E
- Distance from Nakuru Town: ~35 km
- Driving Time: ~45 minutes to 1 hour from Nakuru
🛣️ Route Description
- From Nakuru town, drive toward the Nakuru–Kabarak Road, then branch toward Mbaruk.
- Follow signposts for Naishi Gate or Makalia Falls Campsite.
- Roads are rough and sometimes slippery in rainy season; 4WD recommended.
✅ Why Choose These Gates
- Direct access to the park’s southern wilderness and Makalia Falls.
- Preferred by campers, budget travelers, and photographers exploring less-visited areas.
- Excellent for morning entry when coming from Lake Elementaita or Naivasha.
🛫 Closest Airports & Airstrips
✈️ Nakuru Airstrip (Civil Airport)
- Located about 10 km from the Main Gate, this airstrip handles chartered flights from Wilson Airport (Nairobi).
- Convenient for private groups, researchers, or tourists short on time.
✈️ Naishi Airstrip (Inside Park)
- Located near the park’s southern plains.
- Used mainly by KWS operations, scientific missions, and high-end lodge charters.
- Transfers from the airstrip to lodges are arranged by vehicle (approx. 10–15 minutes).
✈️ Wilson Airport (Nairobi)
- Primary departure point for domestic safari flights.
- Charter flights to Nakuru, Naivasha, and the Maasai Mara available daily through private operators.
Flight Duration: Nairobi (Wilson) → Nakuru: approx. 35 minutes.
🚍 Public Transport Options
🚌 By Bus from Nairobi to Nakuru
- Easy Coach and Modern Coast operate daily departures from Nairobi’s city centre (Haile Selassie Avenue).
- Duration: ~2.5–3 hours depending on traffic.
- Fare: ~KES 1,000–1,200 per adult.
🚐 From Nakuru Town to the Park
- Take a taxi or boda boda (motorbike) to the Main Gate (about 15 minutes, ~KES 500–700).
- Matatus also operate to Lanet or Nderit areas, but private taxis are faster and safer for tourists.
🚗 Private Transfer or Self-Drive
- Self-drive from Nairobi via Naivasha and Gilgil is the most common option.
- Car hire companies offer 4×4 safari vans or sedans, with parking available at lodges and camps.
📍 Directions & Google Maps Coordinates
| Location | Coordinates | Distance from Nakuru Town | Key Access Route |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Gate | 0.3907° S, 36.0966° E | 4 km | Nairobi–Nakuru Highway (A104) |
| Lanet Gate | 0.3834° S, 36.1425° E | 10 km | Turn off at Lanet on A104 |
| Nderit Gate | 0.4802° S, 36.1554° E | 25 km | Via Elementaita–Naishi Road |
| Naishi Gate | 0.4980° S, 36.0858° E | 35 km | Via Mbaruk or Sopa route |
| Makalia Gate | 0.5255° S, 36.1033° E | 37 km | Southern dirt road via Makalia Falls |
🧭 Best Gates for Different Accommodations
| Accommodation | Nearest Gate | Approx. Distance to Gate | Recommended Route |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lake Nakuru Lodge | Main Gate | 4 km | Through Nakuru Town |
| Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge | Nderit Gate | 2 km | Via Elementaita–Naishi Road |
| Flamingo Hill Camp | Nderit Gate | 4 km | Via Moi South Lake Road |
| Ziwa Bush Lodge | Lanet Gate | 6 km | Turn off at Lanet from A104 |
| Kambi Amani Eco Camp | Nderit or Main Gate | 15 km | Via Nairobi–Nakuru Highway |
| Makalia Campsite / Naishi Bandas | Makalia or Naishi Gate | Inside Park | Via southern circuit |
| City Hotels (Sarova Woodlands, Waterbuck) | Main Gate | 15–20 min | Through Nakuru CBD |
🛣️ Distance & Driving Time from Major Points
| Origin | Distance | Average Driving Time | Recommended Gate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nairobi (City Centre) | 160 km | 2.5–3 hrs | Main or Lanet Gate |
| Naivasha Town | 70 km | 1.5 hrs | Nderit Gate |
| Elementaita | 40 km | 45 min | Nderit Gate |
| Nakuru CBD | 4–10 km | 10–20 min | Main or Lanet Gate |
| Maasai Mara (Sekenani) | 250 km | 5–6 hrs | Nderit or Main Gate |
| Lake Baringo | 150 km | 3 hrs | Main Gate |
🚧 Road Conditions & Travel Tips
- Nairobi–Nakuru Highway (A104): Fully tarmacked and in excellent condition.
- Nderit–Naishi Route: Gravel road; passable year-round but rough in rainy season.
- Makalia–Naishi Route: Rough track, 4WD recommended, especially after rains.
- Within Park: Graded roads maintained by KWS; some sections may be muddy during wet months (March–May, Oct–Dec).
Travel Tips:
- Start early from Nairobi to reach the park by 9 AM.
- Fuel up in Nakuru town before entering — no petrol stations inside the park.
- Observe all speed limits (max 40 km/h).
- Always carry park entry receipts for gate re-verification.
🌅 In Summary
Lake Nakuru National Park is one of the most accessible parks in Kenya, with four main entry gates, excellent roads, and multiple transport options.
- The Main Gate is best for day trips and city-based travelers.
- Lanet Gate offers quick access from the highway and eastern lodges.
- Nderit Gate suits visitors from Naivasha or Elementaita heading to southern lodges like Sopa or Flamingo Hill.
- Naishi/Makalia Gates serve campers and researchers exploring the park’s southern wilderness.
Whether arriving by road, air, or public transport, clear signage, modern eCitizen entry, and reliable ranger assistance make visiting Lake Nakuru straightforward — setting the stage for a seamless safari adventure in one of Kenya’s most iconic Rift Valley parks.