• Nakuru’s hospitality story unfolds like a living archive, with hotels that have mirrored the city’s transformation from a colonial railway stop to a cosmopolitan hub. From the Midland Hotel’s grandeur in 1906 to the eco-tourism pioneers of the 1960s and the modern luxury of Sarova Woodlands and Legacy Hotel, each establishment embodies a chapter of resilience, adaptation, and ambition.

Nakuru’s hospitality story is as old as the town itself. From the colonial railway era to the rise of safari tourism, the city’s hotels have mirrored its transformation. Here are ten of the oldest and most legendary hotels, arranged from the earliest to the most recent:

1. Midland Hotel (1906)

Kenyatta Avenue, Nakuru CBD

The Midland Hotel, Nakuru. (Photo credit: booking.com)

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Founded in 1906, the Midland Hotel is Nakuru’s oldest and most iconic establishment. Built just two years after Nakuru was granted town status, it quickly became a haven for white settlers and railway travelers. Through the 1920s and 1930s, it was the most exclusive hotel in the Rift Valley, hosting dignitaries and colonial elites. Today, it remains a living museum of Nakuru’s past, blending heritage architecture with modern hospitality.

2. Lake Nakuru Lodge (1960s)

Inside Lake Nakuru National Park, 5 km from Nakuru town.

Lake Nakuru Lodge. (Photo credit: lonelyplanet.com)

Established in the 1960s, Lake Nakuru Lodge was among the first to cater to wildlife tourism in the Rift Valley. With panoramic views of flamingos and rhinos, it became a magnet for international visitors. Its rustic charm and proximity to nature made it a pioneer in eco-tourism long before the term became fashionable.

3. Flamingo Hill Tented Camp (1970s)

Lake Nakuru National Park, near the main gate.

Photo credit: Tripadvisor

Developed in the 1970s, Flamingo Hill Tented Camp offered a colonial-style safari experience with tented accommodation. Positioned within Lake Nakuru National Park, it combined rustic adventure with comfort, appealing to tourists seeking an authentic yet refined encounter with the wild. It remains a popular eco-friendly camp, preserving its vintage safari spirit.

4. Hotel Kunste (1970s)

Along Nairobi–Nakuru Highway, near Free Area.

Photo credit: triphobo.com

Built in the 1970s, Hotel Kunste quickly became a landmark for travelers and business people. Known for its spacious design and conference facilities, it was a favorite venue for government meetings and corporate events. Its strategic location made it a gateway for visitors arriving from Nairobi, cementing its reputation as a business hub.

5. Merica Hotel (1980s)

Kenyatta Avenue, Nakuru CBD.

Merica Hotel. (Photo credit: hotel.com.au)

Established in the 1980s, Merica Hotel is famous for its rooftop views of Lake Nakuru. It became a modern city hotel that hosted political gatherings, social events, and countless visitors. Its blend of urban convenience and panoramic scenery made it a symbol of Nakuru’s growing cosmopolitan identity.

6. Bontana Hotel (1980s–1990s)

Tom Mboya Street, Nakuru CBD.

Bontana Hotel, Nakuru. (Photo credit: Hotels.com)

Bontana Hotel was built as an ultra-modern tourist class hotel in the late 20th century. Located in the heart of Nakuru, it became a hub for conferences, business travelers, and tourists heading to Rift Valley attractions like Menengai Crater and Lake Bogoria. With its spacious dining halls, swimming pool, and executive suites, Bontana remains one of Nakuru’s recognizable hotels.

7. Cathay Hotel (2008)

Tom Mboya Street, next to Bontana Hotel.

Cathay Hotel. (Photo credit: Mtaa Wangu)

Founded in 2008, Cathay Hotel was initially popular with tourists and locals, offering a relaxed atmosphere and convenient city access.

However, financial and operational troubles led to its decline, and today it stands largely deserted, maintained only by caretakers. It remains a reminder of the challenges of sustaining hospitality ventures in a competitive city.

8. Lake Nakuru Flamingo Lodge (2000s)

Near Lake Nakuru National Park, along the park’s eastern edge.

Lake Nakuru Flamingo Lodge. (Photo credit: LinkedIn)

A newer addition to Nakuru’s safari circuit, Flamingo Lodge was built in the 2000s to cater to eco-tourism. Offering boutique-style accommodation with wildlife views, it represents Nakuru’s continued growth as a safari destination.

9. Sarova Woodlands Hotel & Spa (2017)

Milimani Estate, along Mburu Gichua Road.

Photo credit: hotels.com

Opened in 2017, Sarova Woodlands brought luxury hospitality to Nakuru. Part of the Sarova Hotels chain, it offers fine dining, spa services, and modern conference facilities. Located in the upscale Milimani area, it reflects Nakuru’s rise as a cosmopolitan city.

10. Legacy Hotel (2020s)

Nakuru CBD, near Kenyatta Avenue.

The Legacy Hotel. (Photo credit: uzamart)

One of the newest entrants in Nakuru’s hospitality scene, Legacy Hotel blends modern design with local culture. Positioned as a boutique hotel, it symbolizes Nakuru’s future-facing hospitality industry, catering to both business and leisure travelers.

From the colonial grandeur of Midland Hotel (1906) to the modern luxury of Sarova Woodlands and Legacy Hotel, Nakuru’s hotels tell a century-long story of ambition, adaptation, and reinvention. Each establishment marks a chapter in the city’s journey — from railway stopover to safari hub, and now to a thriving cosmopolitan destination. Together, they form a living archive of hospitality, resilience, and transformation in the Rift Valley.

Which of these legendary hotels have you visited, or which one would you love to experience? Share your memories, photos, or thoughts in the comments and let’s keep this conversation alive!

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