When you mention Nakuru to most Tourists, the first thing that comes to mind is Flamingos. The great Lake Nakuru National Park has been the home to millions of Flamingos for hundreds of years. One of the few Lakes in Africa that carry such an honour. But Nakuru has much more to offer on top of the majestic view these birds give. Below are sites rich with history and aesthetics that you simply cannot miss when you visit the beautiful county.
Lord Egerton Castle
Perhaps one of the littlest known place in Nakuru, this Castle hold so much history and emotion. Many, perhaps because of the tragic ending it holds do not know much about the castle. Or maybe it is because of the little media attention it gets. But believe us when we tell you that you cannot possibly miss visiting this grand castle for anything. Located approximately 20 kilometres from Nakuru Town, the Castle stands years after its owner’s death. Sir Maurice Egerton was an English Lord who had settled in Kenya. He lived in a six-bedroomed house prior to building this castle. His then to be wife, however, saw this house as a chicken coop and quickly turned down Lord Egerton’s proposal. He would then build the humongous castle in rage and fury and banish all female beings from entering the premises. Otieno, the former houseboy who now acts as the tour guide swears that the Lord would even inspect the meat before having it in the kitchen to make sure it was not female! You just cannot miss the suspense and drama this beautiful castle has in store.
Kariandusi Diatomite Site and Museum
The Kariandusi museum was first discovered by the Leakys in the late 1920’s. The site is known largely because of the diatomite mining that takes place there. Diatomite comes from the skeletal remains of organisms that existed millions of years ago including algae. However, this is not the only thing going on for this site. Kariandusi has seen the excavation of hundreds of prehistoric hand tools belonging to early man. These tools were mainly made from the rock obsidian. The valley is believed to have been a lakebed that existed thousands of years before the formation of Lakes Nakuru and Elementaita. The site offers a variety of activities including an archaeological museum, nature trails and a picnic site.
Hyrax Hill Museum
Located only 8 kilometres from Nakuru CBD, the hyrax hill is almost similar to the Kariandusi museum. The only difference being the excavated material was mostly skeletal remains as opposed to weaponry. The Leakys found remains of human skeletons dating back to 1500 B.C. Although not all original discoveries were kept here, the remaining artefacts are a sight to behold. The site also has a variety of wildlife to view including the hyraxes after which the hill was named.
Hell’s Gate National Park
This place is the Kenyan version of the Grand Canyon. Although not as deep and vast, the hell’s gate national park holds amazing features created over time by the water and volcanic activities. From the smooth patterned rocks to the deep and high crevices created so mightily by nature. There are hot springs, wild animals, birds and volcanic features to marvel at. And what’s more is that you get to choose whether to walk, bike or drive around this beautiful site.
