MileHacker Logo
What to Pack for Nakuru

What to Pack for Nakuru

Nakuru Nakuru County, Kenya Travel Guide

Season-Specific Attire

General: Pack lightweight, airy fabrics like cotton or linen. These comfortable for warm days.

Dry Season June-October, January-February

  • Light trousers or shorts, t-shirts. Long-sleeved shirts for Sun protection and insect repellent.
  • A Fleece jacket, sweater, or light Waterproof jacket for cooler evenings, early morning game drives, or visits to higher altitude areas like Menengai Crater.
  • Layering: Layering you adapt to fluctuating temperatures. Start with t-shirt, add long-sleeved shirt, then fleece/jacket. Easily remove or layers.

Cultural Dress Codes

Outside of tourist resorts and hotels, dressing modestly advisable. This applies notably when visiting local communities, religious sites, or the city center. It local customs.

Modesty Guidance

  • Women: Covering shoulders and knees generally appreciated. Avoid overly revealing clothing. Loose-fitting trousers or long skirts good choices.
  • Men: Long pants or shorts acceptable for everyday use.
  • Religious Sites: When visiting churches or mosques, more conservative attire expected. Both men and women cover shoulders and knees.

Footwear Considerations

Everyday Comfort

Comfortable Walking Shoes/Sneakers: These are for daily wear, city exploration, and light walks. Ensure they broken in before your trip.

City & Light Walks

Adventure Footwear

Hiking Boots: It's a good idea if you plan to hike Menengai Crater or explore other trails. Choose boots that good support and grip.

Trails & Crater

Relaxation & Protection

Sandals/Flip-flops: for relaxing at your accommodation or short strolls in warm weather. Closed-toe shoes: Bring these for protection against insects, dust, and rough terrain, especially on game drives.

Casual & Safari

Your Document Checklist

Useful Paperwork

Keeping documents organized and secure travel complications. Carry both original documents and copies.

  • Original Passport: With at least 6 months validity from your entry date and two blank pages.
  • E-Visa Printout: A copy of your approved Kenya e-Visa.
  • Travel Insurance Policy Information: Both printed and digital copies. Include emergency contact numbers and policy details.
  • International Driving Permit (as needed): Original Driving License. Required if you plan to rent a car and drive yourself.
  • Vaccination Records: Original Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate required. Copies of any other recommended vaccinations.
  • Prescription Documentation: A doctor's note for any prescribed medications, especially controlled substances. Carry medications in their original packaging.
  • Printed and Digital Copies of Reservations: Flight tickets, accommodation bookings, tour/safari bookings.
  • Emergency Contact Information: Family/Friends, Embassy/Consulate (Nairobi), Local Emergency Numbers (Police 999/112, Ambulance). Student/Senior/Press IDs for discounts (if applicable).

Tech Traveler Kit

Power & Connectivity

Ensure your devices compatible with Kenyan power outlets and network before departure.

Essentials

  • Power Adapter & Voltage: Kenya uses A TYPE g plug (uk style) plugs (UK standard). Voltage 240V, 50Hz. Check device compatibility or use Voltage converter.
  • Mobile Phone & SIM Cards: Phone unlocked, GSM compatible. SIM cards easily purchased (Safaricom, Airtel). Passport for registration.
  • Portable Chargers: Highly recommended for charging devices, especially during game drives or power outages.

Digital Tools & Backup

Leverage technology to your advantage for navigation, communication, and data security.

Recommended Apps & Security

  • Navigation: Google Maps (download offline maps). Ride-sharing: Uber, Bolt, Little Cab. Translation: Google Translate (Swahili pack). Communication: WhatsApp.
  • Backup Solutions: Upload photos/documents regularly to online storage services. External Hard Drive/USB Drive for photo backups.
  • VPN Services: NordVPN or ExpressVPN for secure internet.

Photography & Gear

Camera Equipment

A DSLR or Mirrorless camera with a good zoom lens (e.g., 70-300mm or longer) highly recommended for wildlife photography. B&H Photo an affiliate resource for camera needs.

Accessories

Extra Batteries are essential for long days on safari. Bring ample storage with multiple memory cards. Binoculars for wildlife viewing.

Connectivity on the Go

Airalo for e-SIM options. Ensure your mobile phone is unlocked and compatible with GSM networks before you travel.

Stay Healthy on Your Journey

Personal Medical Kit

A well-stocked personal health kit prepares you for common travel ailments and specific regional health concerns.

First Aid Essentials

Health Support & Prevention

Be prepared for common ailments and the intense equatorial sun.

Items

  • Antihistamines: For allergies or insect bites. Eye drops: For dust or irritation.
  • Motion sickness medication: If you prone to car sickness (especially on bumpy roads during wildlife drives).
  • Prescription Medications: Carry all prescription medications in their original packaging, with a doctor's note. Over-the-counter medications for cold, flu, indigestion.

Protection from Elements

Insect Repellent

  • Insect Repellent: Containing DEET (30-50%), picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus. This for malaria and other mosquito-borne disease prevention.
  • Mosquito Nets: Sleep under mosquito nets if your accommodation does not have screened windows or air conditioning.
  • Protective Clothing: Wear long sleeves and pants at dusk and dawn.

Sun Protection & Hygiene

Adventure Gear

Hiking Essentials

Gear Needed for Planned Activities (hiking, safari):

Safari Equipment

Essential items to enhance your wildlife viewing and photography experience.

  • Binoculars for close-up viewing.
  • Camera with a zoom lens for wildlife photography.
  • Field guide or app for wildlife identification.
  • Adventure Medical Kits for any minor incidents.

Rent or Bring?

Consider what is best to rent versus bringing from home.

  • Binoculars: Usually available for rent from safari operators.
  • Camping Gear: Usually by camping safari operators if booking a package.
  • Nordace for modern travel bags.
  • Amazon for other general gear.

Specialty Items & Local Availability

Unique to Nakuru Experiences

  • No unique specialty items beyond general safari or hiking gear required for Nakuru.
  • For camera equipment needs, consider browsing at B&H Photo.
  • For anti-theft bags and travel security, explore Pacsafe.
  • General travel bags and accessories from Nordace.

Items Difficult to Find Locally

  • Specialized electronics (e.g., specific camera accessories) may be harder to find or more expensive in Nakuru.
  • Particular dietary supplements, or niche personal care products may be harder to find.
  • Bring these items from home if you rely on them.
  • General consumer retail Amazon.

Essential Extras

Travel Comfort & Security

These items comfort, security, and convenience during travels.

Comfort & Protection

Eco-Friendly & Daily Use

Embrace sustainable travel practices and convenient everyday items.

Sustainable Choices

Hard-to-Find Items

Specialized Electronics

Specific camera accessories or niche gadgets may be harder to find locally.

Dietary Supplements

Particular dietary supplements you rely on might be unavailable.

Niche Personal Care

Specific personal care brands or products may not be in stock.

Bring From Home

It advisable to bring these items from home if you depend on them.

Daypack for Excursions

Recommended Usage

  • Daily excursions within the metropolis or for light hikes.
  • Essential for carrying items during game drives.
  • Useful for city exploration, markets, and cultural excursions.

What to Carry

  • Water bottle, snacks.
  • Camera, binoculars.
  • Sunscreen, hat, and insect repellent.

Packing Smart

A small, Lightweight daypack for daily excursions, safaris in a vehicle, and city exploration.

Consider packing cubes to preserve your luggage organized and maximize space.