NAKURU: Nakuru City is preparing for a bustling Christmas season as numerous hotels report full bookings, signaling a surge in local tourism that has positively impacted local businesses, including restaurants, souvenir shops, and transportation services.

According to Kenya News Agency, Nakuru’s growing appeal as a tourist destination is bolstered by attractions such as Lake Nakuru National Park, famous for its stunning display of flamingos flocking to its alkaline waters. Additionally, the Menengai Crater, a dormant volcano, offers opportunities for hiking, camping, and exploration of unique geothermal features. The Hyrax Hill Prehistoric Site provides a glimpse into the region’s ancient history with evidence of early human settlements.

The city’s rich cultural experiences, rooted in the diverse heritage of the Maasai and Kikuyu communities, offer visitors a chance to engage with traditional customs, music, and dance. Nakuru’s proximity to Nairobi enhances its accessibility for both weekend getaways and e
xtended vacations, making it a convenient destination for holidaymakers.

David Mwangi, Chairman of Nakuru Tourism Association, highlighted that Nakuru City has effectively leveraged its natural beauty, cultural richness, and strategic location to become a vibrant and sought-after tourist spot. He underscored the city’s reputation as a safe haven for a mosaic of diverse ethnic groups, including remnants of white settlers, Asians, Arabs, and Sudanese communities, contrasting it with other areas that have been less welcoming to immigrants despite constitutional guarantees for the right of settlement in any part of the country.