How to Reach Gilgil in Kenya
Gilgil is a beautiful town located in the Nakuru County of Kenya. Here are some ways to reach Gilgil:
Gilgil
Gilgil is a town situated in Nakuru County, Kenya. It is located approximately 120 kilometers north of the capital city, Nairobi. The town…
Best for you if…
- A week-long stay
- Exploring with transit or a car
- Wildlife safari travelers
- Hiking and trekking travelers
- Visiting in July to September
More about this guide
Gilgil is a strong pick for wildlife safari & hiking and trekking — plan about 5-7 days days; group places into half-day loops. Peak season: July to September.
Solid guide guide · about 3 min to read · depth score 68/100 (coverage of intro, tips, and mapped places)
Spread density — Wide area — group nearby places into half-day loops. (≈7.2 km span)
2
Places to explore
5-7 days
Recommended days
July to September
Best season
8
Nearby places
Find nearby destinations
When to go
High season: July to September
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC
Best months for lower-cost travel: April · May · November
Weather
April to june
Cool and rainy
January to march
Warm and dry
July to september
Sunny and dry
October to december
Warm and rainy
How to get there
By Air:
The nearest international airport to Gilgil is the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi. From there, you can either hire a private taxi or take a domestic flight to the Nakuru Airport. Once you reach Nakuru, you can easily find buses or taxis to Gilgil, which is approximately a 30-minute drive away.
By Road:
If you prefer traveling by road, you can take a bus or drive from Nairobi to Gilgil. The distance between Nairobi and Gilgil is approximately 120 kilometers, and the journey takes around 2-3 hours depending on the traffic conditions. The road is well-maintained, and you can enjoy the scenic beauty of the Great Rift Valley along the way.
By Train:
Currently, there is no direct train service to Gilgil. However, you can take a train from Nairobi to Nakuru, which is the nearest railway station. From Nakuru, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Gilgil.
By Motorcycle:
If you are an adventure enthusiast, you can also consider renting a motorcycle to reach Gilgil. There are several rental services available in Nairobi, and the journey to Gilgil through the winding roads can be quite thrilling.
Once you reach Gilgil, you will be greeted by its stunning landscapes, hot springs, and friendly locals. It is a perfect destination for nature lovers and those seeking a peaceful getaway.
Getting to know Gilgil
Gilgil is a town situated in Nakuru County, Kenya. It is located approximately 120 kilometers north of the capital city, Nairobi. The town is known for its fertile land, which is suitable for agriculture. The majority of the people in Gilgil practice subsistence farming, with maize being the most commonly grown crop. The town is also home to several military installations, including the Kenyan Military School and the British Army Training Unit Kenya.
Gilgil has a population of approximately 20,000 people. The town is located in the Great Rift Valley, and as such, it offers visitors stunning views of the surrounding valleys and hills. Tourists can also visit Lake Elementaita, which is located approximately 15 kilometers from the town. The lake is a popular destination for bird watching, as it is home to a variety of bird species, including flamingos.
The town has experienced significant growth in recent years, with several infrastructure projects being undertaken. The construction of the Nairobi-Nakuru highway has helped to improve connectivity between Gilgil and the surrounding towns. The town is also the site of several industrial parks, which have helped to create employment opportunities for the local community.
Pre-trip checklist
Compiled from local tips, stay length, and season notes.
Local tips
- Carry sunscreen and insect repellent
- Pack comfortable walking shoes
- Respect local customs and traditions
- Stay hydrated and drink bottled water
- Book accommodations and safaris in advance
Places worth exploring
2 places mapped for this destination
01
02
Suggested 5-day outline
Places ordered by proximity into day buckets. Add what you like to your trip.
Day 1
~5.8 km path
Frequently asked questions
Answers compiled from stay length, season, and local tips for this guide.
How many days do you need in Gilgil?
Most travelers spend about 5-7 days days in Gilgil, Kenya.
When is the best time to visit Gilgil?
High season is typically July to September.
Which months are more budget-friendly in Gilgil?
Travelers often find better value in April, May, November.
What kind of trip is Gilgil good for?
Gilgil suits Wildlife safari, Hiking and trekking, Bird watching, Cultural tours.
Is Gilgil walkable?
Wide area — group nearby places into half-day loops.
Any local tips for Gilgil?
Carry sunscreen and insect repellent
Build your trip
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