Town · Central Kenya
Nanyuki
The main base town for Mount Kenya's northern approach, sitting almost exactly on the Equator.
How to get there
By road from Nairobi, roughly three hours north.
What to find
Mount Kenya trekking logistics, conservancies on the Laikipia Plateau, and the Equator line itself.
Overview
Nanyuki is a friendly market town almost exactly on the Equator, at the foot of Mount Kenya. It's the main gateway to the mountain's northern routes and to the Laikipia Plateau.
Laikipia's private and community conservancies are some of Kenya's great conservation success stories. They include Ol Pejeta, home to the last two northern white rhinos and a chimpanzee sanctuary, and Lewa, part of the Mount Kenya World Heritage Site.
Highlights
- Ol Pejeta Conservancy: Big Five, northern white rhinos and a chimpanzee sanctuary
- Lewa and other Laikipia conservancies
- The Equator crossing
- Mount Kenya trekking via the Sirimon route
Things to do
Conservancy safaris
Game drives, walks, horse and camel safaris.
Mount Kenya
Trek logistics and day hikes.
Equator stop
The famous water-draining demonstration.
Best time to visit
All year. The dry seasons are best for trekking and game viewing.
Getting there
About 3 hours by road from Nairobi, or by scheduled flight to Nanyuki airstrip.
Where to stay
Town hotels, plus lodges and camps in the surrounding conservancies.
Nanyuki, Ol Pejeta & Mount Kenya
A selection of well-known options, not a complete list. See all accommodation in Kenya →
Good to know
- Combine with Samburu for a northern Kenya circuit.
Permit prices, park rules and access can change. We always confirm the latest details when we plan your trip.
From Nanyuki
Places to visit from Nanyuki
Drive times are approximate. Look up another city.