Nanyuki is in Southern Rift Valley, north-west of Mount Kenya.
Understand
[edit]Nanyuki is a bustling town in central Kenya, straddling the Equator and serving as the main gateway to Mount Kenya National Park, the Laikipia Plateau, and several wildlife conservancies. Founded in 1907 by British settlers, it has grown into a lively hub with a mix of military bases, ranches, farms, hotels, and safari outfitters. Its location on the A2 highway makes it a key stopover for travelers heading north toward Samburu or east toward Meru.
The town sits at the foot of Mount Kenya, giving it a cool, pleasant climate and clear mountain views on sunny days. Nanyuki has a strong outdoors culture, attracting hikers, climbers, conservationists, and travelers exploring nearby conservancies such as Ol Pejeta, Lewa, and Ol Jogi. The large expatriate and Kenyan middle-class community lends the town a surprisingly cosmopolitan feel, with modern supermarkets, restaurants, cafés, and gear shops.
Nanyuki is also known for its connection to wildlife protection and ranching; many nearby private conservancies combine tourism, cattle ranching, and conservation efforts. The presence of the British Army Training Unit Kenya (BATUK) contributes to the town’s economy and international character.
With its mix of adventure tourism, wildlife access, and modern amenities, Nanyuki is one of Kenya’s most convenient and traveler-friendly bases for exploring the central highlands.
Get in
[edit]
By air
[edit]There's daily flights from Nairobi.
- 1 Nanyuki Airport.
By bus
[edit]There are buses and minivans to/from
- Nairobi (3 hours, Ksh 700) for an 11 seat minivan (June 2023)
- Nyeri (1½ hour) Ksh 300 for a 14 seat mimivan.
- Meru (1½ hours) Ksh 300 for a 14-seat minivan.
- Nyahururu (3 hours) Ksh450 for a 14-seat van.
- Isiolo (1½ hours)
- Nakuru (3 hours) ksh700 for an 11 seat minivan
By rail
[edit]The railway line from Nairobi has been rehabilitated and a twice-weekly passenger train is departing Nanyuki Railway station every Wednesday and Sunday at 9:30AM. The fare to Nairobi is Ksh200 and the trip takes 6 hours. However, travelling by train is still much slower compared to taking the bus. The train fare is less than half the bus fare.
- 2 Nanyuki railway station.
Get around
[edit]Nanyuki is compact and easy to navigate, with most services clustered around the town center and along the A2 highway. The majority of visitors get around by walking, motorbike taxis, or private vehicles, depending on distance and destination.
Walking is practical for short trips within the town centre, where banks, supermarkets, restaurants, and gear shops are all close together. Sidewalks can be uneven, but traffic is generally manageable during the day.
For longer distances, boda-bodas (motorcycle taxis) are the quickest and most common form of transport. They are inexpensive and widely available, but for safety, choose riders who provide helmets and avoid using them at night. Tuk-tuks also operate in town and are a safer option for short rides.
Taxis and ride-hailing services are available, with many hotels able to call trusted local drivers. Hiring a taxi is recommended for travel after dark or for trips outside the main town.
Travel to surrounding conservancies—such as Ol Pejeta, Lewa, Ol Jogi, and Solio Ranch—requires a private car or safari vehicle. Roads range from paved to rough gravel, and a 4x4 is recommended for rainy seasons. Many visitors book guided tours or arrange transport through lodges, which is the easiest way to reach more remote areas.
For self-drivers, Nanyuki is well supplied with fuel stations, mechanics, and supermarkets. Traffic is lighter than in Nairobi, but watch for livestock, military convoys, and speed bumps on rural roads.
Matatus (shared minivans) operate on fixed routes around town and to nearby villages, though they are not ideal for tourists carrying luggage or visiting conservancies due to limited space and frequent stops.
Overall, getting around Nanyuki is straightforward, with options ranging from budget-friendly boda-bodas to private safari vehicles for exploring the greater Laikipia region.
See
[edit]- 1 St. Georges Church. Anglican church built during the colonial period, in 1932.
- Mt Kenya Wildlife Animal Orphanage. (Mt Kenya Safari Club). 8AM-5:30PM. Ksh 1500 per person.
- 2 Equator Mark (along the road from Nyeri, just south of the city). Nothing more then a sign next to road from Nyeri, but a convenient spot for a photo opportunity to prove you've crossed the equator.
- Ol Pejeta Conservancy. One of East Africa’s premier wildlife conservancies, home to the largest black rhino population in Kenya, the last two northern white rhinos, chimpanzee sanctuary, Big Five game drives, and walking safaris. About 20–30 minutes from Nanyuki.
- Nanyuki Spinners and Weavers. A women’s cooperative producing hand-woven textiles using traditional spinning and dyeing techniques. Visitors can see the artisans at work and buy carpets, shawls, and table runners.
- Ngare Ndare Forest. A beautiful indigenous forest with crystal-clear blue pools, canopy walkways, and hiking trails. Popular for day trips from Nanyuki—great for swimming, birdwatching, and photography. Note: 4x4 recommended in rainy season.
- Nanyuki Railway Station. A historic colonial-era railway terminus at the edge of town. Although regular service ended years ago, the station remains an interesting spot for photos and a reminder of the old Nairobi–Nanyuki line.
- Mount Kenya Viewpoints. Numerous lookouts around town and along the Nanyuki–Timau Road offer magnificent views of Mount Kenya’s snow-capped peaks on clear mornings. Ideal for sunrise photography.
- Civic Grounds & Clock Tower. A central gathering place in Nanyuki with a distinctive clock tower and frequent community events. A good landmark for orientation in town.
- BATUK Memorial Garden. A small but well-maintained memorial site dedicated to British and Kenyan soldiers, located near the training base. Quiet and historically significant.
Do
[edit]- 1 Nanyuki Sports Club, ☏ +254 62 2031896. Offers a 9-hole gold course.
Buy
[edit]Malls & supermarkets
[edit]- Nanyuki Mall, Nyeri-Nanyuki Road. 8AM-8PM. It has a large Quick Mart supermarket.
- [dead link] Cedar Mall, Rumuruti Road. 8AM-8PM. The largest shopping mall in Nanyuki. It has a Chandarana foodplus supermarket.
- Chieni Supermarket, Market Road, ☏ +254-711-362721. 8AM-8PM. Large supermarket.
- Road Map Supermarket, Nanyuki-Rumuruti Road (town center.). 8AM-8PM.
Banks & ATMs
[edit]- Cooperative bank, Nyeri-Nanyuki Road. 24-hour ATM. An ATM that accepts Visa card and Mastercard with no withdrawal fee.
- GT Bank, Nanyuki - Nyeri Road. 24 hour ATM. An ATM that accepts Visa card and Mastercard with no withdrawal fee.
Eat
[edit]- KFC, Cedar mall. 8AM-9PM. large chicken & chips Ksh420.
- Shades Coffee Lounge (Lumumba Road). 8AM-8PM. one of the best and cheapest cafes in Nanyuki. Chips Ksh150, tea Ksh60.
- Chicken Inn & Pizza Inn, Peak Place Nanyuki. Kenyatta Highway. 9AM-9PM.
- Railsend Hotel Restaurant, Kimathi Road (near Nanyuki mall). 7AM-9PM. low price clean place to eat.
Drink
[edit]Nanyuki has one of the liveliest bar and café scenes in central Kenya, thanks to its mix of locals, safari travelers, and the expatriate community around the military base and surrounding conservancies.
- Local bars and pubs are clustered around the town centre and along the highway. They range from simple roadside joints serving cold Tusker and club music, to more polished lounges with outdoor seating. Popular Kenyan beers include Tusker, White Cap, Pilsner, Summit Lager, and craft options from Nairobi.
- Cafés in Nanyuki are excellent for coffee lovers. Several spots serve high-quality Kenyan Arabica sourced from nearby highlands. Many offer pastries, smoothies, and light meals—useful for travelers before heading to conservancies or Mt Kenya.
- Hotel and lodge bars around town and on the outskirts (especially toward Ol Pejeta and Mount Kenya) offer calmer, more upscale environments with cocktails, wine lists, and sundowners overlooking the plains. These are the safest and most relaxed places for evening drinks.
- Nightlife in Nanyuki is more active than in most Kenyan highland towns. A handful of clubs play Afro-fusion, gengetone, and pop music, drawing a youthful crowd on weekends. Noise levels can be high, so choose accommodations away from the busiest streets if you prefer quiet nights.
- Alcohol regulations: As with most of Kenya, bars stay open late, sometimes past midnight. It’s wise to take a taxi or tuk-tuk back to your hotel after dark rather than walking.
For non-drinkers, Nanyuki’s cafés and juice bars serve fresh fruit juices (mango, passion, pineapple), chai masala, smoothies, and milkshakes. Bottled water is widely available; tap water should not be consumed without boiling or filtering.
Sleep
[edit]There are many more lodging options available at nearby Mount Kenya.
- 1 Joskaki Hotel, Lumumba Road, ☏ +254 62 176-2181. Huge budget hotel with more than 100 rooms. Single/double rooms with own hot water bathroom. Has own bar and restaurant. from Ksh 800.
- Mercure Nanyuki lodge, Hospital Rd (near Cedar mall.). Check-in: 11AM, check-out: 10AM. Double room with own hot water bathroom and net. Ksh 800-1400.
- 62 Paradise hotel, Kieni Rd, ☏ +254 62 2022334. Check-in: 11AM, check-out: 10AM. Single or double rooms with own hot water bathroom. free wifi. from Ksh 1200.
- Nanyuki Simbas Lodge & Restaurant, Nanyuki Law courts Road (over the street from Nanyuki Law courts), ☏ +254 711 784552. Check-in: 11AM, check-out: noon. very clean room with own hot water bathroom, free wifi, pool table and bar. from Ksh 1200.
- Ibis Hotel, willy Jimmy Road (opp park), ☏ +254 714420888. Check-in: noon, check-out: noon. Single/double rooms with own bathroom. from Ksh 2000.
Connect
[edit]- Airtel shop, The cedar mall. 8AM-8PM. SIM card free. 3Gb of data for Ksh300. 5Gb of data Ksh500.
- Safaricom Shop, Nanyuki mall. 8AM-8PM. SIM card Ksh100.