Nanyuki
Discover Nanyuki
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.
What to Experience in Nanyuki
Taste of Nanyuki...
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. 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. There are many more lodging options available at nearby Mount Kenya.
Essential Information
Getting There
Multiple OptionsThe 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. 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....
Getting Around & Staying
Getting Around
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.
Where to Stay
There are many more lodging options available at nearby Mount Kenya.
Money & Budget
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. 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. There are many more lodging options available at nearby Mount Kenya.
Safety Information
Glimpses of Nanyuki
Tree Top
Loldaiga Hills - Views from Ereri Village next to Ol Pejeta Conservancy
grayscale photo of man in black and white stripe polo shirt
Rhino in Africa
an empty road with a blue sky and white clouds
Views of Mt Kenya from Nanyuki
Views of The Aberdares from Nanyuki
Views of Mt Kenya from Nanyuki
Elephant Walking in Ol Pejeta, Kenya
Hyena in Grass, in Ol Pejeta Conservancy Kenya
Tree Top
Loldaiga Hills - Views from Ereri Village next to Ol Pejeta Conservancy
grayscale photo of man in black and white stripe polo shirt