Nanyuki is a market town on the north-western side of Mount Kenya, sitting almost exactly on the Equator. It is the gateway to the Laikipia plateau, a region of private and community conservancies that has become one of Kenya's most important areas for wildlife conservation.
The best known of these is Ol Pejeta Conservancy, close to town, which holds a significant population of black and white rhino and a chimpanzee sanctuary for rescued animals. Because conservancies are not national parks, they allow activities such as night drives, guided walks and sometimes horse or camel rides.
Nanyuki is also the main base for Mount Kenya treks on the Sirimon and Naro Moru routes, and a natural stop on the road to Samburu.
Laikipia is a high, open plateau of grassland and acacia bush, with Mount Kenya's peaks to the south-east on clear days. Ranches and conservancies cover much of it, and wildlife moves across ranch land as well as protected areas. Nanyuki town itself is busy and practical, with shops, banks and an airstrip.
Ol Pejeta is one of the best places in Kenya to see rhino, and it is closely involved in efforts to save the northern white rhino. Laikipia also supports large elephant numbers and northern species such as reticulated giraffe and Grevy's zebra.
Game drives and night drives at Ol Pejeta
Visit the rhino enclosures and the chimpanzee sanctuary
Stop at the Equator marker in Nanyuki
Horse or camel safaris on some conservancies
Base for Mount Kenya treks
Conservancy safaris feel more flexible than park safaris: off-road driving to sightings, night drives with a spotlight and walks with an armed ranger may all be possible. Nanyuki itself is a useful stop for supplies before or after a trek.
Year-round. The drier months, roughly June to October and January to February, concentrate wildlife near water and make tracks easier. The green season is good for birds.
Read our full guide: Best Time to Visit Kenya for a Safari, Season by Season »
Around 3-4 hours by road north of Nairobi. Scheduled flights also serve Nanyuki's airstrip.
Conservancy lodges and tented camps around Ol Pejeta and Laikipia, plus hotels and guesthouses in town for trekkers.
Conservancy fees apply in addition to any national park fees
Nanyuki is at altitude - evenings are cool
A practical base before and after Mount Kenya climbs
No. It is a not-for-profit conservancy, which is why activities such as night drives are allowed. Fees support conservation and local communities.
Yes, on a longer itinerary. It is in the opposite direction from Nairobi, so allow extra days or a flight.
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