Nanyuki Town Kenya Guide
Nanyuki town lies on the northwestern slopes of Mount Kenya along the A2 Nairobi Moyale via Isiolo Great North Road. The Kenya Uganda railway from Nairobi to the north ends here. Nanyuki Kenya is right on the equator on the slopes of Mount Kenya with a spectacular view of the snow-capped peaks and the plains of Laikipia. Nanyuki Kenya strategic location and spectacular views prompted the British settlers during the early days of colonization to build a town. Many remnants and descendants of these early settler families still live on the ranches around the town.
Today, Nanyuki Kenya is a multicultural market center serving farms, ranches, game parks, and wildlife conservancies. It is also a base for adventurers looking to climb Mount Kenya. Owing to its location on the equator surrounded by Laikipia high country and with picturesque Mount Kenya as a backdrop, Nanyuki Kenya is a destination for both domestic and international visitors who find it ideal for getaway excursions and retreats from the stressful daily routine of the city.
The British Army has a base at the Nanyuki Show Ground (NSG) from where it conducts yearly desert and jungle training exercises on the mountain and in the arid areas to the north. Nanyuki is the capital of Laikipia County. The Equator passes through the southern part of Nanyuki.
Nanyuki Town Climate and Geography
Nanyuki Kenya is a market town in the central-east Rift Valley region of Kenya lying northwest of Mount Kenya along the A2 Road and at the terminus of the branch railway from Nairobi. It is situated north of the Equator (0° 01‘ North). Founded in 1907 by British settlers, it is the main airbase of the Kenya Air Force.
Climbers and backpackers visit Nanyuki town on their way to or from Mount Kenya along the Sirimon and Burguret routes and many other tourists pass through the town.
Nanyuki Town was formerly called the sweet waters Game reserve, this impressive 97-sq-km (soon to be 300-sq-km) wildlife conservancy is home of a wide variety of plains wildlife, including the Big Five, massive eland antelopes and a plethora of birdlife.
In Nanyuki, the climate is warm and temperate. The rain in Nanyuki falls mostly in the winter, with relatively little rain in the summer. The average annual temperature in Nanyuki is 16.2 °C. About 819 mm of precipitation falls annually.
The driest month is January. There is 23 mm of precipitation in January. In April, the precipitation reaches its peak, with an average of 133 mm.
With an average of 17.1 °C, March is the warmest month. At 15.4 °C on average, December is the coldest month of the year.
History of Nanyuki Town
The town was started by British settlers during the early days of colonial Kenya in 1907. Some of their descendants still live in or around the town. The town is today multi-cultural and is the market center for farms, ranches, game parks and wildlife conservancies in the region. It’s also the base for people seeking to climb Mount Kenya, the most famous landmark in the country. The Equator line passes 6.5 km south of this town.
Economic Activities in Nanyuki Town
Most residents of the Nanyuki earn their money through trade. Shops in the town supply many farms, ranches and game parks in a wide circle. Originally, most shops were owned by Indians, who still form a sizable part of the population. Climbers and backpackers visit Nanyuki on their way to or from Mount Kenya along the Sirimon and Burguret routes and many other tourists pass through the town. Nanyuki, therefore, has many hotels, of which Mount Kenya Safari Club and Sportsman’s Arms Hotel are the most prominent and best known. Other hotels include Lion’s Court, Equatorial Hotel, Mount Kenya Paradise Hotel, and Joskaki Hotel.
There used to be a textile factory, Mount Kenya Textile (Mountex) Mills. The British management deteriorated over the years, which largely contributed to its bankruptcy in 1978. Years later, the factory, which had remained more or less intact, was bought by an Asian businessman, an inhabitant of Nanyuki. Some textile was produced. The factory eventually closed due to cheap imports and outdated machinery and finally was looted to the ground. There have also been a number of sawmills in Nanyuki. However, with the almost total ban on the tree falling on Mount Kenya, these either closed down or are now eking out a difficult existence. Recently, large horticultural operations have come to Nanyuki.
Places to Visit While in Nanyuki Town
Tourists Attractions in Nanyuki Kenya
- Mount Kenya National Park
- Ol Pejeta Conservancy
- Lewa Wildlife Conservancy
- Ngare Ndare Forest
- Nanyuki and Liki rivers
- The equator
- LilyPond Arts Centre
- Mau Mau Caves
- Mackinder and Teleki Valley
Things to do while in Nanyuki Town
- Mountain climbing and hiking
- Game drives
- Nature walks and bird watching
- Horse riding and biking
- River fishing
- Primate tracking
- Picnic and camping
- Camel riding
How to get Nanyuki Town
Nanyuki can be reached by air. Its airport lies 6.5 km (4 mi) south of the town and is served by light aircraft along the highway to Nairobi. There is a regular air service by Air Kenya, which is very convenient for businessmen and tourists. The town is also reachable using the all-weather road from Nairobi. Tourists can visit a number of parks and reserves in the vicinity of Nanyuki, the most obvious one being Mount Kenya National Park. Others are Sweetwaters Game Reserve, Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, Samburu National Reserve and Shaba National Reserve.
Night Clubs and Nightlife in Nanyuki Town
- YMCA
- Impala Place Pub
- Scouts Regional Offices
- Pirates Club
- Checkers Club
- 84 Pub
Accommodation and Hotels in Nanyuki Town
Nanyuki town has a wide choice of hotels, lodges, and camps to suit every visitor, ranging from five-star to non-star-rated accommodations.
1. Sportsman’s Arms Hotel
Category: Hotels in Nanyuki Kenya
The Sportsman’s Arms boasts a magnificent view of Mt Kenya and has become a hub for climbers heading for the Sirimon and Burguret routes.
For further information please visit: Sportsman’s Arms Hotel
2. Borana Lodge
Category: Hotels in Nanyuki Kenya
Borana, on the edge of the Samangua Valley, has panoramic views of Mt Kenya) across the Lewa Plains to the Ngare Ndare Forest. Built-in 1992 by local artisans using only local building materials, the lodge is comfortable, luxurious and totally in keeping with its surroundings. Both the lodge and a game blind overlook a dam which attracts wildlife to the area.
For further information please visit: Borana Lodge
3. Ibis Hotel Nanyuki
Category: Hotels in Nanyuki Kenya
The Ibis chain of hotels started with 1 hotel in Nyeri, and now has 2 hotels in Karatina, 1 in Nanyuki and 1 in Nyeri.
For further information please visit: Ibis Hotel Nanyuki
4. Solio Lodge
Category: Hotels in Nanyuki Kenya
Solio combines a working ranch with a wildlife sanctuary that provides refuge for wildlife that would otherwise be deprived of suitable habitat.
For further information please visit: Solio Lodge
5. Soames Hotel & Jack’s Bar
Category: Hotels in Nanyuki Kenya
Soames Hotel and Jack’s Bar is a beautiful newly constructed hotel and restaurant, located 7km from Nanyuki town on the Nanyuki Naro-Moru highway. An out of town hotel, set within a 100 acres of private property overlooking Mount Kenya. It is in close proximity to Jogi Timber and offers free WiFi to guests. The hotel has 12 double en-suite rooms in 6 cottages set within a garden. Each room has double or twin bed configuration, flat screen TV, modern bathroom facilities and a dressing room/workspace. All rooms have tea and coffee facilities. The facility is named after Jack Soames, a European settler who came to Kenya in 1920 and made this farm his home.
For more information please visit; Soames Hotel and Jack’s Bar
6. Lairagwan House
Category: Hotels in Nanyuki Kenya
Lairagwan House is a luxurious hotel situated in the green, serene area of Nanyuki. The home-stay was built with the leisure traveler in mind, who wants to get away from the busy city life and tour the Mount Kenya region in a homelike setting. The home has a living room where guests can lounge plus a dining area. Each room is fitted with a wardrobe and fresh linen on the beds. The master bedroom has an en-suite bathroom. A fully equipped kitchen is available for guests to make their own food at their own convenience. Guests can come with their own foodstuffs and have them prepared by a chef at a fee. The house is cleaned every day if guests don’t mind. The management can organize for help to do laundry. The premises are guarded by security personnel. Onsite parking is available.
For more information please visit; Lairagwan House
7. Sere Enkang House
Category: Hotels in Nanyuki Kenya
Sere Enkang House is a popular lodge in Nanyuki, set by the banks of river Burguret, near Mount Kenya. Guests may access this lodge through the Nanyuki Airstrip, Nairobi/Nanyuki Highway and Naro Moro/Nanyuki Road. Free wi-fi is available. The rooms are designed with hardwood flooring, en-suite bathrooms, and private balconies. Each room features bedside tables, complimentary bottled water, and hairdryer.The on-site restaurant serves a variety of local and continental dishes. Self-catering facilities are also available at the lodge.
For more information please visit; Sere Enkang House
8. Storms Resort & Campsite
Category: Hotels in Nanyuki Kenya
Storms Resort & Campsite is situated in Laikipia, Kenya. Free WiFi is available on the premises. Guests enjoy amazing views of Mount Kenya. Each room is fitted with a wardrobe and designed with an en-suite shower. Local and continental meals are served at the onsite restaurant, while guests order a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks at the bar. Complimentary breakfast is served daily. Outdoor dining is available at the terrace. Shared kitchen facilities are provided at the resort. The resort features an event facility. Laundry, airport pickup and city shuttle services are provided upon request. The premises are guarded round the clock and the resort offers ample parking space. The resort is in close proximity to the Ol-pejeta conservancy, Lolldaiga Farmhouse and Mount Kenya.
For more information please visit: Storms Resort & Campsite
9. Nanyuki Simba Lodge
Category: Hotels in Nanyuki Kenya
Nanyuki Simba Lodge is located in Nanyuki, Kenya. The bed and breakfast lodge is few minutes from Barney’s Nanyuki Airstrip and major Nanyuki roads making it easily accessible to guests. WiFi internet access is available. The rooms at Nanyuki Simba Lodge are fitted with a desk and chair, a telephone and an en suite bathroom. The on-site bar and restaurant offer a variety of foods and drinks. Guests can enjoy hiking on Mt. Kenya hiking and camping activities. Guests can enjoy hiking on Mt. Kenya hiking and camping activities. The lodge offers luggage storage facilities and laundry services at a fee. City shuttle services are also available on request. Ol Pejeta Conservancy and the famous Mt. Kenya are in close proximity to the lodge.
For more information please visit; Nanyuki Simba Lodge
10. The Old House
Category: Hotels in Nanyuki Kenya
The Old House is located off Kenyatta Highway in Nanyuki, Kenya and features free WiFi throughout its premises. The on-site restaurant offers local and continental dishes. Shared kitchen facilities and outdoor dining services are also available. The Old House features a Hamman. The Old House offers luggage storage facilities, laundry services, room service, money exchange services, and on-site ATM machine. Car hire, city, and airport shuttle services are also available to guests upon request. The premises are guarded by security personnel and on-site and nearby parking is available.
For more information please visit; The Old House
11. Mt. Kenya Royal Cottages
Category: Hotels in Nanyuki Kenya
Mt. Kenya Royal Cottages is an affordable hotel situated in a serene environment in Nanyuki. The lodge which is a short drive from Nanyuki Airstrip has a cool ambiance and offers breathtaking views of famous Mt Kenya and the Aberdare Ranges. Guests are welcomed by Masai Morans and enjoy complimentary breakfast. Each room has a rustic feel and is fitted with a TV with satellite stations, a wardrobe, and an en suite bathroom. Breakfast is complimentary and guests can order a variety of dishes from the on-site restaurant. There is a bar that serves alcohol and soft drinks which can be enjoyed in the garden. Guests enjoy tales in front of bonfires at night while trying to keep warm. Airport, laundry, and car hire services are provided at a surcharge. The lodge has a conference center and events center for hosting business meetings, training programs, and parties. On-site and nearby parking is available and the premises are guarded by security personnel.
For more information please visit: Mt. Kenya Royal Cottages
12. Batian Guest House
Category: Hotels in Nanyuki Kenya
Batian Guest House is situated at the heart of Nanyuki town, along the Nairobi–Nanyuki Highway. The guesthouse features free WiFi and is a favorite for guests on transit to and from Mount Kenya. The rooms are designed with en-suite bathrooms and the windows give a panoramic view of the snow-capped peaks of Mt. Kenya. Each room also features a television with satellite reception. The on-site bar offers a variety of wines, spirits, beers, non-alcoholic drinks, and light snacks. A variety of local foods are also provided through the restaurant in an ala-carte, buffet, and barbeque.
For more information please visit; Batian Guest House
13. Leisure Gardens
Category: Hotels in Nanyuki Kenya
With the magestic Mount Kenya as its backdrop, Leisure Gardens is located along the Nanyuki-Meru Road in the banks of River Likki. The rooms at Leisure Gardens are spacious, fitted with wooden beds with fresh linen. Each room has en-suite bathrooms. African dishes and drinks are provided through the on-site restaurant and bar. Outdoor dining services are also available. The Hotel offers a 24-hour front desk service, stable electricity, and ample parking space. Meeting and banquet facilities are available to host social and corporate events. The premises are guarded by security personnel.
For more information please visit; Leisure Gardens
14. Joskaki Hotel
Category: Hotels in Nanyuki Kenya
Joskaki Hotel is a budget-friendly hotel situated opposite Kanu Group in Nanyuki, Kenya. Each room comes fitted with a private bathroom and a balcony. Local and continental dishes and drinks are provided through the on-site restaurant and bar. Guests also enjoy a game of pool while relaxing at the bar/lounge area. Guests are offered luggage storage facilities, laundry services, and an on-site ATM machine is available onsite. The premises are guarded by security personnel and onsite parking is available. Joskaki Hotel is in close proximity to Kano Grounds and Barclays Bank.
For more information please visit: Joskaki Hotel
15. Lions Court Inn
Category: Hotels in Nanyuki Kenya
Lions Court Inn is located in Nanyuki city, Kenya. It is located on a cut through the equator in a clean and calm environment with all green nature. The hotel offers rooms that are tastefully decorated with modern furniture and fittings. All the rooms are self-contained each having fresh bedding draped with mosquito nets, telephone and color T.V. Lions Court Inn offers complimentary breakfast daily. Other meals may be ordered at the onsite restaurant and guests enjoy an array of drinks stocked at the bar. Laundry/dry cleaning and car hire service are available at a fee. Airport pickup services are also available upon request. The premises are guarded by security personnel. Onsite parking is available.
For more information please visit: Lions Court Inn
16. Mukima House
Category: Hotels in Nanyuki Kenya
Set in 360 acres of rolling farmland at the foot of Mt Kenya, Mukima House is an attractive settler mansion. Built in the 1930s, the house has liven painstakingly renovated, so that it retains the traditional atmosphere while including modern facilities. There are 8 bedrooms, 6 of which are en~suite. There is also a dining room, and 1 large and 2 small reception rooms, with wood burning fireplaces and verandas. The property also has a swimming pool, tennis court, croquet lawn, sauna, and WiFi. There are a safari guide and vehicle, .1‘, well as boats on the darn. The house has a resident manager and is fully staffed including a team of chefs and a masseuse offering rnas—sage, reflexology, and beauty treatments. Mukima’s food is created from homegrown vegetables and eggs, and other locally sourced ingredients.
For more information please visit: Mukima House
17. Ragati Lodge
Category: Hotels in Nanyuki Kenya
Ragati Lodge is an affordable self-catering accommodation facility situated in Nanyuki, Kenya. The lodge is located in a serene quiet environment away from the noisy town life. The location of the hotel makes it an ideal destination for people traveling to Nanyuki town for business or transit travelers. Ragati Lodge offers a range of accommodation options to guests including cottages, bandas and camping facilities. Each comes fitted with a private bathroom, a patio, and a fully-equipped kitchen. The hotel serves an à la carte menu and offers self-catering facilities. The bar also serves a variety of drinks. Guests can enjoy safari drives at the hotel. The hotel provides storage room, car hire, and room services. WiFi internet access, babysitting services, parking, and airport pick up services to Guests. The hotel also offers facilities to host a variety of social and corporate events.
For more information please visit: Ragati Lodge
18. Olepangi Farm Guesthouse
Category: Hotels in Nanyuki Kenya
Olepangi Farm Guesthouse is a modern guest house situated in a quiet area within the Ole Naishu Ranch in Timau, Nanyuki. The guesthouse is a 35-minute drive from Nanyuki which lies at foothills of the second largest mountain and within the Equator. The guest house is most ideal for honeymooners and a group of friends looking for a getaway. Each room and cottage is fitted with full-length windows, a private bathroom and a balcony that offers stunning views of Lolldaiga Hills, Mt Kenya, Aberdare Mountain range and the Laikipia Plains. Local and international meals are served at the restaurant. Drinks ordered from the bar can be enjoyed outdoors. Shared kitchen facilities are also available for guests who want to prepare their own meals.
For more information please visit: Olepangi Farm Guesthouse
19. Queens Inn Nanyuki
Category: Hotels in Nanyuki Kenya
Queens Inn Nanyuki is situated at Nanyuki. The hotel which is close to business and trading centers is set within a beautiful garden with views of Mt. Kenya and offers clean and comfortable rooms. Each room is an individual bungalow unit fitted with a flat-screen TV, clean bedding, and an en suite bathroom. Guests can order other meals from the on-site restaurant which serves local and international dishes and a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks from the bar. The hotel provides business services at a surcharge and has a car park for guests. The premises are guarded by security personnel.
For more information please visit; Queens Inn Nanyuki
20. Sixty Two Paradise Hotel
Category: Hotels in Nanyuki Kenya
Sixty Two Paradise Hotel is set behind Nakumatt, Nanyuki, Kenya. The hotel boasts 2 conference halls and a business center. Free WiFi is also available. Each room in the hotel is air-conditioned and fitted with a private bathroom, a television and a private balcony. A complimentary buffet breakfast is offered to guests daily. Other meals and drinks are provided through the on-site restaurant and bar. Sixty Two Paradise Hotel offers ample parking space, laundry service, an on-site ATM machine, and money exchange services.
For more information please visit: Sixty Two Paradise Hotel
21. Nyakio Holdings
Category: Hotels in Nanyuki Kenya
Nyakio Holdings is a budget-friendly hotel situated in a serene environment along Hospital Road at Nanyuki, Kenya. The hotel is strategically located within trading and business centers. The rooms are fitted with worktables and designed with an en-suite shower. Breakfast is served daily at an extra charge. Guests order local meals at the onsite restaurant, while the bar serves a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Laundry service can be arranged on request. Nearby parking is available and the premises are guarded by security personnel.
For more information please visit: Nyakio Holdings
22. Sweetwaters Tented Camp
Category: Hotels in Nanyuki Kenya
The Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary is the only place in Kenya to see this endangered and highly intelligent species. The sanctuary opened in 1993 as a refuge for orphaned and abused chimpanzees from the west and Central Africa; the first 3 arrived that year from Bujumbura, evacuated from Burundi at the outbreak of civil war. Currently, the sanctuary is home to 43 chimpanzees.
Sweetwaters Tented Camp is set around a game-rich waterhole in OI Pejeta Conservancy. The 39 en-suite tents are made up of 13 doubles and 26 twins. Each tent has a thatched roof and a balcony overlooking the waterhole.
For more information please visit: Sweetwaters Tented Camp
23. Shammah Eco Centre
Category: Hotels in Nanyuki Kenya
Shammah Eco Centre is located off Mt. Kenya Road in Nanyuki. The hotel boasts nature walks which start from the eco-center into the Forest and finish at the William Holden Animal Orphanage. Free WiFi is available. Each room is fitted with a toilet and a shower. The onsite restaurant serves meals in menu options which guests can enjoy al fresco. Guests also enjoy chilled drinks at the bar. The hotel has a beautifully landscaped garden where guests can host private parties.
For more information please visit: Shammah Eco Centre
Education Institutions in Nanyuki Town
Nanyuki High School
Loise Nanyuki Girls High School
Nanyuki Boys High School
Brickwoods High School
Thingithu Secondary School
Gakawa Secondary School