Top 12 Things to Do in Nanyuki (2025 Guide) Budget-Friendly Activities
- BeyondForest
- 2 days ago
- 10 min read
Aerial View of Nanyuki Town
Nanyuki is a vibrant town located in Laikipia County, in the central region of Kenya, along the equator. It lies on the northwestern slopes of Mount Kenya and serves as a gateway to both the Laikipia Plateau and Mount Kenya National Park. The town is approximately 200 kilometers north of Nairobi and is accessible by road, air, and rail. Nanyuki’s unique location near the equator has made it a popular destination for tourists and researchers alike.
the reason why Nanyuki is called Mwisho wa reli is because the railway was intended to go up to Meru however when they reached the Nanyuki section Fun got the better part of the workers. Booze ,Fun and Women then all of a sudden the Map that was used to construct the railway got lost and that was it
The Town Nanyuki itself is 104 years old as of 2025. In the year 1920 when it was officially gazette as a town
Historically, Nanyuki was established by British settlers in 1907 during colonial times. It began as a settler farming town and evolved into a strategic hub due to its proximity to military bases, including the British Army Training Unit Kenya (BATUK). Some colonial-era buildings and farms are still operational today, adding a historical charm to the town.
Nanyuki is also known for its multicultural population, a thriving hospitality industry, and eco-tourism. The town is surrounded by wildlife conservancies such as Ol Pejeta, Lewa, and Solio Ranch, which are home to rare species like rhinos and Grevy’s zebras. Today, Nanyuki is considered one of Kenya’s fastest-growing towns, blending colonial history, tourism, agriculture, and modern development into a dynamic and growing community.
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List of Things to do In Nanyuki
0.) Visit Paiskeli
Paiskeli, based in Nanyuki’s The Croft, offers eco‑friendly e‑bike adventures that are perfect for all ages and fitness levels Glide effortlessly along scenic trails at the foot of Mount Kenya on a fun, 10 km guided ride to the wildlife Conservancy, where you can spot orphaned rhinos and other animals They also rent high‑performance e‑bikes for self‑guided exploration—complete with helmets and technical support
Tours run daily from 9 am–6 pm, with weekday and weekend pricing options aimed at locals, residents, and tourists . An unforgettable, low‑impact way to enjoy Nanyuki’s outdoors and a major Thing to do In Nanyuki !
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1.)Visit Ol-Jogi Conservancy
Ol Jogi Wildlife Conservancy—a private 58,000‑acre haven on the Laikipia Plateau, 225 km north of Nairobi—blends luxury safari with top‑tier conservation. It's home to one of Kenya's largest eastern black and southern white rhino populations, abundant Grevy’s zebras, wild dogs, elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs, hippos, primates, birds, and more
A standout feature: Potap, Africa’s only grizzly‑type bear, rescued from Russia in 2003. This unique resident lives under expert care in the conservancy’s rescue centre—Ol Jogi is the only place in Africa to see a bear!
Visitors can enjoy guided game drives, bush walks, rock‑scrambling over ancient kopjes, visits to the wildlife rescue centre (with cheetah pens, elephant house, aviary, hippo pools, and the bear), plus horseback rides, birdwatching, and cultural village excursions
A day trip or exclusive stay at Ol Jogi delivers rare wildlife experiences and the extraordinary opportunity to glimpse Potap, Africa’s only bear and should be included in your List of Things to do In Nanyuki
Equator Market in Nanyuki is a vibrant, free‐to‐explore hub buzzing with energy. Located right by the famous Equator Marker, it’s a perfect spot for window shopping local crafts, beaded jewelry, fabrics, and fresh produce—plus bargaining is expected and fun
Wander between stalls, enjoy the lively atmosphere, and admire the daily routines of locals and visitors. Pop into one of the small cafés for a refreshing drink as you people‑watch. With Mount Kenya drifting in the distance
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Nanyuki boasts several lively markets that offer a genuine taste of local life and commerce Nanyuki Upgraded (Old) Market: Bustling daily with farmers selling fresh produce—fruits, vegetables, milk—alongside second‑hand clothing and household goods. Expect energetic haggling in a classic open-air setting
Saturday Farmers & Art Market: Hosted at Carol’s Café or Mountain Shack Gardens, with fresh organic produce, homemade jams, baked treats, handicrafts and artwork—great for unique, locally made finds
Maasai Market at Cedar Mall a rotating weekend market featuring vibrant beadwork, Maasai blankets, carved wood items, and leather sandals—perfect for collecting bright souvenirs
Ngare Ndare Forest, just 40 km south of Nanyuki, is a lush indigenous woodland nestled in Mount Kenya’s foothills and a vital elephant corridor
Guided by armed rangers—recommended for safety—this eco‑adventure combines nature, adventure, and serenity, making Ngare Ndare an unforgettable free‑spirit escape near Nanyuki.
Visitors can hike forest trails that wind through moss‑draped trees to reach stunning turquoise waterfalls and rock pools, where swimming in the gloriously cold mountain spring is a refreshing thrill
The highlight is the 450 m canopy walkway, suspended about 10 m above ground, offering bird’s‑eye views and occasional wildlife sightings elephants, colobus monkeys, buffaloes, and over 200 bird species a bucketlist for things to do In Nanyuki
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Let us take the stress out of planning! Whether you want a relaxing getaway or an action-packed adventure, we’ll create a custom itinerary just for you.
5.)Mt Kenya Climbing Gym
Mt Kenya Climbing Gym, just 2–4 km from Nanyuki town, is an exhilarating destination for adventure-seekers of all ages Featuring a towering 40 m outdoor wall, dedicated bouldering room, and beginner to advanced routes, the facility sharpens strength, balance, and climbing technique . Open daily from 10 am to 6 pm, it provides full gear—harness, shoes, helmets—and friendly instructors to guide climbers safely
The gym also includes a cozy café, co‑working space, Wi‑Fi, and even hosts evening climb parties and taco nights . Whether prepping for Mount Kenya ascents, conquering fears of height, or simply enjoying an active afternoon, the climbing gym offers a fun, social, and skill‑building escape for locals and visitors alike.
Climbing Mount Kenya via the Sirimon Route from Nanyuki is a stunning, four- to six-day adventure tailored for both beginners and seasoned hikers. Starting just 23 km from town, trekkers begin at Sirimon Gate (~2,650 m), winding through lush cedar and podocarp forests. After 9 km and 3–4 hours, they reach Old Moses Camp (3,300 m) for the first night
This well-graded, sheltered route offers excellent bunkhouse accommodation, reliable guides and porters, and ideal acclimatization making the Sirimon Route the accessible, rewarding gateway to Mount Kenya's wilderness from Nanyuki.
Day 2 ascends through moorland, crossing Ontulili River and Liki North Valley, arriving at Shipton’s Camp (4,200 m). This camp offers acclimatization time and breathtaking views of Mackinder Valley
On summit day (Day 3), an early start (around 2 am) leads to Point Lenana at 4,985 m, with sunrise glimpses of Batian, Nelion, and even Kilimanjaro on clear days
7.)Visit The 3 Malls In Nanyuki
Cedar Mall in Nanyuki is the town’s premier modern shopping destination. Located off Laikipia Road, it offers over 130,000 ft² of retail space, featuring supermarkets, fashion boutiques, banks, cafés, and entertainment like a children’s play area and cinema
With secure parking, clean facilities, mountain views, and daily operations from 8 am to 9 pm, it's a comfortable, family‑friendly spot to shop, dine, and unwind during your visit
Image of Cedar Mall Nanyuki
Nanyuki Mall is a modern retail centre on Kenyatta Highway, serving over 400,000 visitors annually It features ample parking, 24/7 security, power backup, reliable internet, and a children’s play area—ideal for families Inside, you'll find a variety of shops: fashion, electronics, home goods, banks, pharmacies, medical services, and cafés
Dining options include local and international cuisine—perfect for a break after shopping or errands . With its clean, secure atmosphere and Mount Kenya views, Nanyuki Mall offers a comfortable, all‑in‑one shopping and leisure experience.
Peak Place is Nanyuki’s newest shopping destination, situated on Kenyatta Highway next to the Shell petrol station . This modern retail complex hosts a dynamic blend of brand-name shops, eateries like Pizza Inn, Chicken Inn, and Creamy Inn, plus cafés and service outlets—a true one-stop hub
Open daily from morning, Peak Place offers a clean, vibrant atmosphere with plenty of parking space. Whether you're grabbing a quick bite, browsing fashion and gadgets, or simply enjoying a relaxed lunch, it’s a convenient and lively spot that reflects Nanyuki’s growing cosmopolitan vibe.
Planning a Trip to Nanyuki?
Let us take the stress out of planning! Whether you want a relaxing getaway or an action-packed adventure, we’ll create a custom itinerary just for you.
8.)Visit Nanyuki Air Strip
Nanyuki Airstrip (IATA: NYK) lies just 6–8 km south of town, shadowed by Mount Kenya and perched near the equator This bustling light-aircraft hub features a single 1,200 m asphalt runway handling charters and daily flights—Air Kenya, Safarilink, FlySAX—from Nairobi to nearby conservancies and safari destinations one can book small-plane or heli-safaris, ideal for aerial views over Mount Kenya, Ol Pejeta, and nearby parks
Also enjoy breakfasts, lunches, coffee, and browse local crafts while watching planes land at Barney’s Restaurant
Open daily from 6 am–6 pm, the Airstrip is more than a gateway—it’s an experience in itself, offering panoramic aerial adventures, casual dining, and a vibrant, aviation-themed atmosphere.
9.)Visit Ol-Pejeta
Nestled just 15 km from Nanyuki, Ol Pejeta Conservancy spans 90,000 acres on Laikipia’s sun-drenched plateau—making it Kenya’s largest private rhino sanctuary Thrilling activities include Big Five game drives, day or night, lion tracking, and visits to the endangered species boma (home to the last two northern white rhinos) and the Sweetwaters chimpanzee sanctuary, the only one in Kenya
Add hands-on experiences like anti-poaching dog unit tours Ol Pejeta also fosters community and conservation—supporting education, health, and livestock projects in nearby villages Whether you choose a half-day visit or an overnight stay at Sweetwaters Serena Camp, Ol Pejeta delivers immersive wildlife, meaningful learning, and unforgettable safari adventures mere minutes from Nanyuki.
10.)Explore the Juniperus Procera along the Roads
Exploring the Juniperus procera—commonly known as African pencil cedar—along the roads around Nanyuki offers a quiet, refreshing experience for nature lovers. These towering, aromatic evergreen trees line scenic routes leading toward Mount Kenya and the Lolldaiga Hills.
As you drive, cycle, or walk along these roads, the distinct silhouette and earthy scent of the pencil cedar provide a calming backdrop. These trees are not just beautiful—they also play a vital ecological role in water retention and soil stability. Ideal for photos, birdwatching, or short forest detours, Juniperus corridors make road travel in Nanyuki feel like a serene nature escape.
Planning a Trip to Nanyuki?
Let us take the stress out of planning! Whether you want a relaxing getaway or an action-packed adventure, we’ll create a custom itinerary just for you.
11.)Visit I Love Nanyuki Sign at Galana Energies Station
Exploring the “I Love Nanyuki” sign at Galana Energies (formerly Delta) petrol station is a fun, Instagram-worthy stop just off the A2 Highway. The bold, oversized letters — each painted bright white and red — make a striking backdrop, inviting visitors to pose and show their love for the town
Adjacent is a cozy mini‑café inside the station where you can grab a coffee or snack, relax, and watch traffic pass by. It's a vibrant slice of local life—perfect for a quick photo op, stretching your legs during a drive, or simply soaking up a bit of Nanyuki pride before continuing your journey.
FAQ About Nanyuki
Nanyuki charms with gateway adventures: breathtaking hikes and climbs on Mount Kenya, plus wildlife safaris at Ol Pejeta and Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy Ngare Ndare Forest offers forest walks, waterfalls, and a canopy walkway + swimming .
The Equator marker, equestrian culture, vibrant cafés, and local nightlife round out the experience.
What is there to do in Bantu Lodge Nanyuki?
Bantu Mountain Lodge is actually located near Naromoru, about 15 km south of Nanyuki and 7 km north of Naromoru town not in Nanyuki proper Here’s what you can enjoy there Forest walks & canopy trails in the Mount Kenya forest reserve and guided hikes to Mau Mau caves and waterfalls
Nanyuki is widely regarded as one of Kenya’s safest towns, thanks in part to its strong military presence and tight-knit community Crime levels are relatively low—rated “low” to “moderate” for daytime safety
With sensible precautions—like avoiding walks late at night
Outdoor activities to do in nanyuki
Nanyuki offers thrilling outdoor adventures: trek Mount Kenya via Sirimon or Naro Moru routes; explore Ngare Ndare Forest canopy walk, waterfalls, trails; game drives or horseback riding in Ol Pejeta and Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy; golf, or relax in scenic Nanyuki Park and Sports Club
Planning a Trip to Nanyuki?
Let us take the stress out of planning! Whether you want a relaxing getaway or an action-packed adventure, we’ll create a custom itinerary just for you.
Free activities to do in Nanyuki
Image of an Open Market In Nanyuki Town
Here are some free, enjoyable ways to explore Nanyuki and its surroundings Stroll town centre & window-shop through Cedar Mall, Quick Mart, boutiques, and local stalls—great for people-watching and unique Kenyan finds.
Visit the Equator Marker, stand with one foot in each hemisphere and enjoy fun demonstrations Relax at Nanyuki Park or Show Ground, a green public space ideal for a picnic or casual walk.
Saunter along the Nanyuki and Likii Rivers, accessible via town footpaths—perfect for a peaceful riverside break.
"Saunter" is a verb that means to walk in a slow, relaxed, and unhurried way, often for enjoyment.
Hidden Gems In Nanyuki
William Holden Wildlife Education Centre: Learn about sustainable conservation, explore forest trails and tree nurseries—all free to visit
Nyakumu Bridge a charming colonial-era wooden footbridge offering rustic views of Mount Kenya’s foothills
The Old House & Penguin/Kongoni Camps: Quaint lodges near the Equator offering historic charm and serene ambience
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