Distance from Nairobi to Nanyuki and Ol Pejeta
Nanyuki lies on the A2 between Nairobi and Isiolo, northwest of Mount Kenya. It is about 220 km and 4 to 4.5 hours from Nairobi to Ol Pejeta, depending on traffic and the road. Nanyuki is on the way, so the distance to the town is shorter than that. Use the 220 km figure to plan the whole trip to the gates.
A return day trip therefore means roughly 8 to 9 hours in the vehicle before any game drive. That is simple arithmetic and not a tour length. If you want to see the conservancy properly, stay a night, or look at the Ol Pejeta day trips from Nairobi and Nanyuki for options with the driving arranged.
Nairobi to Nanyuki: road or flight
Two ways to cover the distance.
| Option | Time | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Road with a driver | 4 to 4.5 hours to Ol Pejeta | Flexible stops and no airport transfers |
| Self-drive | 4 to 4.5 hours to Ol Pejeta | Self-drive is allowed in the conservancy. Allow for traffic out of Nairobi |
| Scheduled flight | About 60 minutes, Wilson to Nanyuki | Leaves from Wilson, not the international airport. A transfer from Nanyuki to the gate is extra |
For most visitors, the road is the simpler choice, because it takes you to the gate without a second leg. Choose the flight if you are short of time and staying overnight, and check the current timetable before you go.
Our pick: pickup in Nairobi
This overnight trip collects you at a hotel, the airport or an apartment in Nairobi and brings you back, so you do not need your own car.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Ol Pejeta tours from Nairobi and Nanyuki
Game drives, rhino and chimpanzee visits and day trips, with live prices and availability.
Nanyuki airport and flights from Wilson
A regional airline flies between Wilson Airport in Nairobi and Nanyuki. One departure leaves at 10:20 and arrives at 11:20, a flight time of 60 minutes. Other departures are in the morning and, in the high season, in the early afternoon. Check the current timetable before you go.
The flights leave from Wilson, which is separate from the international airport JKIA. Check-in closes at least 60 minutes before departure at Wilson. If you land at JKIA, add time for the transfer across Nairobi before you connect.
The gates and what to carry
Arriving at Ol Pejeta.
Two gates
Visitors enter at Rongai and Serat, open daily from 07:00 to 19:00. Do not plan on other gate names without checking, and ask your driver or lodge which one suits you.
Cashless payment
The gates take no cash, and the conservancy points visitors to online tickets. Carry ID or a passport if you pay a citizen or resident rate. Rates are on the park fees page.
Booking ahead
Book your ticket online before you travel. Do not count on buying one on arrival, because the gates take no cash.
Entry to Kenya in 2026
Short and practical.
eTA
The Kenyan eTA usually takes about 3 days to process, and applying 2 weeks ahead is advised. Many nationalities are exempt under rules from 2025, so check your own case.
Health insurance
From 5 October 2026, most foreign short-stay visitors need Kenyan state travel health insurance. The eTA application includes it. If you already hold an eTA, you need the insurance in addition.
Yellow fever
Proof of vaccination is required if you arrive from a country with a risk of transmission. It is not required on every direct arrival.
For regional notes on the area you will drive through, see the Laikipia guide.
Plan the rest of your trip
What to read next.
Nanyuki
The gateway town and the stop before the gates.
Where to stay
Town stays, camps and campsites.
Ol Pejeta safari
Game drives, night drives and costs.
If you are also flying to Nairobi for a national park, see getting to Nairobi National Park.
Getting to Ol Pejeta: frequently asked questions
How far is Nanyuki from Nairobi?
Nanyuki is on the A2 on the way to the conservancy, so it is closer than the 220 km from Nairobi to Ol Pejeta. Plan 4 to 4.5 hours for the whole trip to the gates.
Can I visit Ol Pejeta in a day from Nairobi?
Yes, but the driving alone is about 8 to 9 hours for the round trip. Many visitors prefer to stay a night.
Is there a flight to Nanyuki?
Yes, a regional airline flies from Wilson to Nanyuki with a flight time of about 60 minutes. Flights leave from Wilson and not from JKIA.
Do I need an eTA for Kenya?
It depends on your nationality, because many are exempt under rules from 2025. If you need one, apply about 2 weeks ahead. Since 5 October 2026, most short-stay visitors also need Kenyan travel health insurance.
Is this the official Ol Pejeta travel website?
No. This is an independent guide. It is not run by, or connected to, Ol Pejeta Conservancy, any airline, the Kenya Wildlife Service or any operator.