Nanyuki town at a glance
Nanyuki lies on the A2 road between Nairobi and Isiolo, northwest of Mount Kenya and on the equator. The town lies at about 1,947 m above sea level, so pack a warm layer for the evenings. It is the closest town to Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Laikipia County, and most visitors pass through it on the way to the gates.
The town is a practical stop more than a sightseeing destination. You shop, change plans, eat a meal and sleep here, then spend the day in the conservancy. If you want a guided day with a driver and entry sorted, look at the Ol Pejeta day trips before you build your own route.
Things to do in Nanyuki
Short stops that fit around a safari day.
Stand on the equator
The equator crossing point in Nanyuki is a tourist site. It is the most common short stop before or after the conservancy. Read the physics notes first, because the water demonstration is often presented as proof of the line.
Equator guide →Walk the markets
Nanyuki has three markets: New Market, Old Market and Mtumba Market. Old Market is near Majengo, opposite the Social Hall. Trading days can change, so ask at your accommodation before you plan a visit around one.
Look at the old station
The old station building stands beside the tracks and is an easy photo stop on the way through town.
Look for the mountain
On a clear morning the peaks of Mount Kenya are visible above the forest and hills. Clouds can hide the summit, so check the view early in the day.
Our pick: a day trip with an equator stop
This tour has an equator stop on its plan and can be booked as a day trip or with a night.
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 Nanyuki and Nairobi
Game drives, rhino and chimpanzee visits and day trips, with live prices and availability.
Nanyuki Town and the road to Ol Pejeta
Nanyuki Town is where the transfer to the conservancy starts. Visitors enter at two gates, Rongai and Serat, which are open daily from 07:00 to 19:00. Gates take no cash, so have your ticket sorted online before you arrive. Entry rates for 2026 are on the park fees page.
The conservancy covers roughly 360 km², so the gate you choose matters. Ask your accommodation or driver which gate is closer to your first stop, and allow extra time on the way. If you arrive from Nairobi, the drive takes about 4 to 4.5 hours before you reach the conservancy. The getting there guide has the details.
A British military training unit has a base at Nanyuki. It is not a visitor attraction and has no public access.
Staying in Nanyuki or inside the conservancy
Two different kinds of night.
| Option | Good for | Keep in mind |
|---|---|---|
| Town stay in Nanyuki | Shops, restaurants, a wider choice of rooms | You pay conservancy entry each day and travel to the gate |
| Lodge or camp in the conservancy | Early starts and evenings among the animals | Overnight guests have 24 hours of entry in 2026 |
| Campsite in the conservancy | Self-catering trips | An armed ranger is required, at KES 5,000 per ranger per night |
For most visitors with a driver, a night in the conservancy saves the daily transfer and gives two game drives in the cooler hours. Choose a town stay if you also want to see Nanyuki itself or use it as a base for Mount Kenya. More detail is in the Nanyuki hotels and Ol Pejeta camps guide.
Plan the rest of your trip
Where to go next.
The equator at Nanyuki
What the crossing point is and what the water demonstration shows.
The Laikipia Plateau
Conservancies, wildlife corridors and regional travel notes.
Nairobi to Nanyuki
Road, scheduled flights and entry rules.
Climbing and trekking on the mountain have their own guide at Mount Kenya where to stay. For the town of Nyeri and the Aberdare range, see Nyeri and the Aberdares.
Nanyuki: frequently asked questions
Is Nanyuki worth a stop?
Yes, as a base and a short stop. It has markets, shops and the equator crossing point, and it is the town closest to the conservancy. Most visitors spend a few hours here and the main part of the trip in Ol Pejeta.
How many people live in Nanyuki?
The municipality had 72,813 residents at the 2019 census, and 87,441 are projected for 2026. The second figure is a forecast. Counts for a single ward are smaller and do not describe the town.
How high is Nanyuki?
Nanyuki lies at about 1,947 m. That figure applies to the town and not to every part of the conservancy.
Which gates do visitors use for Ol Pejeta?
Visitors use the Rongai and Serat gates, open daily from 07:00 to 19:00. Gates are cashless, so buy your ticket online beforehand.
Is this the official Nanyuki or Ol Pejeta website?
No. This is an independent guide. It is not run by, or connected to, Ol Pejeta Conservancy, the county government, the Kenya Wildlife Service or any tour operator.