Things to Do in Nanyuki: Ol Pejeta, Mount Kenya, and the Equator

Nanyuki sits on the northern slopes of Mount Kenya at nearly 2,000m altitude. The air is cool and clear, the mountain dominates the eastern horizon, and two of Kenya’s best wildlife destinations — Ol Pejeta Conservancy and Lewa Wildlife Conservancy — sit within 30km of the town. The Equator crosses the main highway through town. For travellers on the standard northern Kenya circuit or those approaching Mount Kenya from the Sirimon Gate, Nanyuki is the essential base.

Ol Pejeta Conservancy

Game Drives and Wildlife

Entry: Approx USD 80 non-resident adults pp (as of 2026)
Opening hours: 6am–7pm daily
Location: 15km west of Nanyuki on the B8 road

Ol Pejeta covers 90,000 acres and is East Africa’s largest black rhino sanctuary — it holds around 120 black rhinos alongside lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, buffalo, and a large variety of plains game. For the full context on Kenya’s rhino populations, see our Big Five Kenya guide. Self-drive is the standard option; the road network is well-signed and the open plains make wildlife spotting relatively straightforward. Game drives typically last 3–4 hours to cover the main circuits. Guided drives in Ol Pejeta Land Cruisers depart at 6:30am and 3:30pm and cost approximately USD 60–80 per person in addition to the conservancy entry fee. Day tours to Ol Pejeta from Nanyuki or Nairobi can be booked online with guide and transport included.

Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary

Entry: Included in Ol Pejeta conservancy fee + USD 20 additional chimps fee (as of 2026)
Visit times: 11am and 3pm guided sessions only
Location: Inside Ol Pejeta, 20km from the main Nanyuki gate

Sweetwaters is a rescue sanctuary for orphaned and confiscated chimpanzees from Central and West Africa. There are currently around 40 chimpanzees in two groups — juveniles and adults — in separate large enclosures. Guided visits at the two daily sessions take you to the observation areas at feeding time. The chimps are highly active at feeding and the sanctuary explains the rescue and rehabilitation programme. This is the only place in Kenya where chimpanzees can be seen. The 11am session combined with a morning game drive is the most efficient itinerary.

Northern White Rhino Enclosure

Entry: Included in conservancy fee
Location: Inside Ol Pejeta

Ol Pejeta houses the world’s last two northern white rhinos — Najin and Fatu, both female. Sudan, the last male, died at the conservancy in 2018. The enclosure can be visited during conservancy opening hours. Rangers are present to explain the ongoing northern white rhino IVF research programme, which aims to produce embryos for eventual surrogate birth in southern white rhinos.

Mount Kenya

Sirimon Gate Trekking

Entry: USD 52 non-resident pp park fee per day (as of 2026)
Location: Sirimon Gate, 15km north of Nanyuki off the C77

The Sirimon route is the recommended approach to the Mount Kenya summit area for visitors based in Nanyuki. The route passes through moorland and alpine forest before reaching the Point Lenana summit (4,985m) in 3–4 days. A guide and porter is required by Kenya Wildlife Service regulations and can be hired at the gate for approximately KES 2,000–3,500 per day each. Full mountaineering gear (crampons, ice axe) is not required for Point Lenana but warm layers, waterproofs, and acclimatisation days are essential.

In Town

Nanyuki Equator Crossing (A2 Highway)

Entry: Free
Location: On the A2 highway through Nanyuki town

The Equator line crosses the highway with a large signboard. Craft stalls selling paintings, wood carvings, and jewellery line both sides of the road. The water-draining demonstration performed by local guides is worth watching for the theatre involved. It takes 10 minutes and stalls sell a certificate if wanted.

Nanyuki Airstrip (Aviation Museum)

A small aviation museum adjacent to the airstrip documents the history of the Royal Air Force station at Nanyuki, which was active during World War II. Open to the public on weekday mornings by arrangement with the base. Contact Nanyuki Airstrip directly.

Practical

Nanyuki’s centre is compact and walkable. For Ol Pejeta, a vehicle is essential — taxi hire from town runs approximately KES 2,000–4,000 for a half-day. Matatus run frequently to Nairobi (KES 700–1,000, 3–4 hours) and to Nyeri (KES 200–350, 1 hour). See the Nanyuki city guide for accommodation options and our Mount Kenya trek guide for trekking permits and route details. For where to eat in town, the Nanyuki food guide covers restaurants from the Sportsman’s Arms to market breakfast stalls. For the wildlife experience at Ol Pejeta, see our Mount Kenya wildlife guide.