Nanyuki is a superb city that lies on the equator. It’s positioned on the sting of central highlands and opens to the Laikipia Plateau and the wonders of northern Kenya.
On this information, you’ll uncover the varied issues to do and locations to go to in Nanyuki, Kenya. It incorporates detailed data and insider ideas that can assist you plan your journey to this mysterious city.
As somebody who has lived in Nanyuki city for nearly a yr, I do know it’s way more than only a pit cease whereas heading north from Nairobi. It’s dwelling to completely different cultures, conservancies, a base for Mount Kenya climbers, an airfield for the Kenya Air Pressure, and a base for the British Military.
So, whether or not you’re searching for wildlife points of interest, journey, historic experiences, or leisure, this city in Kenya has one thing for you.
Greatest Locations to Go to in Nanyuki (+Issues To Do)
Nanyuki is a superb city and is likely one of the greatest locations to go to in Kenya. It’s the gateway to unexplored northern Kenya, Mount Kenya Nationwide Park, and wildlife conservancies within the Laikipia Plateau.
Should you’re on the lookout for enjoyable locations and the most effective issues to do in Nanyuki, stroll with me. I’ll share the enjoyable locations and points of interest I’ve found since transferring right here a yr in the past.
1. Cease on the Equator Marker
Though I cross the road nearly day by day, I all the time admire the sight of the Equator Marker. The spot is positioned alongside street A2 when approaching Nanyuki city from the south. It’s very fashionable with vacationers as one of many high Nanyuki vacationer points of interest.
In addition to procuring on the equator market, essentially the most fascinating factor is watching locals reveal the Coriolis pressure.
I don’t know if the experiment works, however watching the straightforward setup and listening to their explanations is a superb expertise.
2. Expertise the Nanyuki Nightlife
Though there are a lot of issues to do in Nanyuki, a delusion surrounding a misplaced railway route map has made the city extra fashionable as an leisure hotspot.
The story tells of how railway engineers obtained carried away by the enjoyable and merry in Nanyuki. They misplaced the route map which marked the top of the Nairobi-Nanyuki railway and was supposed to increase to northern Kenya.
Should you’re desirous about a style of Nanyuki’s nightlife, go to the Downtown Membership or Moran Lounge. In spite of everything, no journey to this city is full with out partying.
3. Discover Nanyuki City on Foot
Nanyuki city is inhabited by individuals from completely different cultures, together with native communities, ex-pats, descendants of early British settlers, and navy personnel.
Strolling alongside the streets of this small city gives you a chance to expertise this various attribute and study its historical past.
A few of the greatest websites and locations to go to are native markets, outdated buildings, and neighborhood facilities just like the Nanyuki Spinners and Weavers.
The latter is a challenge began in 1977 to help deprived native ladies to change into self-reliant. It gives spinning, knitting, and weaving coaching utilizing wool and cotton. The ladies produce lovely merchandise like scarves, carpets, shawls, and luggage.
Be sure you cease by to see how this outdated commerce remains to be in use. You can too study to make your personal scarf and end your wandering with a pleasant cup of espresso at Java Home in Cedar Mall.
4. Go Purchasing on the Equator Market
The equator market is likely one of the greatest locations to go reward procuring in Nanyuki. This small curios market is positioned on the principle street subsequent to the Equator Marker and sells lovely souvenirs and cultural gadgets.
You’ll be able to stroll into any of the stalls and haggle your means for materials, keepsakes, African work, and safari hats. You can too get a wristband or a t-shirt to point out off if you get dwelling, confirming that you simply crossed the equator at Nanyuki.
Whereas nonetheless there, ask your information or locals to point out you the place the well-known Silverbeck Resort was positioned. The lodge was designed and in-built such a means that the equator ran proper via the bar. Guests might get pleasure from their drinks whereas switching between the northern and southern hemispheres.
The Silverbeck Resort is now not there. So, for those who’re on the lookout for a lodge near the equator line, check out The Warwick Hotel.
☞ SEE ALSO: 25 Thrilling Issues To Do in Nairobi, Kenya
5. Discover the Mau Mau Caves
The Mau Mau Caves are positioned close to Nanyuki city on the foot of Mount Kenya. These epic caves was once a hideout for the Mau Mau freedom fighters through the Kenya emergency interval from 1952 to 1960.
The caves supply an ideal alternative to discover nature and are positioned inside an indigenous forest that opens as much as a fantastic waterfall.
Should you’re on the lookout for a brief journey or journey, go chasing the Mau Mau Caves. The street to the caves additionally passes via a number of villages; offering one other likelihood to expertise rural Kenya.
6. Day Journey to the Magical Ngare Ndare Forest
Should you’re on the lookout for low cost issues to do in Nanyuki, head to the magical Ngare Ndare Forest. Situated in Timau, it’s among the best locations to hike in Kenya.
I’ve visited Ngare Ndare a number of occasions and may’t get sufficient of this pure jewel. The luxurious indigenous forest consists of a cover stroll, a mountain climbing path, and pure blue swimming pools the place you possibly can swim, birdwatch, and examine the fantastic wildlife.
For the reason that forest is positioned in a distant place, a solo journey might be complicated and expensive. I’d due to this fact suggest becoming a member of this inexpensive expertise with an area information.
You can too keep on the rustic Seiku Glamping on Airbnb, which arranges journeys to the Ngare Ndare at discounted charges.
7. Eat Fish on the Trout Tree Restaurant
On the best way to Nanyuki, it’s price stopping by the Trout Tree Restaurant. Though positioned just a few kilometers south, it qualifies as among the best eating places in Nanyuki.
The restaurant is constructed round an enormous sacred fig tree on the banks of the Burguret river. It’s well-known amongst vacationers for its scrumptious recent trout and pure setting. In addition to the vegetarian dishes, in addition they serve beef, pizzas (on weekends solely), and cocktails.
Trout Tree Restaurant prides itself as a farm-to-table restaurant. And it’s simply that. Their trout is taken straight from the pond and greens are sourced immediately from the backyard.
The trout takes time to organize. So whereas ready to your scrumptious meal, you possibly can chill out, watch birds and Colobus monkeys, or chat with your mates over a beer.
For about $10 you possibly can have trout served with Ugali (just like porridge however way more dense), and inexperienced greens – my favourite.
8. Go to the Ol Pejeta Conservancy
Situated within the Laikipia Plateau between the Aberdares and Mount Kenya, Ol Pejeta Conservancy is likely one of the greatest locations to go to in Kenya. The 360 km² non-public sport reserve is dedicated to defending wild animals, and is dwelling to the endangered white rhinos.
This hidden gem is considered one of my favourite points of interest in Nanyuki. It’s much less crowded, and you’ll view extra rhinos right here than anyplace else in Kenya.
In addition to nature walks and sport drives, guests can get pleasure from horse using or go to the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary. Take a look at this tour of the Ol Pejeta Conservancy.
9. Climb Mount Kenya
Climbing Mount Kenya must be among the best actions in Nanyuki. The mountain is accessible from Nanyuki through Burguret or Sirimon gates. Vacationers choose the latter, because it’s thought-about the simplest and most scenic route.
The easiest way to succeed in Level Lenana (a preferred summit with guests) is to be a part of a 4 Days Mount Kenya climbing tour. The expedition departs from Nanyuki and takes you thru a powerful montane forest, rivers, and alpine vegetation.
For starters, Mount Kenya is the very best mountain in Kenya, and Africa’s second highest after Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. The mountain has three major peaks: Batian (5,199 m), Nelion (5,188 m), and Lenana (4,985 m).
Of the three peaks, level Lenana is the preferred. Nonetheless, for those who’re a extra superior and skilled climber, you might choose trying the extra technical peak Batian.
10. Keep in a Rustic Hut with a View of Mount Kenya
Oak Hut at One Cease Nanyuki is likely one of the greatest locations to remain in Nanyuki. It’s additionally an ideal base for exploring Nanyuki and close by locations. An evening at this cozy spot means that you can connect with nature and actually chill out.
You’ll be able to go to the Mau Mau Caves, climb Mount Kenya, see the Equator Marker or take a scenic helicopter flight to Mount Kenya.
They’ve 4 huts: Oak, Bramble, Holly, and Ivy, and a home named The 100-12 months-Outdated Home. Every facility is absolutely geared up, distinctive, and has very good views of Mount Kenya.
In addition to lodging in Nanyuki, One Cease has different services, together with a espresso bar, a farm store, and a swimming pool.
One Cease Nanyuki is positioned alongside street A2 proper reverse the Nanyuki Airstrip and Barneys’s Restaurant.
Different Locations To Go to in Nanyuki
Should you enterprise a little bit farther outdoors of town you’ll discover much more enjoyable locations to go to, which embody the next:
Chaka Ranch
Situated near Chaka city, Chaka Ranch leisure park is right for household enjoyable actions reminiscent of biking, karting, quad bike using, and paintballing. In addition they serve scrumptious native meals and drinks.
Ol Jogi Conservancy
One other excellent place to go to in Nanyuki is the huge (58,000 acres) Ol Jogi Wildlife Conservancy. Situated alongside the Doldol street, the conservancy is dwelling to elephants, giraffes, rhinos, and the endangered Grevy’s zebra.
Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy
This non-profit group works to guard endangered wildlife species and the setting. The conservancy is known for breeding the practically extinct mountain bongo to re-introduce them to the wild.
Mount Kenya Climbing Health club
This is a superb place for adventurer seekers and folks getting ready to climb Mount Kenya. It’s a couple of minutes from the Equator Marker and hosts a beautiful cafe – Barely South Cafe.
Fast Journey Itineraries For Nanyuki
That can assist you get began, I’ve created three final itineraries for Nanyuki. This manner, you possibly can discover the highlights in a day, a weekend, or perhaps a week.
Whether or not you wish to social gathering, climb Mount Kenya, go to wildlife conservancies, or go for a hike, these fast Itineraries will provide help to plan an ideal journey.
1 Day in Nanyuki Itinerary
When you’ve got a day in Nanyuki, get up early to view Mount Kenya. Take breakfast on the Dorman’s Espresso Store after which head over to city for a day tour. Go to the Equator Marker and railway station, and stroll alongside the streets.
When you’re achieved exploring the city, take a taxi to Trout Tree Restaurant for lunch. End the day with a nightlife expertise at Moran Lounge, or Downtown Membership.
2-3 Days in Nanyuki Itinerary
Three days is sufficient time to get an excellent style of this equator city. Spend the primary day exploring the city and visiting the Equator Marker and market.
On the second day, go on a wildlife tour on the Ol Pejeta Conservancy. Begin the third day by mountain climbing to the Mau Mau Caves, and afterwards, go for lunch at Trout Tree Restaurant. When you’ve got the vitality, end your journey completely by partying on the Downtown Membership.
1 Week in Nanyuki Itinerary
Every week in Nanyuki presents you with a number of choices for an epic journey. Should you’re into out of doors adventures, go on a 4 Day climb to level Lenana on Mount Kenya. Use the previous couple of days exploring the city and procuring on the equator market.
Alternatively, you may make a number of brief journeys for a full-circle expertise. Spend the primary day visiting the Ol Pejeta Conservancy after which expertise tenting at Mianzi. Take a full-day journey to Mount Kenya Nationwide Park, exploring Mau Mau Caves and waterfalls.
From there, spend two nights night time at Sieku Glamping, from the place you go to the Ngare Ndare Forest.
Earlier than you permit, go to the Trout Tree Restaurant and store on the equator market. Additionally, don’t miss a go to to Nanyuki Spinners and Weavers.
The place to Keep in Nanyuki
Nanyuki is a number one vacation vacation spot in Kenya; dwelling to many tenting websites, lodges, cottages, and villas.
There are a number of lodges in Nanyuki city, however the most effective locations to remain are outdoors of city. These locations are quiet, near nature and supply nice views of gorgeous landscapes.
Should you’re on the lookout for locations to remain in Nanyuki which can be distinctive and inexpensive, beneath are just a few concepts.
Oak-Shepherd’s Hut
Situated proper throughout the street from the Nanyuki Airstrip, that is among the best Airbnbs in Nanyuki. The huts (they’ve 4 in whole) are comfy, rustic, and comfy. They’ll accommodate 3 friends every and begin at $100.
The Barn
Should you’re on the lookout for a base to discover Nanyuki vacationer points of interest, keep on the Barn. At $93 an evening, the complete dwelling can accommodate 5 friends, making it very best for teams or households.
What I really like about The Barn is the ambiance. You don’t have to climb Mount Kenya or chase Mau Mau Caves to expertise pure magnificence. You’ll be able to chill out with a guide, take heed to the birds sing, or sip espresso whereas viewing Mount Kenya.
Maiyan Resort and Villas
Maiyan is the most effective resort in Nanyuki. It’s positioned about 5 kilometers from city and contains non-public villas appropriate for each households and teams.
In addition to lodging, they’ve lovely grounds for team-building occasions and social occasions. Horse using can also be fashionable at Maiyan.
Sieku Glamping
Should you like experiencing true glamping near nature, keep at Sieku Glamping. You’ll be able to keep late watching capturing stars and get up to views of Mount Kenya and Borana Conservancy.
Sieku Glamping is appropriate for {couples} and solo vacationers who love places off-the-beaten-track.
Guests on the luxurious glamping web site can sleep in bell tents or tipis. The location can also be self-catering, however there’s the choice to request a employed chef.
Caritas Villa & Cottages
Most villas, campsites, and cottages in Nanyuki don’t come low cost. Nonetheless, staying at Caritas will prevent cash on lodging that you could then spend on actions. Should you’re planning to climb Mount Kenya and discover close by points of interest, make this charming and inexpensive villa your base.
Greatest Eating places in Nanyuki
Don’t miss these nice locations to eat in Nanyuki.
Barneys Bar & Restaurant
Barneys combines a wealthy historical past with good service and scrumptious meals at reasonable costs. The restaurant is family-friendly, and serves completely different dishes from beef burgers to lamb shawarma.
I really like Barney’s due to its accessible location (on the Nanyuki Airstrip), relaxed ambiance, and nice espresso. Their snacks are additionally all the time recent and effectively baked.
Go to Barneys for the most effective meals and drinks and the sight of small planes taking off from the runway. The restaurant is open each day between 7:00 am and 6:00 pm.
Java Home, Cedar Mall
With numerous menus, good service, and pleasant workers, Java Home is likely one of the greatest eating places in Nanyuki – it’s my favourite. This comparatively inexpensive eatery is positioned in Cedar Mall alongside Rumuruti street.
Though Java is fashionable with espresso, the restaurant additionally serves good meals and recent juices. You’ll be able to count on to spend round $10 on a beef burger, $3 on espresso, and $4 on desserts.
I significantly love their “Bacon, Lettuce & Tomato” sandwich and basic lemonade. The out of doors seating house additionally gives an excellent view of occasions alongside the Nanyuki-Rumururi street.
The Nook Cafe and Bar
Not like different locations, The Nook will not be your common restaurant. What I really like about this place is their sporadic nature. Each week they’ve a totally new menu impressed by cuisines from all around the world.
In addition to the restaurant, the Nook has a bar the place vacationers can join over a chilly beer. The cafe is open day by day from Tuesday to Sunday (closed on Mondays). Dishes begin at $12, and drinks at $3.
The Nook is positioned about 90 m from the principle street, alongside Haile Selassie Highway.
Kongoni Camp Restaurant
In addition to providing cozy and inexpensive lodging, Kongoni Camp is a haven for tremendous eating. Their restaurant’s menu has numerous dishes, together with the standard suspects – steak, fish with Ugali, burgers, and pizza.
The restaurant and low store are open between 7:00 am and 10:30 pm. What’s nice is that you simply don’t need to spend an evening there to get pleasure from their scrumptious meals and drinks.
Issues To Do in Nanyuki: FAQs
Listed here are some solutions to generally requested questions on visiting Nanyuki.
Nanyuki is known for its leisure hotspots, massive farms, wildlife conservancies, the equator line, and as a base for climbing Mount Kenya.
Nanyuki enjoys an excellent local weather, making it one the most effective locations to go to in Kenya year-round. Nonetheless, the most effective time to go to Nanyuki is through the dry season – June via September.
You gained’t discover well-known points of interest right here like Masai Mara, however what Nanyuki does showcase is world-class wildlife conservancies and a few wonderful nightlife. So sure, it’s price visiting Nanyuki.
The highest points of interest and greatest locations to go to in Nanyuki are the Equator Marker, Ngare Ndare Forest, Ol Jogi Conservancy, and Ol Pejeta Conservancy.
Mount Kenya Nationwide Park is positioned within the central area and might be accessed from Nanyuki, Narumoru, Chogoria, and Timau.
Nanyuki is definitely accessible from Nairobi through street A2. It could additionally reached by practice or by flying into Nanyuki Airstrip.
Some hidden gems in Nanyuki embody the Mau Mau Caves and the Trout Tree Restaurant.
In Conclusion
Whereas many guests skip out on Nanyuki in favor of huge cities, seaside cities, and nationwide parks, hopefully, you possibly can see that the city is unquestionably price visiting by now.
Curve out just a few days throughout your journey to Kenya and go to this lovely city for a memorable expertise. Simply be sure to not overindulge in enjoyable actions and lose your map – there are nonetheless loads of different nice locations to go to in Kenya.
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