Nanyuki is an excellent 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 comprises detailed info 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 rather 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 Power, and a base for the British Military.
So, whether or not you’re in search of wildlife sights, 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 good city and is among the finest 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.
In the event you’re in search of enjoyable locations and the most effective issues to do in Nanyuki, stroll with me. I’ll share the enjoyable locations and sights I’ve found since shifting right here a yr in the past.
1. Cease on the Equator Marker
Though I cross the road virtually every single day, I at all times admire the sight of the Equator Marker. The spot is positioned alongside highway A2 when approaching Nanyuki city from the south. It’s very talked-about with vacationers as one of many prime Nanyuki vacationer sights.
Moreover buying on the equator market, essentially the most fascinating factor is watching locals show the Coriolis power.
I don’t know if the experiment works, however watching the straightforward setup and listening to their explanations is an excellent expertise.
2. Expertise the Nanyuki Nightlife
Though there are various issues to do in Nanyuki, a fantasy surrounding a misplaced railway route map has made the city extra widespread as an leisure hotspot.
The story tells of how railway engineers acquired carried away by the enjoyable and merry in Nanyuki. They misplaced the route map which marked the tip of the Nairobi-Nanyuki railway and was supposed to increase to northern Kenya.
In the event you’re concerned 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 army personnel.
Strolling alongside the streets of this small city provides you a chance to expertise this various attribute and find out about its historical past.
A few of the finest 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 girls to grow to be self-reliant. It provides spinning, knitting, and weaving coaching utilizing wool and cotton. The ladies produce stunning merchandise like scarves, carpets, shawls, and baggage.
Ensure you cease by to see how this outdated commerce remains to be in use. It’s also possible to be taught to make your individual scarf and end your wandering with a pleasant cup of espresso at Java Home in Cedar Mall.
4. Go Procuring on the Equator Market
The equator market is among the finest locations to go present buying in Nanyuki. This small curios market is positioned on the principle highway subsequent to the Equator Marker and sells stunning souvenirs and cultural gadgets.
You may stroll into any of the stalls and haggle your means for materials, keepsakes, African work, and safari hats. It’s also possible to get a wristband or a t-shirt to point out off whenever you get dwelling, confirming that you just crossed the equator at Nanyuki.
Whereas nonetheless there, ask your information or locals to point out you the place the well-known Silverbeck Lodge was positioned. The resort was designed and inbuilt such a means that the equator ran proper by the bar. Guests may get pleasure from their drinks whereas switching between the northern and southern hemispheres.
The Silverbeck Lodge is now not there. So, in the event you’re in search of a resort 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 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 gorgeous waterfall.
In the event you’re in search of a brief journey or journey, go chasing the Mau Mau Caves. The highway to the caves additionally passes by a number of villages; offering one other likelihood to expertise rural Kenya.
6. Day Journey to the Magical Ngare Ndare Forest
In the event you’re in search of low cost issues to do in Nanyuki, head to the magical Ngare Ndare Forest. Positioned in Timau, it’s probably the greatest locations to hike in Kenya.
I’ve visited Ngare Ndare a number of instances and might’t get sufficient of this pure jewel. The luxurious indigenous forest consists of a cover stroll, a climbing path, and pure blue swimming pools the place you may swim, birdwatch, and look at the great wildlife.
For the reason that forest is positioned in a distant place, a solo journey will be complicated and dear. I’d subsequently suggest becoming a member of this inexpensive expertise with an area information.
It’s also possible to 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 a number of kilometers south, it qualifies as probably the greatest 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. Moreover the vegetarian dishes, additionally 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 arrange. So whereas ready to your scrumptious meal, you may calm down, watch birds and Colobus monkeys, or chat with your mates over a beer.
For about $10 you may have trout served with Ugali (just like porridge however rather more dense), and inexperienced greens – my favourite.
8. Go to the Ol Pejeta Conservancy
Positioned within the Laikipia Plateau between the Aberdares and Mount Kenya, Ol Pejeta Conservancy is among the finest locations to go to in Kenya. The 360 km² personal sport reserve is dedicated to defending wild animals, and is dwelling to the endangered white rhinos.
This hidden gem is one in all my favourite sights in Nanyuki. It’s much less crowded, and you may view extra rhinos right here than wherever else in Kenya.
Moreover nature walks and sport drives, guests can get pleasure from horse using or go to the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary. Try this tour of the Ol Pejeta Conservancy.
9. Climb Mount Kenya
Climbing Mount Kenya must be probably the greatest actions in Nanyuki. The mountain is accessible from Nanyuki through Burguret or Sirimon gates. Vacationers want the latter, because it’s thought of the simplest and most scenic route.
One of the simplest ways to succeed in Level Lenana (a preferred summit with guests) is to be 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 best mountain in Kenya, and Africa’s second highest after Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. The mountain has three principal peaks: Batian (5,199 m), Nelion (5,188 m), and Lenana (4,985 m).
Of the three peaks, level Lenana is the most well-liked. Nonetheless, in the event you’re a extra superior and skilled climber, you could want making an attempt the extra technical peak Batian.
10. Keep in a Rustic Hut with a View of Mount Kenya
Oak Hut at One Cease Nanyuki is among the finest locations to remain in Nanyuki. It’s additionally an ideal base for exploring Nanyuki and close by locations. An evening at this cozy spot permits you to hook up with nature and actually calm down.
You may 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-Previous Home. Every facility is absolutely outfitted, distinctive, and has excellent views of Mount Kenya.
Moreover lodging in Nanyuki, One Cease has different amenities, together with a espresso bar, a farm store, and a swimming pool.
One Cease Nanyuki is positioned alongside highway A2 proper reverse the Nanyuki Airstrip and Barneys’s Restaurant.
Different Locations To Go to in Nanyuki
In the event you enterprise somewhat farther exterior of town you’ll discover much more enjoyable locations to go to, which embody the next:
Chaka Ranch
Positioned near Chaka city, Chaka Ranch leisure park is right for household enjoyable actions resembling 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. Positioned alongside the Doldol highway, 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 Fitness center
This is a superb place for adventurer seekers and other people making ready to climb Mount Kenya. It’s a couple of minutes from the Equator Marker and hosts a stunning cafe – Barely South Cafe.
Fast Journey Itineraries For Nanyuki
That can assist you get began, I’ve created three final itineraries for Nanyuki. This fashion, you may discover the highlights in a day, a weekend, or perhaps a week.
Whether or not you need to social gathering, climb Mount Kenya, go to wildlife conservancies, or go for a hike, these fast Itineraries will allow you to plan an ideal journey.
1 Day in Nanyuki Itinerary
You probably have 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 performed 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 a very good 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 climbing to the Mau Mau Caves, and afterwards, go for lunch at Trout Tree Restaurant. You probably have the power, end your journey completely by partying on the Downtown Membership.
1 Week in Nanyuki Itinerary
Per week in Nanyuki presents you with a number of choices for an epic journey. In the event 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 buying 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 allow, 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 inns in Nanyuki city, however the most effective locations to remain are exterior of city. These locations are quiet, near nature and supply nice views of gorgeous landscapes.
In the event you’re in search of locations to remain in Nanyuki which can be distinctive and inexpensive, beneath are a number of concepts.
Oak-Shepherd’s Hut
Positioned proper throughout the highway from the Nanyuki Airstrip, that is probably the greatest Airbnbs in Nanyuki. The huts (they’ve 4 in whole) are snug, rustic, and comfortable. They’ll accommodate 3 company every and begin at $100.
The Barn
In the event you’re in search of a base to discover Nanyuki vacationer sights, keep on the Barn. At $93 an evening, all the dwelling can accommodate 5 company, making it perfect for teams or households.
What I really like about The Barn is the environment. You don’t have to climb Mount Kenya or chase Mau Mau Caves to expertise pure magnificence. You may calm down with a e-book, 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 includes personal villas appropriate for each households and teams.
Moreover lodging, they’ve stunning grounds for team-building occasions and social occasions. Horse using can be widespread at Maiyan.
Sieku Glamping
In the event you like experiencing true glamping near nature, keep at Sieku Glamping. You may keep late watching taking pictures stars and get up to views of Mount Kenya and Borana Conservancy.
Sieku Glamping is appropriate for {couples} and solo vacationers who love areas off-the-beaten-track.
Guests on the luxurious glamping website can sleep in bell tents or tipis. The location can be self-catering, however there may be 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. In the event you’re planning to climb Mount Kenya and discover close by sights, 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 environment, and nice espresso. Their snacks are additionally at all times recent and nicely 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 varied menus, good service, and pleasant employees, Java Home is among the finest eating places in Nanyuki – it’s my favourite. This comparatively inexpensive eatery is positioned in Cedar Mall alongside Rumuruti highway.
Though Java is widespread with espresso, the restaurant additionally serves good meals and recent juices. You may 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 traditional lemonade. The out of doors seating house additionally provides a very good view of occasions alongside the Nanyuki-Rumururi highway.
The Nook Cafe and Bar
In contrast to different locations, The Nook isn’t 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.
Moreover the restaurant, the Nook has a bar the place vacationers can join over a chilly beer. The cafe is open every single 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 highway, alongside Haile Selassie Highway.
Kongoni Camp Restaurant
Moreover providing cozy and inexpensive lodging, Kongoni Camp is a haven for high quality eating. Their restaurant’s menu has varied 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 just don’t should spend an evening there to get pleasure from their scrumptious meals and drinks.
Issues To Do in Nanyuki: FAQs
Listed below are some solutions to generally requested questions on visiting Nanyuki.
Nanyuki is known for its leisure hotspots, giant farms, wildlife conservancies, the equator line, and as a base for climbing Mount Kenya.
Nanyuki enjoys a very good 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 by September.
You gained’t discover well-known sights right here like Masai Mara, however what Nanyuki does showcase is world-class wildlife conservancies and a few superb nightlife. So sure, it’s price visiting Nanyuki.
The highest sights and finest 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 will be accessed from Nanyuki, Narumoru, Chogoria, and Timau.
Nanyuki is well accessible from Nairobi through highway A2. It may additionally reached by prepare 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, seashore cities, and nationwide parks, hopefully, you may see that the city is certainly price visiting by now.
Curve out a number of days throughout your journey to Kenya and go to this stunning city for a memorable expertise. Simply be certain that to not overindulge in enjoyable actions and lose your map – there are nonetheless loads of different nice locations to go to in Kenya.
Like This Article? Pin it!
The publish 10 Greatest Issues To Do in Nanyuki, Kenya appeared first on Goats On The Highway.
