Kenya

Nanyuki & Mount Kenya Foothills

A vibrant highland town on the equator at the foot of Mount Kenya, serving as a gateway to Laikipia conservancies, mountain trekking, and the famed Sweetwaters and Ol Pejeta wildlife areas.

About Nanyuki & Mount Kenya Foothills

Nanyuki is a thriving highland town sitting exactly on the equator on the western slopes of Mount Kenya at an altitude of approximately 1,950 metres. It serves as the primary gateway to both Mount Kenya trekking routes and the wildlife conservancies of the Laikipia Plateau including Ol Pejeta, Lewa, and Borana. The town has a lively character shaped by its Kenyan Defence Forces presence, growing tourism industry, and a community of local farmers and conservationists. The surrounding foothills offer beautiful scenery, bamboo forest walks, and superb views of the mountain. Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, a short drive north, hosts the annual Safaricom Marathon set in the wilderness with wildlife.

When to Visit

Best Time to Visit

Year round with best mountain views from January to February and June to September

Climate

Cool temperate highland climate. Average temperatures between 12 and 24 degrees Celsius. Frost occurs occasionally at night during the cold dry season.

Highlights & Considerations

Why Visit

Gateway to Mount Kenya and Laikipia
Excellent highland climate
Superb conservancy safaris nearby
Good infrastructure and services
Vibrant local community and market

Good to Know

Town itself has limited wildlife
Can be a transit point rather than a destination
Some roads to conservancies require 4WD
Weather can be cold and overcast
Altitude may affect some visitors initially

Location

Coordinates: 0.0072°N, 37.0729°E

Where You'll Stay

Hotels & Lodges in Nanyuki & Mount Kenya Foothills

Our handpicked selection of accommodation at this destination, from tented camps to luxury lodges.

★★★★★ Ultra-Luxury

Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club

A legendary colonial-era luxury resort on the equator in Nanyuki set in 100 acres of manicured grounds at the foot of Mount Kenya, offering exquisite accommodation, a mountain golf course, and access to a private animal orphanage.

$850 / night