Kenya · Safari
Nanyuki & Mount Kenya
Photo: Bett Duncan / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
- Properties
- 2
- Luxury
- 2
- Mid-range
- 0
Overview
Nanyuki is the safari capital of Kenya's central highlands, a frontier town straddling the equator at the foot of Mount Kenya, Africa's second-highest peak at 5,199 metres. The town serves as the primary gateway to some of Kenya's most exclusive private conservancies and to the mountain itself.
Ol Pejeta Conservancy, 30 minutes from Nanyuki, is the most visited private conservancy in East Africa and home to the last two northern white rhinos on the planet, Najin and Fatu. The conservancy also protects the largest black rhino sanctuary in East Africa, chimpanzees, lion, leopard, elephant, and a remarkable density of plains game. Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, Borana, and Sirikoi, all accessible from Nanyuki, offer night drives, walking safaris, and horseback safaris in settings of near-complete exclusivity.
The landscape around Nanyuki is extraordinary in its diversity: from the high-altitude moorlands and giant lobelias of Mount Kenya's upper slopes, through montane forest rich with colobus monkeys and elephant, to the open savannah of the Laikipia Plateau.
The iconic Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club, founded by actor William Holden in 1959, sits on the equator at 2,134 metres, one of Kenya's most storied and historically significant luxury properties.
When to go
Dry SeasonsJan to Feb, Jun to Oct
Green SeasonMar to May, Nov
- This month
- Year-Round
- Nanyuki's private conservancies offer exceptional wildlife year-round.
- Dry Seasons
- Best wildlife viewing. Clear days for Mount Kenya views. Excellent rhino and predator sightings in Ol Pejeta. Lewa Marathon (June), book accommodation many months ahead.
- Green Season
- Lush landscapes and dramatic skies. Fewer tourists. Excellent birding. Walking safaris especially scenic in the green bush.
- Mount Kenya Trekking
- Best in dry seasons: Jan–Feb and Aug–Sep. Avoid April–May long rains for mountain activities.
Park fees
- Included in the lodge rate
- Lewa / Borana / Fairmont Conservancy
- Charged at the gate
- Ol Pejeta, Mount Kenya NP
| Conservancy / Park | Non-resident | EA citizen | EA resident |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ol Pejeta, Non-Res Adult | USD 105 / 24hrs | KES 1,050 | KES 1,418 |
| Ol Pejeta, Non-Res Child | USD 55 / 24hrs | Not published | Not published |
| Mount Kenya NP, Adult | USD 70 / 24hrs | KES 855 | KES 1,155 |
| Lewa / Borana / Fairmont Conservancy | Included in lodge rate | Included | Included |
Ol Pejeta fees paid at gate, separate from accommodation. Mount Kenya NP: KWS eCitizen portal, cashless. Lewa, Borana, Fairmont Wildlife Conservancy: fees included in lodge rates. All conservancy fees subject to annual review, confirm at time of booking. [QA: Ol Pejeta EA Resident here (KES 1,418) conflicts with the Laikipia tab (KES 1,750).]
Park fees are not included in accommodation rates and are added at quotation stage. Effective October 2025, reverified annually.
Nanyuki & Mount Kenya in pictures
Where you'll stay
Luxury · 2
- Photos to come
Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club
One of Africa's most storied hotel addresses, founded by actor William Holden and his Hollywood partners in 1959 on the equator at 2,134m, with a brass strip in the lobby marking the line between hemispheres. 120 rooms, suites, and cottages spread across 100 acres of manicured grounds that include a 9-hole golf course, equestrian centre, trout fishing on the Nanyuki River, an animal orphanage, and the Fairmont Spa. The backdrop of Mount Kenya's snow-capped peaks above the hotel's heritage gardens is exceptional. A pilgrimage-worthy property for travellers who value history alongside luxury.
Full boardHistoric Luxury Hotel
Luxury - Photos to come
Solio Lodge
The finest rhino-tracking lodge in Kenya, set within the private Solio Game Ranch in southern Laikipia, one of the most successful black and white rhino breeding programmes in Africa. 9 impeccably designed cottages in a property known for elegant simplicity and extraordinary rhino encounters on horseback, on foot, and by vehicle. Part of Safari Collection and a consistent favourite among operators seeking the finest Kenya luxury experience. The combination of private land, expert guiding, and one of Africa's densest rhino populations makes Solio genuinely exceptional.
Full boardLuxury Lodge
Luxury
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Frequently asked questions
Anything not answered here, a consultant answers directly. More planning questions are on the FAQ page.
Best wildlife viewing. Clear days for Mount Kenya views. Excellent rhino and predator sightings in Ol Pejeta. Lewa Marathon (June), book accommodation many months ahead.
Ol Pejeta fees paid at gate, separate from accommodation. Mount Kenya NP: KWS eCitizen portal, cashless. Lewa, Borana, Fairmont Wildlife Conservancy: fees included in lodge rates. All conservancy fees subject to annual review, confirm at time of booking. [QA: Ol Pejeta EA Resident here (KES 1,418) conflicts with the Laikipia tab (KES 1,750).]
Nanyuki is the safari capital of Kenya's central highlands, a frontier town straddling the equator at the foot of Mount Kenya, Africa's second-highest peak at 5,199 metres. The town serves as the primary gateway to some of Kenya's most exclusive private conservancies and to the mountain itself.