Itinerary

• Day 1: Arrival, Wildlife, and Local Culture

  Morning:

  • Departure from Nairobi: Begin your journey early, leaving Nairobi for Nanyuki. The drive takes about 2.5-3 hours, passing through the scenic Central Highlands, with views of tea plantations, rolling hills, and the Great Rift Valley. Along the way, you may stop at viewpoints to capture the beautiful landscapes.
  • Check-in at Accommodation: Upon arrival in Nanyuki, check into your lodge or hotel. Some great options include Sweetwaters Serena Camp, Lewa Safari Camp, or Nanyuki Cottage Inn. These offer great comfort, stunning views, and proximity to various attractions.

  Late Morning:

  • Visit Ol Pejeta Conservancy:
    • Head straight to Ol Pejeta Conservancy, located just 30 minutes outside of Nanyuki. It’s one of Kenya’s most famous wildlife conservation areas, home to a diverse range of animals and a safe haven for endangered species.
    • Optional Game Drive: Embark on a game drive through the conservancy, where you’ll likely see rhinos (including the critically endangered black rhino), lions, giraffes, elephants, and various antelope species. This conservancy is a unique opportunity to witness wildlife in a more relaxed, less crowded setting.
    • Optional Visit to the Chimpanzee Sanctuary: Ol Pejeta also has the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary, which houses rescued chimpanzees. It’s an enriching experience where you can learn about conservation and watch the chimpanzees in their natural setting.

  Afternoon:

  • Lunch at Ol Pejeta or Nanyuki Town: After a thrilling morning of wildlife viewing, enjoy lunch at one of the lodges inside Ol Pejeta, such as Sweetwaters Serena Camp, which overlooks the conservancy’s waterhole. Alternatively, head back to Nanyuki town to try one of the local restaurants like The Trout Tree Restaurant, famous for its unique setting and fresh fish dishes.

  • Optional Cultural Experience:

    • In the afternoon, you can explore the local Maasai culture in the area. Visit a Maasai village to learn about their traditions, customs, and way of life. The Maasai are known for their rich cultural heritage, and the visit can include traditional dances, beadwork, and insight into their farming practices.

  Evening:

  • Relax at Your Lodge: After a busy day, return to your lodge and unwind. Many accommodations offer incredible views of Mount Kenya and the surrounding landscapes. Enjoy a drink by the pool or relax in your room while watching the sunset.
  • Dinner at Your Lodge: End your first day with a delicious dinner, where you can enjoy local delicacies or international cuisine depending on your preference. Many lodges offer gourmet meals with stunning views of the surrounding area.

• Day 2: Adventure, Scenic Views & Optional Excursions

  Morning:

  • Breakfast with a View: Wake up early to enjoy a hearty breakfast at your lodge. If you’re lucky, you might be able to see the first light of day illuminating Mount Kenya.
  • Optional Hiking or Nature Walk:
    • Mount Kenya Base Walk: If you're up for a little adventure, take a nature walk or hike around the base of Mount Kenya. The Sirimon Route is popular for beginners and offers beautiful views of the mountain and surrounding forests. The hike can be customized to your pace, offering varying levels of difficulty.
    • Ngare Ndare Forest Walk: Alternatively, head to the Ngare Ndare Forest, a beautiful rainforest area near Nanyuki. Take a guided nature walk through the forest, which includes a canopy walk for incredible views of the lush vegetation and wildlife.

  Late Morning:

  • Optional Horseback Riding or Camel Ride: For something different, try a horseback ride through the plains surrounding Nanyuki. Several local ranches offer horseback safaris, giving you a chance to explore the area in a unique and exciting way. Alternatively, enjoy a camel ride if you’re looking for a more relaxed option.

  • Optional Visit to Lewa Wildlife Conservancy: If you have time, consider visiting the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, which is about 45 minutes from Nanyuki. Lewa is home to a large population of rhinos, elephants, and other wildlife species. A game drive here offers another excellent opportunity to see wildlife in a pristine environment.

  Afternoon:

  • Lunch at Your Lodge or Nanyuki Town: After your morning activities, enjoy lunch at your lodge, or head back into Nanyuki town for a variety of dining options.

  • Optional Visit to the Nanyuki Spinners & Weavers: If you're interested in local craftsmanship, stop by the Nanyuki Spinners & Weavers workshop. This community-run initiative produces beautiful woolen products like scarves, blankets, and sweaters. You can buy some high-quality handmade products or simply enjoy the tour.

  Late Afternoon:

  • Relax at the Lodge or Visit the Equator Marker (Optional): Before departing, relax at your accommodation or make a brief stop at the Equator Marker just outside Nanyuki. This is a great photo opportunity and a fun way to mark the fact that you’ve been on both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres at the same time.

  Evening:

  • Dinner and Departure (Optional): Depending on your departure time, you can enjoy an early dinner at your lodge or head back to Nairobi. You may also wish to catch the sunset and enjoy one last moment of peace before you leave the tranquil environment of Nanyuki.

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  Optional Excursions to Enhance Your Stay:

  • Hot Air Balloon Ride: Experience Nanyuki and the surrounding wildlife from a completely different perspective with a hot air balloon ride over the plains, particularly around Ol Pejeta. It’s a stunning way to see the landscape and wildlife from above.
  • Fishing: If you’re interested in fishing, the Nanyuki River offers opportunities for fly fishing in a serene environment.
  • Cultural Tours: Additional cultural activities include visits to the Maasai Mara villages or exploring local handicraft markets.

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