Discover why Nanyuki is the ultimate Kenyan road trip. From the scenic drive to the soulful solo game drives at Ol Pejeta, see why this paradise calls my name
Whenever I think 'road trip,' Nanyuki is always the first destination that comes to mind. Sometimes I have to try hard to think of anywhere else! Whether it’s a birthday, a bit of free time, or just passing through, I always seem to find myself there.
While the town itself is a hub, it’s the surrounding beauty that really calls my name. Set against the backdrop of the imposing, snow-capped Mount Kenya, Nanyuki lies on the Laikipia plains, famous for the sprawling farms of Timau and world-class ranches. The drive from Nairobi is a joy—with the road dualled all the way to Marua, the 200km journey takes just about three hours and change, making it feel closer than any other direction from the city.
My heart, however, belongs to the Ol Pejeta Conservancy. This is the real reason I go. It’s a world-renowned success story for rhino conservation, and home to the last two Northern White Rhinos on Earth. Seeing them guarded round-the-clock is a sobering reminder of how delicate life is and the merciless reality of extinction. Beyond the rhinos, it’s a Big Five paradise with incredible game density. Even when my companions want to sleep in, I’ll sneak out for a solo game drive. It’s in those moments—watching healthy lion prides or massive herds of elephants—that everything stands still. With over 200 species of birds and endless wildlife, it truly is a paradise.
So, why do I love Nanyuki? Is it the quality hotels, the beautiful drive, or the astonishing satisfaction of Ol Pejeta? I think you already know the answer."