Nanyuki & Laikipia
A short bush escape from Nairobi under Mount Kenya
About this trip
Nanyuki sits on the equator at the foot of Mount Kenya, roughly three to four hours by road from Nairobi, and the Laikipia plateau beyond it holds some of the country's most accessible wildlife country. For families and couples who want bush air, open grassland and mountain views without a long flight or a long drive, it is the most practical short escape in Kenya. Days are easy: a game drive or a conservancy visit in the morning, an afternoon by the fire or the pool, a walk or a horse ride if you want one. Tulla coordinates the stay, the vehicle and the visits you want, and quotes everything live for your dates.
Highlights
- Three to four hours by road from Nairobi, no flight required
- Mount Kenya views and cool highland evenings
- Laikipia plateau grassland with strong plains game and predator sightings
- Optional visit to Ol Pejeta Conservancy as an attraction, with its own entry fees and availability
- Equator crossing, Nanyuki town markets and highland farm produce
- Walks, horse riding and cycling where the property permits
Itinerary
Arrival
Nairobi to Nanyuki
Drive north through Thika and Karatina, roughly three to four hours with a stop. Arrive for lunch, settle in, easy afternoon with mountain views.
Conservancy day
Game drive or conservancy visit
Morning wildlife drive on the plateau, or an optional day visit to Ol Pejeta Conservancy. Conservancy entry and activity fees are charged separately by the conservancy and are subject to its own availability.
Slow day
Walks, riding or the mountain foothills
A guided walk, a horse ride or a drive towards the Mount Kenya foothills, depending on ages and interest. Afternoons stay unstructured.
Departure
Nanyuki to Nairobi
Breakfast, an optional stop at the equator or the Nanyuki markets, then the drive back to Nairobi.
What's included
- Accommodation on the meal plan you choose, quoted live for your dates
- Private vehicle with a driver from Nairobi, or accommodation only if you are self driving
- Coordination of game drives and conservancy visits
- Park and conservancy fees quoted separately, as charged by each conservancy
- One named coordinator from enquiry to return
Not included: international flights, visa fees, optional activities marked above, personal expenses, tips beyond stated inclusions, and travel insurance (we arrange separately on request).
December and festive season 2026
Nanyuki and Laikipia are the festive choice for families who want bush rather than beach, and for anyone with only a few days over the holidays. Properties here are small, so December space goes early and everything must be requested live.
For families
A gentle introduction to safari for children: short drives, cool evenings, space to run and a drive rather than a flight to get there.
For couples
Couples take two or three nights, one drive a day and a great deal of quiet, with the mountain in view from breakfast.
Ways to travel
- Private vehicle with a driver from Nairobi
- Self-drive with accommodation only, if you prefer to drive yourselves
- Park and conservancy fees quoted separately from the stay
What to tell us when you enquire
- Confirm nights and your arrival date, including festive weekend flexibility
- Tell us adults, children and their ages so rooming and drive length can be planned
- Say whether you want a conservancy day visit quoted alongside the stay
- Request live December availability and rate; we confirm availability and final inclusions in writing
Compare this against the other festive options on our December holiday packages in Kenya page.
Weighing up alternatives? Lake Nakuru & Lake Naivasha, Zanzibar & Stone Town or Diani Beach suit different travel days and budgets, and we are happy to quote more than one so you can compare properly.
Best suited for
Planning your Nanyuki & Laikipia trip
Straight answers from our coordinators. Missing something? Send a note and we'll reply within one working hour.
Let's tailor Nanyuki & Laikipia to you.
Adjust nights, lodge category, transfer mode and add-ons. One coordinator from quote to homecoming.