12 places to stay around Nanyuki

Renowned for its scenic views and cosmopolitan culture, Nanyuki is the 14th highest town in Africa and the capital of Laikipia county. Lying at an altitude of between 1600 and 2400metres and perched in the middle of East Africa, Laikipia is perfection. The geological gods did the continent proud when they sculpted Laikipia.

South-east lies the imperious Mount Kenya. At 5 199 meters ASL , this ice-topped remnant of a volcano is 696 meters shorter than Kilimanjaro. Which one of the two is a more impressive sight is a topic for another day. South-west is the magnificent Aberdare ranges. To the north Laikipia spreads out over 10 000 square kilometers of highland savanna, woodland and rocky outcrops. Laikipia is one of the planet’s most life-affirming places. It was and still is a timeless, unchanged land with large numbers of animals roaming wild and free. It is home to the second largest abundance of wildlife in East Africa after the Mara- Serengeti ecosystem. I bet you can tell Laikipia has a special place in my heart 😊

Nanyuki is known for its breathtaking landscape and spectacular backdrop of the snowcapped Mount Kenya making it an ideal holiday destination with modern hotels and resorts to fit any visitors budget. Below are some of the places you could stay at in and around Nanyuki. 

Maiyan is a Maasai word meaning God’s blessing. The property is situated 5 Kms off the Nanyuki Dol-Dol road, 20 Kms north of Nanyuki town.  Accommodation features deluxe rooms for those seeking an intimate experience, Master rooms for those seeking a home away from home experience without all the responsibilities and villas for those seeking a thrilling experience with friends. Activities at the property includes horse riding, tennis, basketball, field sports like football, hockey and rugby. Cycling, Boat riding, fishing, walking and jogging trails.

At Mount Kenya Wildlife estate you will find beautiful houses all double storey with a choice of 3, 4 or 5 bedrooms all ensuite. Each has a living room, dining room, fitted kitchen with store, a fireplace for those cold Nanyuki nights, and verandahs front and back on both floors, offering incredible views over wild Africa and the stunning Mount Kenya as a backdrop. They are comfortably furnished and self catering just 25 minutes away from Nanyuki along the Nanyuki Rumuruti road. Sitting between the foothills of the Aberdares and the iconic Mount Kenya, a stunningly diverse and seemingly magical environment, the estate offers a peerless and exquisite venue for the perfect friends escape or family holiday. If you are a sunrise person, you’ll be in for a treat. You can read more here. 

Formerly known as Mount Kenya Royal cottages Aberdare prestige and royal cottages are affordable and easily accessible from Nanyuki airstrip, Nanyuki town and Naromoru. The hotel is situated along the Naromoru – Nanyuki highway less than a kilometer from Nanyuki airstip with Mount Kenya National park, Ol Pejeta conservancy and sweet waters less than 25kms away.

Located 7kms from Nanyuki town on the Nanyuki Naro-Moru highway Soames hotel& jack’s bar accommodation offers 12 garden rooms (within 6  separate cottages) and accommodates up to 24 guests.  Each room has double or twin bed configuration with the option of adding an extra bed for a child.  The hotel features a large spacious living and dining area with options to sit both inside and outside. The pergola offers a great place to spend with friends, meet colleagues and relax .

Located 6kms off the main road on the outskirts of Timau, about 22kms from Nanyuki, Cedar cottage accommodates up to 4 people. The secluded self catering stone cottage is set amongst lovely gardens on a secure 33-acre property overlooking the beautiful Loldaiga Hills, with a backdrop of Mt Kenya. The cottage features one double and one twin bedroom, both with en-suite bathrooms, a well equipped open plan kitchen and spacious sitting and dining area, and a sheltered verandah with lovely views of the gardens and hills beyond not forgetting the stunning barbecue area in the main gardens which has comfortable seating for sun downers and outdoor dining.

Seated on a 25 acre land next to the Mount Kenya Forest and overlooking the picturesque snow capped Mount Kenya Burguret kilele guest house accommodates up to six people. The guest house features 3 spacious rooms on double and single occupancy on bed and breakfast, half board and full-board basis . Its 15 kilometers from Nanyuki on your way to Nyeri or Naromoru and 2 km from the air strip. Their activities range from but are not limited to: Bird watching, Game drives, Mountain climbing and nature walks.

Ol Bobongi House is a 15-acre property  comprising of a main house, a games/gymnasium complex, a host cottage and a staff cottage. The house accommodates up to 10 people and features 4 bedrooms – 3 being en suite (all large; one with a Super-King Bed, one with a King-sized Bed and one with Two Bunk Beds) and the 4th bedroom with 2 queen size beds with a fully equipped bathroom and a kitchen.  This self catering property is situated roughly 11kms from Nanyuki with spectacular views of Mount Kenya and the Aberdare Mountain Range and within close proximity to Ol Pejeta, Lewa and Lolldaiga Hills Wildlife Conservancies. Its  literally surrounded by wildlife.

Ole samara guest suites is a  collection of cottages. They feature nice patios with small tables and chairs, green space for total relaxation, an indoor fireplace, ample closet space, a desk with chair and lamp for reading/writing and a very spacious bathroom with 2 sinks. Its roughly 14kms from Nanyuki town and 5-10 minute drive south of the Nanyuki airstrip. These private suites all accommodates 2 guests each. 

Perched on a quiet river bend, this beautiful log cabin is a perfect getaway. It is light, cosy and comfortable featuring a small fridge, a gas stove with utensils on the veranda, a king size bed, a tea/reading corner, a workspace, a bath, a private veranda over looking the river ideal for lounging, eating and preparing meals and an en suite shower and toilet.  Its located 30 minutes from Nanyuki and 15  from the Lol daiga main gate. It accommodates 2 guests. 

Ray