Nanyuki: Weekly Market, Equator and Mount Kenya

Nanyuki combines striking landscapes with things to discover in town: views of Mount Kenya are part of the scenery, and at the Equator line you can stand in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres at once for a photo. The Nanyuki Old Market is another attraction, a weekly market with covered stalls and a focus on food. This mix gives you different points of reference when planning your trip—from a visit to the market to experiences in the wider region.

Landscape, the Equator and history

Nanyuki is known for its landscapes and views of Mount Kenya. If you plan your stay around your personal interests, you can consider these landscape views as part of your choice of destination. Another striking photo opportunity is the sign at the Equator line: visitors can stand in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres at once for a photo.

The Nanyuki War Cemetery is part of the historical context in the surrounding area. It contains 196 graves of Commonwealth service personnel from the Second World War. The cemetery is a separate place to visit, distinct from everyday life in town; the number and origins of those buried there give the site a specific connection to wartime history.

Weekly market at the Nanyuki Old Market

The Nanyuki Old Market is near Majengo, opposite the Social Hall. Covered stalls are a defining feature of the market, where food is the main commodity. The weekly market takes place on Wednesdays and Saturdays; market days may change over time, so check before planning a visit. If you want to include both a market visit and the Equator line in your trip, these different attractions can help guide your choice of holiday rental. Base your choice on your own plans, without treating the market and accommodation as one and the same.

Experiences in the wider destination of Laikipia District

In the wider destination of Laikipia District, Ol Pejeta Conservancy offers a range of ways to learn about conservation and wildlife. On lion-tracking tours, visitors search for radio-collared lions alongside an experienced tracker. Full-day game drives focus on wildlife in its natural habitat, while night drives explore the conservancy after dark and offer the chance to see nocturnal animals.

Visitors can also explore the area on foot: guided bush and bird walks with rangers cover routes, good spots for wildlife viewing and the different species. One-on-one conversations with experts are also available on topics such as conservation, wildlife, community development and conservation technology. These conversations are available daily and can be booked three days in advance; availability and booking terms may change.

Other special experiences at Ol Pejeta Conservancy range from a behind-the-scenes look at the daily care of chimpanzees to interactive tracking with the K9 unit and bloodhounds. An educational experience focuses on rhino monitoring and identification: rangers know each animal by name and are familiar with its individual range. Check current availability with the operator. Booking the experience with the Northern White Rhinos supports conservation efforts to preserve the species.

Road connections via Nanyuki and scheduled flights to Nanyuki Airfield, followed by a transfer to the conservancy, are available for travel to Ol Pejeta Conservancy. Transport options may change; check flight availability when planning. The conservancy is in the plains of Laikipia County, about 220 kilometres and approximately four hours from Nairobi. Distance and journey time may vary depending on the route and conditions.

At Borana Conservancy, also in the wider destination of Laikipia District, visitors can learn about conservation initiatives such as water storage, solar energy and tree nurseries at the Mazingira Centre. The conservancy is home to black and white rhinos as well as other endangered species; mountain biking is also offered on its wildlife tracks and trails. Nature and conservation topics sit alongside an active outdoor pursuit here. Wildlife provides another regional highlight at Loisaba Conservancy: published figures list more than 260 bird species and 50 mammal species, including lions, African wild dogs, reticulated giraffes and endangered Grevy’s zebras. Species counts may change as observations are made.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Kirichu, Naro Moru, Lamuria, Tura.

Go to the overview of the wider destination: Laikipia District.