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How to Get to Ol Pejeta and Laikipia: Road From Nairobi, Nanyuki and Flights

Ol Pejeta lies near the town of Nanyuki, about half a day by road from Nairobi, and can also be reached by a short flight to a nearby airstrip.

Laikipia sits north of Nairobi on the plateau beyond Mount Kenya, so the journey is straightforward and passes through some of Kenya's most productive farmland. Most visitors arrive by road or by air depending on their schedule.

Because many Laikipia properties are private, always confirm exactly how and where you will be met.

This guide is part of our Uganda road routes and driving guide. When you are ready to plan, see our Uganda safari packages or the Ameera Africa Safaris Uganda tours homepage.

At a glance

  • By road: About 3 to 4 hours from Nairobi
  • Gateway town: Nanyuki
  • By air: Short flight to Nanyuki or a conservancy airstrip
  • Onward: Lewa, Samburu, the Mara
  • Tip: Confirm pickup details
Overview

The Road Journey

The route leaves Nairobi on the highway towards Thika and continues north through coffee and pineapple country, then through Nyeri and Naro Moru, with Mount Kenya often visible to the east. The final approach is by road into the conservancy. Roads are paved for most of the way, but traffic on the outskirts of the capital can slow progress, so an early start is advisable. Allow time for stops, as the scenery is good. Towns along the way, such as Nyeri and Naro Moru, offer fuel, cafés and craft stalls, and the equator crossing north of Nanyuki is a popular photo stop. Travelling in a private vehicle with a driver-guide lets you change the pace as you wish, while a shared transfer keeps the plan simple. Whichever you choose, aim to arrive in time for an afternoon game drive. See getting around East Africa.

Flying

Flying to Laikipia

Scheduled and charter flights link Nairobi's Wilson Airport with Nanyuki and with airstrips on or near the conservancies. The flight is short, which can be valuable if your safari time is limited, and the views over the Aberdares and Mount Kenya are memorable. Luggage limits are strict, so use soft bags. Read flying safaris in East Africa for more on how they work.

Transfers

Transfers and Meeting Points

Many camps arrange road transfers from Nanyuki town or the airstrip, and some can arrange direct vehicle pickup. If you are driving yourself, ask for clear directions and gate times. Private conservancies may need advance permission, so do not turn up unannounced. Where several camps share one access road, drivers coordinate by radio and gate staff keep records of who is inside, which is part of the conservancies' security. Passengers should carry passports or identity cards, as these may be checked at the gate. If your flight is delayed, let your camp know so that the pickup can be adjusted rather than missed.

Combining

Combining Ol Pejeta With Other Destinations

Ol Pejeta works well with neighbouring Lewa, the highlands of the Aberdares, and the dry north at Samburu. It can also fit between Nairobi and the Masai Mara as part of a longer circuit. See getting to Lewa, getting to the Aberdares and Kenya safari itineraries.

Practical

Practical Preparation

Carry layers, a hat and water, and keep identification handy. Before travel, check the Kenya entry and practical information page and the Laikipia and Ol Pejeta Conservancy guide.

Planning a Uganda safari? Send us your dates and we will build the route, permits and transport around what you want to see.

Keep exploring

Related Tours, Guides and Resources

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Roughly three to four hours from Nairobi, depending on traffic and stops.

Yes, flights serve Nanyuki and airstrips in the area, with Nairobi's Wilson Airport the usual departure point.

Yes, the two are close and are often combined, either by road or on a short flight.

Mostly, up to Nanyuki; the final approach inside the conservancy is by track.

Operators use safari vehicles inside the conservancy; ordinary cars can reach Nanyuki but not all tracks.

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