Nanyuki Civil Airport
Gathiuru, Kenya
Nanyuki Civil Airport
Gateway to Mount Kenya and the Laikipia wilderness.
- ›Located near the equator, Nanyuki straddles the boundary between the Northern and Southern hemispheres.
- ›The airport sits at approximately 6,286 feet (1,916 meters) above sea level, requiring pilot awareness of high-altitude performance considerations.
- ›It serves as a key access point for Ol Pejeta Conservancy, home to the last northern white rhinos.
- ›Separate from the military airfield used by British and Kenyan Air Force units stationed in the Nanyuki area.
- ›Charter flights for private safari camps in Laikipia are a significant portion of traffic.
Nanyuki Civil Airport is a small general aviation airstrip located near Gathiuru in Laikipia County, Kenya, serving as a convenient access point for safaris, wildlife conservancies, and Mount Kenya expeditions. The airport primarily handles light aircraft, charter flights, and bush planes connecting Nanyuki town to Nairobi and remote wilderness destinations across northern Kenya. Its proximity to Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, and the Mount Kenya ecosystem makes it a vital hub for eco-tourism in the region.
- Main Terminal — A small, single-building terminal handling arrivals and departures for charter and light aircraft operations.
- Taxis and private hire vehicles available at the airstrip
- Safari lodge and conservancy transfers pre-arranged by tour operators
- Matatus (shared minibuses) operating between Nanyuki town and surrounding areas
- Car hire available in Nanyuki town centre
- Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club
- Ol Pejeta Bush Camp
- Nanyuki River Lodge
- Serena Mountain Lodge
- Sweetwaters Tented Camp
Food options within the airstrip itself are very limited, so travellers should plan accordingly before arrival or departure. Nanyuki town, a short drive away, offers a variety of cafes, local restaurants, and supermarkets including outlets along Laikipia Road. Many lodges and conservancies in the area provide full-board meal packages, which is the norm for safari stays.
- Pre-arrange your transfer with your lodge or safari operator, as ground transport at the airstrip is not always readily available.
- Confirm your charter flight details in advance, as schedules can be flexible and subject to weather conditions near Mount Kenya.
- Carry some Kenyan shillings in cash, as card payment facilities near the airstrip are limited.
- Dress in layers — Nanyuki's high-altitude location means mornings and evenings can be significantly cooler than expected.
AI-assisted overview, verified against public sources.
Route map (3 destinations)
Airlines serving this airport
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