Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy Animal Orphanage in Nanyuki, Nanyuki: Hours, Facilities and Family Guide
Animals and wildlife in Nanyuki, Nanyuki
Photo: Auto-generated feature card
Animal orphanage and mountain bongo breeding centre at the foot of Mount Kenya near Nanyuki, with free-roaming antelope, rescued leopard and cheetah, and pygmy hippos.
What is Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy Animal Orphanage?
Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy is a non-profit trust just outside Nanyuki at the foot of Mount Kenya. Its animal orphanage cares for rescued and injured wildlife, including a leopard, cheetahs, pygmy hippos and animals that cannot be released, and the trust runs a breeding and rewilding programme for the critically endangered mountain bongo antelope. Bongos, llamas, ostriches, Thomson's gazelles and giant tortoises roam freely near the entrance.
A visit takes 1 to 2 hours, and you can pay for a guide inside. The conservancy has no government funding and relies on entry fees and donations. Reviews are mixed: many praise the guides and care, while some find the enclosures small.
The conservancy runs a breeding and rewilding project for the mountain bongo, an animal orphanage and a conservation education programme. It has no government funding and depends on entry fees and donations.
Is it right for your child's age?
| Age group | Verdict | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| 3–5 years | Good | Free-roaming animals and close views | 6–9 years |
Key details
- Address
- Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy, just outside Nanyuki at the foot of Mount Kenya (Gitinga area), Laikipia County, Nanyuki
- Opening hours
- Daily about 10am to 5pm
- How long to plan
- 1 to 2 hours
- Suitable ages
- All ages
- Setting
- Outdoor
- Booking
- Walk-in
What to expect when you visit
Pay at the reception and souvenir shop, then walk through the courtyard to the small entrance of the orphanage. Free-roaming antelope, llamas and ostriches greet you near the gate.
A guide can take you round the enclosures and explain the rescue and bongo breeding work; the guide fee is up to you.
Tickets and costs
- Ticket notes
Reviews report about KSh 1,500 per adult (older) and about USD 40 for non-residents (more recent); children 12 and under were reported free in an older answer. Local rates were not found, so confirm at the gate.
- Free entry rules
- No
- Extra costs (activities, rentals, food)
Guide (tip or small fee)
Plan your visit
- How to get there
Just outside Nanyuki at the foot of Mount Kenya; about 20 minutes by motorbike taxi from the town.
- Public transport
About 3 hours by matatu from Nairobi to Nanyuki, then about 20 minutes by motorbike taxi (about KSh 300 one way in a 2024 report)
- What to bring
Camera, water, hat and sunscreen
What to pack
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Family day bag checklist
What visitors say
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Frequently asked questions
- What are the Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy Animal Orphanage opening hours?
- Daily about 10am to 5pm.
- How long do you need at Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy Animal Orphanage?
- Plan for 1 to 2 hours.
- How do you get to Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy Animal Orphanage?
- Public transport: About 3 hours by matatu from Nairobi to Nanyuki, then about 20 minutes by motorbike taxi (about KSh 300 one way in a 2024 report) Just outside Nanyuki at the foot of Mount Kenya; about 20 minutes by motorbike taxi from the town.
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