Mount Kenya Animal Orphanage

The Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy runs an animal orphanage at Nanyuki that takes in orphaned and injured wildlife and rears it for release. Guided visits get families close to cheetahs, monkeys, zebra, ostriches and the endangered mountain bongo the conservancy breeds, with keepers explaining each animal's story. It's compact, shaded and easy for young children compared with a full game drive.

How a family visit works

1. 1Book a guided visit at the Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy orphanage in Nanyuki. Slots run to set times, especially in school holidays. This is not a self-drive park.
2. 2Join the keeper-led walk. You will be close to rescued and injured animals (cheetahs, monkeys, zebra, ostriches) and the mountain bongo breeding project. The stories are the visit.
3. 3The site is compact and shaded compared with a conservancy game drive. Two hours is typical. Toddlers last this better than they last Ol Pejeta's roads.
4. 4If you are also doing Ol Pejeta, do not assume this is a substitute for the chimps or the rhinos; it is a different, smaller collection. One orphanage plus a rest may be enough for a Nanyuki day with young children.
5. 5Confirm the meeting point when you book. Nanyuki has several wildlife signs on the highway.

What kids actually do here

• Guided time with keepers, not a silent walk past cages
• Endangered mountain bongo, which most Kenyan kids have never seen
• Cheetahs and other rescues at a distance children can actually look at
• Shade and a short loop that works for three-year-olds
• A Nanyuki stop that does not require a park vehicle

What to pack

• The booking confirmation
• Hats and water, even though there is more shade than a crater hike
• Closed shoes
• A quiet snack for after; keep food packed during the keeper talk

Parent questions

Do we need to book?

Yes. Visits are guided and timed. Turning up in a holiday week without a slot is how you miss it.

Is this the same as Ol Pejeta?

No. This is a compact orphanage and bongo project in Nanyuki. Ol Pejeta is a huge conservancy with chimps, rhinos, and game drives. Different days, or a carefully split weekend.

Hours, tickets and activity rules change. Confirm the current details on the official site or at the gate before you travel.