Ol Donyo Sabuk National Park Guide: Top Attractions, Packages, Entrance Fees & Travel Tips

A Guide To Ol Donyo Sabuk National Park Kenya

“The Mountain of the Buffalo”
A rugged hump-backed outcrop of ancient rock jutting high above the Athi plains and hazily visible from Nairobi, Ol Donyo Sabuk National Park is a densely forested mountain known to the local Kikuyu as” the mountain of the buffalo” and to the Maasai as ‘The big mountain”. Just one road leads to its summit, which offers magnificent 360’ panoramas over the Athi River, The pineapple ﬁelds Thika, and the snow-capped peaks of both Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Kenya.

Within easy reach of Nairobi, the lush vegetation and cool air of this compact and scenic National Park make for an ideal day trip or camping weekend. The Ol Donyo Sabuk National Park is located about 85km northeast of Nairobi in the Machakos district of Eastern province. The ecosystem constitutes a mountain that is entirely covered with dense montane forest except for a small area at the top.

Quick Facts About Oldonyo Sabuk National Park

Here is a List of Facts about Oldonyo Sabuk National Park

Established in 1967
Ol Donyo Sabuk means large mountain in the Maasai language.
It is situated 65 km (40 mi) north of Nairobi
The mountain is the highest peak in the park, covering 20.7 km2 (8.0 sq mi).
It is particularly attractive for hikers or families wanting some freedom and exercise, outside their vehicles.

About Oldonyo Sabuk National Park

The Park offers great camping, picnicking, and team-building grounds for visitors looking for more adventure and fun exercises in the wild. Other attractions within the ecosystem include the famous Fourteen Falls which boasts of a 27-meter-deep scenery where activities such as fishing, and boating can be done.

History of Oldonyo Sabuk National Park

The Park was established in 1967, where the name Ol Donyo Sabuk, means a large mountain in Maasai. It is situated 65 km (40 mi) north of Nairobi and has an excellent and clear view of Nairobi and other lowland areas. Wildlife species that can be speckled here include colobus monkeys, baboons, bushbuck, impala, duiker, buffalo, and abundant birdlife.

However, the Park is a common one-day trip out of Nairobi, only 65 km (40 mi) away. The mountain is the highest peak in the park, covering 20.7 km2 (8.0 sq mi). It is mainly attractive for hikers or families wanting some freedom and exercise, outside their vehicles. One approach to the park is via the Fourteen Falls on the Athi River. The park’s attraction is its beauty and views of both Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Kenya.

While the name “Ol Donyo Sabuk” is Maasai for ‘large mountain’, the word Sabuk was erroneously thought by many writers to mean “buffalo” whereas, in fact, Maasai call buffalo Olosowan. Today, some 250 buffalos roam the slopes. Kikuyu traditionalists also call the mountain Kea-Njahe, known as the ‘Mountain of the Big Rain’, one of Ngai’s lesser homes.

The solitary mountain rises to 2,145 m (7,037 ft) from an otherwise flat area. The steep ascent needs a 4WD (4×4) vehicle. Near the summit lie the graves of Sir William Northrup McMillan (1872–1925) and his wife Lady Lucie.

Oldonyo Sabuk National Park Activities

Hiking to the Summit of Ol Donyo Sabuk Mountain

Walking to the summit; The hiking trip starts and ends at the Ol Donyo Sabuk Park Gate. The 9km climb to the top takes between 2 to 3 hours depending on your level of fitness. The hiking takes about 5 hours round trip.

It is the most famous and difficult trail in the park. It leads hikers to the summit of Ol Donyo Sabuk Mountain, which stands at an elevation of 2,145 meters. This trail presents stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes and is a great choice for those seeking a more strenuous hiking experience.

Game Viewing & Wildlife Watching

Game viewing is a must-do here while buffalos are the dominant wildlife in the ecosystem. Other wildlife species include bushbuck, leopard, olive baboon, colobus monkey, vervet monkey, Sykes’ monkey, Kirk’s dik-dik, bush pig, common duiker, reedbuck, rock hyrax, bush-baby, tree and ground squirrel, aardvark, porcupine, mongoose, python and monitor lizard.

Birdwatching

The Park is a great home to 45 species of birds including the grey-headed sparrow weaver, the African pied wagtail, the mourning dove, the augur buzzard, the African hawk eagle, the white-browed sparrow weaver, and the purple-breasted sunbird.

Visiting Lord Macmillan’s Historic Grave & Ruins

At the top of Mount Kilimambogo, there is a historic grave site of Sir William Northrup McMillan, a British colonialist and philanthropist who was buried there in 1930. The site offers a peek into Kenya’s colonial history and provides a serene spot to reflect and enjoy the beauty of the surroundings.

Exploring Fourteen Falls

Fourteen Falls is a breathtaking waterfall that cascades down a series of rocks located near the base of Mount Kilimambogo. It is named “Fourteen Falls” because of the 14 different waterfalls that make up the main falls.
Visitors can take guided tours to the falls, go for boat rides, or just enjoy the scenic views.

Ol Donyo Sabuk National Park – A Montane Landscape

The park is essentially comprised of the mountain’s slope and ravines and is entirely forested except for a small area at the top within the halo of the primal forest at the summit you may also ﬁnd some of the giant plants more commonly associated with the Afro-alpine zone of Mount Kenya and Mount Elgon (particularly giant lobelia)

Ol Donyo Sabuk National Park – Driving to the summit

The Park’s one road leads directly to the summit (4WD required all year round) a ﬂat open glade marked by a large survey beacon. The summit is the focus of the park and offers breathtaking views, especially in December and January when the air is particularly clear.

Ol Donyo Sabuk National Park Packages

One-Day Hiking Trip

0700 Hours: Oldonyo Sabuk National Park 1 Day Hiking Trip leaves at Nairobi by road traveling towards the central highlands of Thika.
0830 Hours: We arrive at Ol Donyo Sabuk Park Gate. The mountain stands at 2,145 meters high/ 7037 feet.
0900 Hours: We start the hike which takes about 5 hours. For hiking enthusiasts, this mountain is ideal for a day hike. The 9.2 km climb to the top takes between 2 to 3 hours depending on your level of fitness, with the descent taking another 2 hours. You will be accompanied by a Kenya wildlife ranger for security against buffalo attacks.
Barely 2 km from the top, you pass by the grave of Lord William Northrup MacMillan, an American who owned the mountain during the colonial era.
Just one road leads to its summit, which offers magnificent 360′ panoramas over the Athi River, the pineapple fields of Thika, and the snow-capped peaks of both Mt Kilimanjaro and Mt Kenya.
1400 Hours: A picnic lunch will be provided at the base of the Oldonyo Sabuk picnic site.
1500 Hours: On our way back, pass by the famous Fourteen Falls before our return to Nairobi.
1800 Hours: Expected time of arrival in Nairobi. Drop off at your residence/ Hotel

Full-Day Hiking Tour

Ol Donyo Sabuk National Park day tour leaves at 08:00 hours from Nairobi – drive north and on the Thika town and move to the park and explore. Thereafter have lunch at the picnic site then proceed to 14 Falls (fourteen Falls) via pineapple plantations, mid-afternoon proceeding to Nairobi arriving in the evening.

Day Trip to Fourteen Falls and Ol Donyo Sabuk National Park

Start the day with a visit to the scenic Fourteen Falls on the Athi River. Also, venture on a guided hike to the summit of Mount Kilimambogo within the park. Explore the historic MacMillan Castle and learn about its importance.

Ol Donyo Sabuk National Park – An unusual burial site

Along the road, the summit lies the grave of Sir William Northrup McMillan, a wealthy American farmer whose intended burial place on the summit had to be abandoned when the clutches of vehicles accompanying his hearse burned out on the steep slope. Here also rests his wife, her mai,d, and the family dog.

Main Atrractions At Ol Donyo Sabuk National Park

Montane landscape
An unusual burial site, McMillan grave
Wildlife Watching
Abundant forest birds
Fourteen Falls
Scenic views of Mt.Kenya from the summit

Accommodation and hotels in Ol Donyo Sabuk National Park

WS Self Catering

Sabuk Guest House

Campsites in Ol Donyo Sabuk National Park

Turacco Public Campsite
Rock Hyrax
Summit Campsite

How to get to Ol Donyo Sabuk National Park Kenya

By Road: 85 km north-east of Nairobi. From Thika town proceed 22 km along the main Garissa road to Makutano junction. At Makutano follow the KWS sign and turn right, proceeding 3 km on an all-weather Murram road to Donyo town. At Donyo turn right and proceed a further 2 km to the main gate.

When to visit Ol Donyo Sabuk National Park Kenya

All year round. After heavy rain, 4WD may be required on the road leading to the main gate.

What to take with you to Ol Donyo Sabuk National Park Kenya

Drinking water and picnic items (and camping equipment if you intend to stay overnight). Also useful are: a camera, binoculars, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, insect repellant, and guidebook.

Ol Donyo Sabuk National Park Entrance fees

Citizen

Adults KSH: 350
Child KSH: 200

Resident

Adults KSH: 700
Child KSH: 350

Non – Resident

Adults USD:30
Child USD:20

Ol Donyo Sabuk National Park Contacts

Attraction Type: Wildlife
Category: National Park
Region: South Rift
City / Town: Thika
Road / Street: Off Garissa Road
Telephone: 254 20 206 2503
Email: oldonyo@kws.go.ke
Website: http://www.kws.org/parks/parks_reserves/OSNP.html
Entrance Fee: Yes