Tourist Attractions in Kenya

A Guide To Aberdare National Park

Aberdare National Park, located in Central Kenya to the east of the East African Rift Valley, is a safari park that covers an area of more than 767 sq km and extends across the higher areas of the Aberdare Mountain ranges. To the east, it is also covered by the Aberdare Salient. Located at 18,29 m above sea level, the park is relatively low in altitude but has been recognized as a landscape park.

Surrounded by the wild and beautiful moorlands of the third highest mountain range in Kenya,  the Park offers a mist-wreathed realm where elephants roam through lichen-hung forests, spectacular waterfalls plunge into churning pools, and trout-filled streams cascade through mossy dells. A haven for anglers, walkers, and lovers of solitude alike, it also offers matchless views of the glittering coronet of Mount Kenya and the sparkling lakes of the Great Rift Valley.

Quick Facts About Aberdare National Park

Here is a List of Facts About the Park

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• Altitude: 1,829-4,001 meters above sea level.
• Area: 767 sq. km.
• Location: Central Highlands west of Mount Kenya.
• Distance from Nairobi: 160 km
• Gazetted: The Aberdares was established in May 1950.
• Threatened species: Bongo, leopard, black rhinoceros, African elephant, giant forest hog, and golden cat.
• Birds: The prolific bird life features 250 recorded species.
• Roads: Crisscrossed by a network of red ‘murram’ dirt roads and featuring a number of steep, rocky sections the park can often become inaccessible,e especially in the rainy season. 4WD vehicles are recommended.

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About Aberdare National Park

The park is located about 100 km north of Nairobi and stretches over a wide variety of terrain at elevations from 2,000 meters (6,600 ft) to 4,000 meters (13,000 ft). Launched in May 1950, the Aberdare National Park covers an area of 766 square kilometers and forms part of the Aberdare Mountain Range.

History of Aberdare National Park

The Park was founded in 1950 with an ambition to conserve and safeguard the Aberdare Mountains and since then it has grown to a size of an area of 767 km2. It is best known as the site where in 1952, Princess Elizabeth became Queen after the death of her father King George VI, whilst staying at the Treetops Hotel.

Aberdare National Park Animals

• They are elephants, buffalos, giraffes, blue and colobus monkeys, leopards, lions, warthog, giant forest hog, bushbuck, red duiker, suni, reedbuck, and eland. Lying above the tree line, the scenery is spectacular with its mountainous terrain covered in thick tropical forests swathed in mist.

Aberdare National Park Activities

Game Drives

• Game Drive in the Park is a charming safari experience in the open safari land cruiser in the wilderness to encounter different wildlife chaperoned by professional and well-experienced safari guides who know every location of the animal species in the park.
• The open safari vehicles enable the tourists to have spectacular endless views of the wildlife that is located in the Park.

Hiking and Nature Walks

• There are diverse mountain peaks in the park that offer hiking safari such as the elephant hill hike which stands at 3720 meters above sea level.

Visit the Waterfalls

The Park has the following waterfalls; Chania Waterfall, Magura Waterfall and Queen’s Caves, Gura Waterfall, Karuru Waterfall, Thomson’s Waterfall or Nyahururu, Kereita Cave and Waterfall, Chasing Waterfall.

Karuru waterfall

• Karuru waterfall is the highest waterfall in Kenya, located inside the Park with a staggering 273 meters drop, in 3 stages. The first stage is 117 meters high, followed by a smaller 26 meters, and finally a 130 meters drop to the plunge pool.

Chania Falls

• Chania Falls is a stunning waterfall in central Kenya’s Aberdare National Park. It takes its name from the adjacent Chania River, which originates in the Aberdare mountain range.
• They are also famous picnic areas, giving a serene setting for visitors to unwind and enjoy their surroundings.
• It is also a lovely spot to eat or simply relax while observing the natural beauty of the waterfall and its environs.

Magura Falls

• Magura Falls are situated at the mouth of the Queen’s Cave, in the southern moorland of Aberdare National Park, and is also part of the Magura River, a tributary for the larger Gura River.
• Magura waterfalls in Aberdare National Park, with the Queen’s Cave are situated at the bottom. Can be viewed from both outside as well as from the cave, which is stated to have been used as a hiding place during the Mau Mau wars.

Bird Watching

• Aberdare offers good bird watching year-round, but November to April is when migrants from Europe and North Africa are present. This partially overlaps with the Wet season (October to May), when many species can be seen in breeding plumage.

Horseback Riding (Private Protection)

• Aberdare National Park is one of the best scenic national parks in Kenya situated in the central region of the country, the park is part of the Aberdare mountain ranges covering an area of 767 square kilometers which are dominated by rain forests, moorland, and bamboo forests running from high altitudes to lower slopes of the park.
• The park lies in the altitude range of 7000 ft. to 14000 ft., above sea level, and is situated at a distance of 180 kilometers from Nairobi which is a major tourist city in Kenya.

Camping at Aberdare National Park

Public campsites include:

How To Get To Aberdare National Park

By Road

The Park is readily accessible on the tarmac from Nyeri and Naro Moru on the Eastern side and it’s 150 Km from Nairobi. A road crosses the park through the lower slopes up to the Moorlands to merge with another one from Naivasha on the western side. Naivasha is 87 Km from Nairobi. The park HQS is 15 Km from Nyeri town, along the Nyeri – Nyahururu road.

By Air

The nearest airstrip is the Mweiga Airstrip on the opposite side of Park Hqs along Nyeri – Nyahururu road near Sasini Estate Farm.

What to take with you to Aberdare National Park

Drinking water, picnic items, and camping equipment if you intend to stay overnight.
Also useful are: binoculars, a camera, a hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, guidebooks, warm clothing (temperatures drop rapidly at night), walking boots, a compass, and maps.

When to visit Aberdare National Park Kenya

The Park is accessible all year round however 4WD vehicles is recommended during heavy rains.

Aberdare National Park Charges And Entrance Fee

Citizen

• Adults KSH: 350
• Child KSH: 250

Resident

• Adults KSH: 1200
• Child KSH: 600

Non – Resident

• Adults USD:65
• Child USD: 30

Aberdare National Park Contacts

• The Warden: P0 Box 22, Nyeri, Central Province.
• Tel: (Nyeri) +254 (20) 2046271
• Email: aberdare@wananchi.com
• Kenya Wildlife Service, Marketing & Business Development – Nairobi
• Tel : +254 (20) 600800, 602345
• Fax: +254 (20) 607024
• Email: reservations@kws.go.ke
• http://www.kws.go.ke

A Guide To Chyulu Hills National Park

Chyulu Hills National Park Kenya is a magical land of black frozen lava studded with blazing red-hot poker trees; of shoals of extinct volcanoes wreathed in dense forest abs hung with Spanish moss, the Chyulu hills coil a sleeping dragon on the lion – gold plains of his treasure. The pink-haloed peak of Mount Kilimanjaro rises to the west and all around stretches the mirage miles of Maasai land, dusty, dry, and stalked by scarlet-cloaked herders and dust-plumed cattle.

It comprises the eastern flanks of Chyulu Hills including about half the forest area. The park boundary runs down the center of the hills along the lines of the peaks. The remaining western portion of the hills is part of the west Chyulu Game Conservation Area and is owned by several Maasai Group ranches

Quick Facts About Chyulu Hills National Park

Here is a List of Facts about Chyulu Hills National Park

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• Altitude: 1,500 – 2,160 m above sea level.
• Area: 471 sq km.
• Location: Makueni District, Eastern Province, and Kajiado District, Rift Valley Province.
• Distance from Nairobi: 190 km southeast of Nairobi.
• Gazetted: The Park was gazetted in 1983.
• Climate: January to March is hot and dry; April to June is hot and wet; July to October is very warm and dry and November and December are warm and wet.
• Vegetation: Rough grassland and thicket give way to patches of montane forest along the spine of the hills.
• Fauna: A variety of large mammals includes; buffalo, common eland, bushbuck, mountain reedbuck, steinbok, bush pig, leopard, and, at times, elephant.
• Birds: The abundant birdlife features over 300 species.
• Roads: 4WD is recommended all year round.
• Activities: Camping, horse riding, walking trails, forest trails, Nature trails, forest tours, hiking

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About Chyulu Hills National Park

Chyulu Hills National Park is a rugged wilderness still displaying signs of its volcanic origins – and boasting some of the best views of Kilimanjaro. The park also boasts stunning cave systems and spots the world’s second-longest lava tube (Kisula Cave 11.5km long)—the Leviathan. Also, the absorbent nature of lava rocks has helped keep the surrounding areas abundant with fresh water thus delivering the perfect sanctuary for the region’s ample wildlife.

History of Chyulu Hills National Park

Established in 1983, Chyulu Hills National Park is managed by Kenya Wildlife Services. Chyulu Hill’s volcanic origins contribute to the park’s rich and various ecosystems, including grasslands, thickets, and montane forests.

Chyulu Hills National Park Animals

• Large mammals include elands, elephants, leopards, giant forest hogs, bush pigs, reedbucks, buffalo, bushbucks, and giraffes along with different reptiles and insects.
• Horse riding, camping, mountain climbing, and bird watching can be enjoyed in this hidden part of paradise.

What to see at Chyulu Hills National Park

Here is what you can see and do at the park:

The world’s youngest mountains

• The narrowly arching, 80 Km long Chyulu is one of the world’s newest mountain ranges, the most current volcanic peak having been constructed only 500 years ago.
• They are fascinated mix of volcanic ash cones and barren lava flows which combine to create a landscape of almost mythical enchantment

Source of Tsavo West Mzima Springs

• The Park was founded to protect not only its unique habitat but also its vital role as a water catchment for Kenya’s coastal conurbations. The forested ridges create their rainfall, the porous rock absorbs the water like a sponge and the water oozes down into fast -flowing subterranean rivers.
• Ultimately, this joins with the melt waters of Mount Kilimanjaro and feeds 250 million litres of water daily into the lush oasis of Tsavo West’s most famous feature Mzima Springs

Exploring the Shetani Caves and Lava flows

• The volcanic convulsion of Tsavo’s landscape is riddled with lava flows, the most spectacular being Shetani flow, the coalesced tide of tar-like lava that spewed down Chyulu Hills as they burst out of the plains only a few hundred years ago.
• The lava flow is threaded by a series of lava tube caves many of which can be explored, though caution is recommended.

Rare Forest Birds

• Bird watching in the Park is best done in the dry season experienced from January to February and June to October.
• The park is rich in birdlife, featuring species like the Eurasian nightjar, alpine swift, black crake, crowned lapwing, gray heron, great egret, African harrier hawk, white-backed vulture, brown snake eagle, tambourine dove, African green pigeon, purple crested coucal, Klaas cuckoo, caly francolin, rameron pigeon, lemon dove among others.

Chyulu Hills National Park Activities

Hiking & Trekking

• Hiking in the Park is done on Chyulu Hills using diverse trails passing through the forests leading to the high altitudes of the hills.
• During the hiking experience, you will have an opportunity to enjoy watching many forest inhabits including primates such as baboons, Skye’s forest, and many bird species.

Game Drives & Wildlife Viewing

• Game viewing safaris in the Park are done on morning game drives and afternoon game drives and are best done during the morning hours when multiple animals have not dispersed due to the scorching sunlight.
• They offer amazing sights of animals found in the park, the best sights of the animals are during the dry season which is from January to February and June to October.

Horseback Safaris

• This is a non-traditional safari activity for your adventurous trip to the Park combined with fly camping. The well-trained horses can navigate the rugged highlands landscape, so you can reach locations that might not otherwise be accessible.

Cultural Visits to Maasai Villages

• Kenya cultural safaris in the park offer an encounter with the locals and they take you on a visit to the local communities found there (local Maasai). They get to learn about their culture, traditions, and way of life. These visits offer a genuine experience that goes beyond a staged show. 

Walking Safaris

• Walking safaris are available in the private conservancies bordering Chyulu Hills, and your Maasai guide can take you out on a leisurely morning walk when it is best cool.
• You are also educated about tracking methods, scat identification, medicinal uses of plants, and much more.

Accommodation at Chyulu Hills National Park

While there is no accommodation within the park multiple accommodation options exist in nearby Tsavo West National Park and in the ungazetted portion of the Chyulu Hills.
There is a KWS self-catering guest house outside boundaries located just off the Nairobi – Mombasa road near Kiboko. The guest house is 59km from Kithasyo Gate and Park HQ.

Camping at Chyulu Hills National Park

The Park Kenya has three public campsites. The campsite at Kithasyo Park offers basic amenities. There is also a KWS campsite outside the park boundaries near the guest house at Kiboko.

Chyulu Hills National Park Packages

Luxury Chyulu Hills & Amboseli Safari

• On this luxury 3-night safari, you will be introduced to Kenya’s Amboseli National Park, which exemplifies five major wildlife habitats: open plains; acacia woodland; rocky thorn bush; swamps, and marshlands.

Chyulu Hills & Masai Mara Fly-in Safari

• This package incorporates stays at a luxury camp in the Masai Mara, and Ol Donyo Lodge in Chyulu Hills. Activities include game drives, hiking, horseback riding, cultural visits, and mountain biking.

Chyulu Hills Hiking & Kisula Caves 1-Day Tour

• Chyulu Hills Hiking & Kisula Caves 1 Day Tour starts and ends in Nairobi. The start point of the hike is at the Chyulu Hills National Park Satellite campsite located just below the satellite dishes atop one of the hills and presents a stunning view of the hills around as well as the plains below the hills. The hiking trip also ends at the Satellite.

• During the trip, you will explore the amazing Kisula caves, and the rolling Chyulu hills, enjoy a mild hike, and also watch wildlife & birds hoping to get the magnificent vista of Mount Kilimanjaro.

Ol Donyo Lodge Safari

• Ol Donyo Lodge is in the heart of the 275,000-acre Mbirikani Group Ranch, located on the slopes of the Park.
• A Kenya safari, at Ol Donyo Lodge in Kenya offers mountain bikes, open vehicles, horseback safaris, and guided walking safari experiences.

Campi ya Kanzi Safari

• Encounter a premier safari with a 2-night stay at Campi ya Kanzi, presenting luxury accommodations and personalized wildlife excursions.

When to visit Chyulu Hills National Park

The Park Kenya is accessible all year round by 4WD

What to take with you to Chyulu Hills National Park

• Drinking water and picnic items and camping equipment if you intend to stay overnight
• Also the most useful are a camera, binoculars, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses and guidebook

Attractions in Chyulu Hills National Park

• Breathtaking views from the Chyllu Hills, cave exploration, one campsite next to park headquarters
• Reptiles: Black Mamba, Puff Adder, Rock Python, Gecko, Tortoise, Lizard
• Insects/arthropods: Dung Beetles, Butterflies, Tsetse fly
• Common Animals: Buffalo; Bushbuck; Eland; Elephant, Leopard; giant forest hog ,bush Pig; reedbuck, mountain; Steinbok; giraffe

How to get to Chyulu Hills National Park

By Road

From Kibwezi: turn right off the Mombasa Road (coming from Nairobi) at Kibwezi, onto a sign-posted road that leads after 9 Km to Kithasyo Gate and Park HQ. It is possible to enter the park from Tsavo West

By Air

The Park has two airstrips
Open:
Daily 6.00 am -7.00 pm including public holidays. No entry is allowed on foot and visitors will not be allowed entry after 6.15 pm

Chyulu Hills National Park Entrance fees

Citizen

• Adults KSH: 350
• Child KSH: 250

Resident

• Adults KSH: 600
• Child KSH: 350

Non – Resident

• Adults USD:25
• Child USD: 15

Chyulu Hills National Park Contacts

• Attraction Type: Wildlife, Scenery & Landscapes
• Category: National Park, Forest, Volcano
• Region: Eastern
• City / Town: Kibwezi
• Road / Street: Nairobi – Mombasa Road
• Telephone: 254 20 215 3433
• Email: chyulunp@kws.go.ke
• Entrance Fee: Yes

A Guide To Arabuko Sokoke National Park

Arabuko Sokoke National Park is a 6sq km reserve near Malindi and Watamu reserve and park. It is the largest surviving coastal dry forest in East Africa, It is 110km north of Mombasa. Arabuko Sokoke Forest Reserve provides an important habitat for unique and endangered birds, insects, and animals. The major attractions are about 600 bird species, butterflies, and coastal forest.

Quick Facts About Arabuko Sokoke National Park

Here is a List of Facts about Arabuko Sokoke National Park

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• Altitude: 0-210 meters above sea level.
• Area: 420 sq km.
• Location: Malindi/Kilifi District, Coast Province.
• Gazetted: Proclaimed a Crown Forest Reserve in 1932 and gazetted in 1943. The Kararacha extension to the southeast was added in 1968.
• Climate: Humid with a mean annual temperature ranging from 22-34 degrees Celcius. Rainfall is around 500 mm per year.
• Vegetation: Forest vegetation comprises mixed forest, Brachystegia woodland,d and Cynometra forest.
• Forest animals: include the endangered Aders’ duiker, the golden-rumped elephant shrew, coastal races of the bushba,by and a remnant herd of elephants.
• Forest birds: Over 230 species have been recorded.
• When to go: The Forest Reserve is open all year round; the best time for nature walks is during the cool of the day, early morning or late afternoon.
• Roads: The Forest Reserve is accessible all year.
• It is a great reserve for bird watching and among the bird species are the Sokoke pit Amani sunbird, Fischer’s turaco, Clarke’s weaver, and golden woodpecker, among others. Golden-rumped elephant-shrew, Sokoke bushy-tailed mongoose, Ader’s duiker, water and bushbucks, African civet, blotched genet, and Sykes monkeys are some of the wildlife in the park.

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About Arabuko Sokoke National Park

The Arabuko Sokoke Forest is an area of high endemism, containing plants, birds, and endemic mammals. It contains three forest types, Brachystegia, Cynometra, and mixed forest, each of which protects various communities of plants and animals.

The Clarke’s weaver is entirely endemic to the forest, while the Sokoke pipit, the Amani sunbird, the eponymous Sokoke scops owl, and spotted ground thrush are found only here and in a forest fragment in Tanzania. The park connects Mida Creek, a mangrove forest that is an important shorebird wintering ground, protecting species such as the crab plover, and the Terek sandpiper.

The endearing golden-rumped elephant shrew, an endemic elephant shrew, is the most noticeable of the park’s endemic mammals; the Sokoke bushy-tailed mongoose and Ader’s duiker (found only here and in Zanzibar) are more elusive. Also, the forest has savannah elephants, African civets, as well as sokokes, baboons, and vervet monkeys. The park is also acknowledged as an outstanding center of amphibian diversity.

History of Arabuko Sokoke National Park

Arabuko Sokoke Forest, which encloses Arabuko Sokoke National Park, has a rich history of conservation and environmental significance. The forest was established as a forest reserve in 1932 and thereafter became a national park in 1990, aimed at rescuing its unique biodiversity and endangered species.

Arabuko Sokoke National Park Activities

Unique Forest Ecosystem

• As you trek under the reserve’s lush forest canopy, the colors and forest sounds of monkeys, owls, sunbirds, baboons, and bushbabies will delight your senses.
• You may also come across a herd of buffalo, bushy-tailed mongoose, and the tiniest owl in Africa – the Sokoke scops owl.

Rare & Endangered Wildlife

• The park is home to some of Africa’s rarest animals, including Aders’ duiker, the Sokoke scops owl, and the Sykes monkey. The park’s diverse habitats support a range of animals, making it a prime terminus for wildlife enthusiasts and conservationists.

Birdwatching

• Over 270 Bird Species can be seen there, including the endangered Sokoke pipit and spotted ground thrush. Nestled amidst the bird-filled Miombo forests are stunning seasonal lakes. Trails for 4WD vehicles and nature trails wind through the forest from the park’s four entries.

Butterfly Haven

• The Park is home to a massive number of butterflies including the flying handkerchief butterflies, making it possible for visitors to engage themselves in this engaging activity. The Arabuko Sokoke forest offers a cool breath that favors the breeding of the butterflies.
• Tourists on a butterfly-watching safari in the park will have an opportunity to spot other colorful butterflies such as Boliochila Minima of the Lycaenodea family, the Charaxes blende of the Nymphalidea family, Mimetic, and other several species that dwell in the forest reserve such as amuris ochlea, and Danaus chrrtsippus alcipus.

Guided Forest Walks & Hiking

There are beautiful trails and boardwalks for nature lovers. Examine the forest on foot, and get a great retreat and off from the usual city noise, just interacting with nature here. The cool forest breath is worthwhile and the sounds of the birds award you with the best feel here. A network of well-marked walking trails is also available.

Arabuko Sokoke Forest Size

The reserve is 420 sq. km (162 sq. mi) of coastal forest – the most extensive existing area of coastal forest in East Africa.

Arabuko Sokoke National Park Entrance Fee

Citizen/ Resident Rate Per Person Per Day

• Adult 300 Kenya Shillings
• Child 250 Kenya Shillings

Non-Resident Rate Per Person Per Day

• Adult 25 US Dollars
• Child 15 US Dollars

Arabuko Sokoke National Park Contacts

• Arabuko-Sokoke Forest Guide Association
• Email: jonoiseau@yahoo.com; johnsonkafulo@yahoo.com
• Tel +254 (0)723-098-884; (0)721-145-236

Arabuko Sokoke Forest is in which County?

The arabuko-Sokoke forest is found in Kilifi County 110 kilometers North of Mombasa at a latitude of 3°20′ S and a longitude of 39 ° 50′ E [17]. The forest is a lowland totally dry forest on the Kenyan Coast [18, 3].

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

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• 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.

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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