Ol Donyo Sabuk National Park is one of Kenya’s most underrated and less appreciated natural treasures. Located in Machackos county, Ol Donyo Sabuk is an exceptional, small but captivating park that draws tourists due to its diverse and breathtaking landscapes. Just a small drive from Nairobi, this park blends the thrill of adventure with tranquil wilderness making it one of the most ideal destinations for hikers, photographers, families and people seeking to explore other cultures. A single majestic mountain, Mount Oldonyo Sabuk raises to a height of 2, 145 meters offering panoramic views of the surrounding areas. On clear days at Oldonyo Sabuk you can be able to see Mount Kenya and Aberdare Range. With the right tours and travel agencies in Kenya, like Adequate Safaris you will enjoy every bit of your tour at Ol Donyo Sabuk.
How to Get to Oldonyo Sabuk
Oldonyo Sabuk is located approximately 65 to 87 kilometers northeast of Nairobi, you can access it through various routes as the main means of reaching there is by road. The most efficient and common access route to Ol Donyo Sapuk is through boarding matatus plying the Nairobi-Thika Superhighway heading towards Garissa Road then take a diversion southeast near Thika Town. If you are accessing it through self-drive then you will need a 4×4 vehicle as the road gets tougher as you approach the park.
You can use public transport means though its not recommended since this is a remote trail adventure and it might not be effectively accessed with public matatus. However, you can rely on public transport to just drop you in Thika Town where you can board another matatu plying a route passing close to the park.
The Main Attractions in Ol Donyo Sabuk National Park
Although it’s dominated by the vast montane forest and the small mountain, Oldonyo Sabuk is known to be the home to a variety wildlife and scenic landscapes that tourists can enjoy during their safari in the park. Below are some of the attractions you can enjoy while at Ol Donyo Sabuk National Park.
- 14 Falls: The fourteen Falls is tucked inside the park in River Athi, a very attractive destination providing romantic and scenic beauty of the land. It is a religious and traditional site deeply connected to Asian immigrants and local residents. Most Asians utilize it as a recreational and spiritual site which is a practice they’ve been conducting on this destination for a very long time. They believe this to be the place where they can dispose the ashes of their loved ones that have died for it to deliver the ashes to India.
- Mammals: Apart from the unique bird species that dominate Ol Donyo Sabuk it is also manifested with numerous wildlife as it is home to more than 250 buffaloes which are considered to be the dominating mammals. There are other animals that you might be interested in exploring such as bushbucks, leopards, baboons, mongoose and porcupine.
- Attractive views of Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Kenya: Despite the park not being very close to Mount Kenya and Kilimanjaro, Ol Donyo Sabuk is well raised making it the ideal place for you to have a better view of Mount Kenya and Mount Kilimanjaro especially when the day is clear adding taste to the remote trail adventure.
- Montane landscape: At its centre Ol Donyo Sabuk is dominated by Mount Oldonyo Sabuk. It acquired its name from being the largest mountain around the park attracting quite a significant number of travellers and tourists that visit the park. Rising to a height of 2,140 meters the terrain of the slope is somehow rough and rugged that requires a 4×4 vehicle to access the starting point for hiking. As you head towards the summit you will come across the burial sites of lord Williams family.
- Lord William McMillan Burial Site: Lord William is well known as the first European to have accessed and settled within Ol Donyo Sabuk National Park where he lived with his wife and dog till their death. Soon as they died, they were buried in the same location, making it an important historical mark where visitors come to visit when they access Ol Donyo Sabuk.
Oldonyo Sabuk Entrance Fee
Most travellers are always curious on Oldonyo Sabuk entrance fee which is important for every traveller to know the fees prior to visiting the destination. The Ol Donyo entrance fees tend to vary based on nationality and residency. Kenyan residents are usually charged Kenya Shillings 300.00 while children pay a lower fee. Kenyan residents are charged a fee of charged Kenya Shillings 300.00 while non residents or foreign tourists are charged USD $26.00. The fees might change based on the KWS regulations and policies and as such it is always important to confirm with your tour operator on the latest entrance fees prior to arriving.
Best Things to Do at Ol Donyo Sabuk National Park
- Birding: The National Park is home to over 450 bird species a destination where birders enjoy trekking the remote terrains as they are searching for unique bird species. This park is home to several permanent bird residents and other migratory birds living within the forests and others occupying the open savannas.
- Exploring the waterfalls: Exploring these destinations gives you a unique experience with both historical and scenic views. It is a unique place to be and explore it while you hear stories about how Indians use it for spiritual purposes. Ol Donyo Sabuk is easy to explore while it also gives you more experimental experience compared to other destinations.
- Mountain Climbing: Among the key activities that most travellers do at Ol Donyo Sabuk National Park is mountain climbing. The trekking is usually very fair and offer unlimited adventure while viewing the dramatic landscape. The hiking can be easily completed within a couple of hours which you will definitely hit the summit even after having stops to visit historical sites such as the Lord Williams graveyard. As you hike to the summit the vegetation keeps changing and birders keep their eyes peeled in order to spot any unique birds that are at the higher regions of the mountain.
- Game Viewing: There are various ways through which you can enjoy game viewing in Ol Donyo Sabuk either by game drives which can be done by some of best tours and travel companies in Kenya or you can just have a game walk. The common wild animals here include some shy leopards which can be seen on lucky days and the dominating large herds of buffaloes. It is important to note that game walks are usually rare unless you are accompanied by a game ranger for your safety.
Accommodation Options in Ol Donyo Sabuk National Park
Ol Donyo Sabuk National Park does not have any accommodation options within its boundaries however the surrounding town, Thika which is 16-25 kilometres away from the park might offer you several options. The available accommodation options range from budget friendly guest houses to high end hotels that might cover several needs depending on your preference. One common accommodation option in Thika is the Thika Greens Golf Resort that provides a very comfortable stay and is equipped with modern amenities.
Best Times to Visit Oldonyo Sabuk
Despite, Ol Donyo Sabuk being a destination that can be explored all year round, there are certain months of the year that makes it ideal for certain activities and easy to combine it with nearby destination such as the 14 Falls. The dry season from January to March and July to October provides the ideal conditions for hiking and wildlife viewing. Avoid the rainy season which is usually between the months of March and May as the trails can be slippery making it hard for you to hike however, the landscape is lush and worth visiting. During this rainy season its not recommended for you to try summit hiking.
Tips for a Responsible Tour and Conservation Measures
To conserve the environment and tour Oldonyo Sabuk responsibly always remember to respect wildlife habitats by keeping safe distances from wild animals as directed by the guides. Also avoid feeding them because you will likely interfere with their feeding program which might stress them.
Always try to minimize wastage and littering the environment by carrying reusable water bottles and disposing trash properly. Show appreciation by supporting local businesses, you can accomplish this by eating locally prepared foods, hiring local guides as through paying them you are supporting their family indirectly also you can buy some crafts from artisans as it shows you appreciate and support their talents. Follow any KWS stipulated rules as their enforced rules ensure that we are all safe while exploring different destinations with wild animals.
Conclusion
Oldonyo Sabuk National Park captures adventure, tranquillity, history, culture and natural beauty something you can hardly find in most destinations within Kenya. With that said, whether you are an experienced traveller or a firs time visitor this mountain gives you meaningful experiences away from the crowded destinations. The experience even becomes more thrilling if you visit Ol Donyo Sabuk with one of the best travel agencies in Kenya that is Adequate Safaris. From the experiences you get from exploring this destination, Ol Donyo Sabuk deserves a top position in your Kenyan safari bucket list. Are you ready to feel the experience with a trusted tours and travel partner in Kenya? Book your safari today with Adequate Safaris by emailing us at de***@*************is.com or calling +254 768 555 444 / +254 711 711 498.
