Ol Donyo Sabuk National Park

Ol Donyo Sabuk National Park in Kenya offers a breathtaking view of a tiny mountain surrounded by montane forest, making it an ideal safari site. The park’s ecosystem supports a diverse range of wildlife, including buffalo herds, leopards, olive baboons, porcupines, aardvarks, mongooses, pythons, and monitor lizards. Over 45 bird species can be found here, including white-browed sparrow weaver, grey-headed sparrow weaver, African pied wagtail, augur buzzard, mourning dove, and African hawk.The mountain’s summit also provides spectacular views of Mount Kenya and Kilimanjaro, making African safaris an unforgettable experience.

The national park is located in the Kyanzavi division of Machakos County, Kenya, and was established in 1967 on an area of 20 square kilometres. It is dominated by a beautiful landscape composed of the mountain OI Donyo Sabuk, which rises to a height of 2,145 meters and provides great views at the summit with spectacular amazing views of Eastern and Central Kenya province, Ol Donyo Sabuk hills. The park was named after the mountain OI Donyo Sabuk, which means ”Maasai huge mountain,” indicating the area’s magnificent adventurous nature.

Because of its magnificent nature, there is a jagged outcrop of old rock thrusting high over the Athi plains, and it is close to Kenya’s capital city, ”Nairobi. OI Donyo Sabuk is a highly forested mountain called as ”Mountain of Buffalos” by local Kikuyu and ”Big Mountain” by Masaai. To reach the summit, hikers take a route that passes through the 14 falls of River Athi down the slopes, where they can see a large population of buffaloes roaming around. Because the river Athi serves as a source of water for wildlife in the park, game viewing along the river banks can be rewarding.The top provides stunning 360-degree views of the Athi River, the lush pineapple fields of Thika, and the snow-capped peaks of Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Kenya.It should be noted that OI Donyo Sabuk is an excellent choice for a one-day excursion outside of Nairobi.

Ol Donyo Sabuk National Park was established by the American explorer Lord William Northrop McMillan. He later resided here with his wife before their deaths, and they were both buried with their dog here; as you walk to the summit, you can view their grave, which serves as a major attraction in the park.

Attractions of Ol Donyo Sabuk National Park

OI Donyo Sabuk National area has a variety of activities that visitors can enjoy while on a safari in the area. The following are the top tourist sites that will impress you during your visit:

Montane landscape:

The park is dominated by the beautiful Mount Ol Donyo Sabuk, which sits at its centre. It attracts visitors to the park; the mountain rises to a height of 2,145 meters, but the terrain necessitates the use of a 4×4 wheel automobile to reach the beginning point of the hike. As you hike the summit, you will come across the tombs of Lord Williams’ family, who are buried here. Hiking might last a day before moving on to other activities in the park.

Fourteen autumn experiences:

This is a stunning waterfall located within the park in the River Athi. It is one of the most popular attractions in the park, offering romantic scenic splendour of the landscape. It is an important place for both traditional and religious sites, with significant contributions to both Asian immigration and local citizens. Asians use it as a leisure and spiritual location. Geographically, fourteen waterfalls reach an elevation of 1400 meters above sea level. And sounds like one of Kenya’s most spectacular landmarks.

A scenic view of Mount Kilimanjaro and Kenya:

The park is not too close to any of these mountains, but due to its high elevation, visitors have an excellent view of Mount Kenya and Kilimanjaro on clear days.

Wildlife/Animals:

Ol Donyo Sabuk National Park is home to a diverse assortment of fauna. It is also recognised for being home to dominant animals, including around 250 buffaloes. Other animals include mongooses, bushbacks, leopards, baboons, porcupines, Kirk’s dik-dik, reedbuck, bush baby, ground squirrel, python, Sykes monkeys, and monitor lizards, to name a few.

Bird species:

Despite its tiny size, the park attracts a variety of bird species. It is home to about 45 bird species, including open savannah grassland, woodland bird, and waterbird species. Common birds to view here are the African Hawk-eagle, sunbirds, various types of weavers, mourning dove, pied wagtail, and buzzard, among other species.

The Burial Site of Lord William McMillan:

Lord William was the first white man to reside here, and he lived with his wife Lucie and dog. Unfortunately, they are no longer with us; all three family members were buried together. It is one among the park’s attractions that tourists can see when on safari in Ol Donya National Park.

Activities performed in Ol Dongo Sabuk National Park

Mountain Climbing:

This is one of the main activities at Ol Donyo National Park. The walk is not difficult, but it does require greater physical fitness. Hiking takes around 3 hours to reach the peak, where you may enjoy cool, fresh air and spectacular views of the environs.

Game viewing:

Game watching is best appreciated in a safari vehicle or on guided walking safaris. The majority of animals observed during a tourist game drive here are enormous herds of buffalos that wander in groups and are frequently spotted roaming the park’s hills. If you’re lucky, you might come upon the leopards. Other animals that can be seen include bushbuck, porcupine, mongoose, baboons, and many others.

Visit the waterfalls.This is a beautiful historical location with stunning waterfall views. Fourteen falls are considered to be among Kenya’s most iconic tourist attractions.

Where to Stay?

Camping is possible during your visit to the park, since there are several good camping sites accessible, including Turaco Public campsite, Rock Hyrax and Summit Campsite.Tourists can sleep in comfortable lodges during their visit to the park, such the Chania Tourist Lodge, Trade Winds Lodges, Cool Tavern House, and Blue Post Guesthouse.

Getting There

By Road: 65 km northeast of Nairobi. Then, from Thika town, continue 22 kilometres along the main Garissa road to Makutano junction, heading south along Kenya Wildlife Service markings. You will still cover 3 kilometres away from fourteen falls, which sound like one of Kenya’s most spectacular landmarks. From here, you will drive across the Athi River, with a junction connecting you to the game park’s main gate.

Ol Donyo Sabuk National Park is a worthwhile visit outside of Kenya’s capital, Nairobi, with breathtaking vistas of snowcapped Mount Kenya and Kilimanjaro, waterfalls, and minor mountains. Book now to enjoy Kenya exciting safaris.