Hike Mount Ololokwe
Hike Mount Ololokwe : Mount Ololokwe is 2,000-meter-tall and it seen towering above the Samburu plains just past Archers Post in Northern Kenya. It is always sure to draw attention with its unusual flat-topped shape and very precipitous rock offs. The upper portion of Ololokwe appears to be nothing more than a rounded, smooth granite surface from the ground up. Thus, the term “Ololokwe,” which in Samburu means “wide head.” However, from above, the head is not as bald as it looks. Ol Donyo Sabache, as the locals call it, is a mountain that has gained popularity recently among tourists seeking off-the-beaten-path hiking and rock climbing experiences. From the summit, there are amazing views of the surrounding semi-arid plains and distant mountains.
Hiking up Ololokwe can begin from Sabache Camp, which is situated near the mountain’s foot and snuggled in a seasonal riverbed at an elevation of roughly 1,000 meters above sea level, or from any other nearby spot. Depending on your pace and whether you want to see the local flora and animals, the entire hiking trip to the summit can take two to three hours. Elephant herds have carved out the majority of Ololokwe’s pathways as they sporadically move up the mountain in search of water during the dry season. The Samburu pastoralists also use them to move their cattle to the perennial water sources at the top. Along the trail, dry land bushes comprising various species of Acacia and Euphorbia make up the majority of the vegetation. Small rocky outcrops may be seen along the trek, as well as large rock clearings with breathtaking views of Mathew’s Range and the neighbouring Nkadoru Murto, popularly known as the “cat and mouse.”
At 2,00 meters above sea level, the summit has milder temperatures, intermittent morning cloud cover, and year-round water springs that feed rivers that begin and end on the 1,200-acre mountain top. As a result, there is a native forest full of enormous trees, including “Old Man’s Beard” hanging off some of the Podocarpus, Cedar, and Strangler Fig. Another unique piece of flora near the top of Ololokwe is a rare large cycad that is native to this area and is believed to have survived unchanged since the time of the dinosaurs.
How to Get to Mount Ololokwe
Driving is the only option to get to this place as there is no public transport available. Follow Thika Road to reach Karatina town from Nairobi. Drive 12.5 kilometres in the direction of Nyeri before making a right onto the Nanyuki road. Travelling 170 kilometres to reach Archers Post will take you through Kiganjo, Naro Moru, Nanyuki, Timau, and Isiolo. Turn left onto a 4-kilometer gravel road leading to Sabache Camp at the foot of Mount Ololokwe. The starting point for a walk up Ololokwe can be found in Sabache Camp, which is located at an elevation of around 1,000 meters above sea level on a seasonal riverbed at the mountain’s base, or at any other nearby location. Depending on your pace and degree of interest in viewing the local flora and fauna, the trip to the summit could take anywhere from two to three hours.
The paths atop Ololokwe were mostly made by elephant herds, who periodically trek up the mountain in search of water during the dry season. The Samburu people use these paths to move their cattle to the water sources at the top of the mount Ololokwe. The dry land bushes that make up the majority of the trail’s vegetation are various varieties of Acacia and Euphorbia. Along the route, there is a Little rocky outcrops as well as expansive rock clearings with breathtaking views of Mathew’s Range and the neighbouring Nkadoru Murto.
The benefits of the summit include cooler temperatures, sporadic cloud cover in the morning, and permanent water springs that feed rivers that start on the 1,200-acre hilltop, all at an elevation of 2,000 meters above sea level. As a result, an indigenous forest was created, this forest is now home to many massive Podocarpus, Cedar, and Strangler Fig trees, among other species, some of which have “Old Man’s Beard” still hanging from them. At the summit of Ololokwe is another extraordinary piece of flora to be found: a rare large cycad that is native to this region and is said to have survived unspoiled since the time of the dinosaurs.
What to wear
Wear hiking boots, pack a warm jacket and an extra pair of jacket for the return journey. Carry personal items such as sleeping bags, toothbrushes, tissues, and wet wipes. Enough water, sunscreen and a helmet. If it rains, use raincoats and other appropriate clothing. Identity card a passport or ID and a headlight.
Weather
Prior to making any travel plans, it is essential to monitor the weather. Keep in mind that in the Highlands, the weather might change abruptly. During the rain or extreme heat will interfere with your travel arrangements.
What are the hiking charges
The hiking /trekking charges of mount Ololokwe are as follows
- Camping fee: Ksh 500 per day
- Conservancy fee: Ksh 1,500 per day
- Guide fee: Ksh 1,000 per day
