Ol Donyo Sabuk National Park
Ol Donyo Sabuk National Park well known as the ‘’ultimate Panoramic experience’’ is located in the Kyanzavi division in Machakos county in Kenya. The park was established in 1967 naming it as Ol Donyo Sabuk which means the largest Maasai Mountain. Its situated in the North of Nairobi city around 65 kilometers, the park sits in an area of 20 square kilometers, the park is built around the slopes and summit of Oldonyo Sabiuk hills.
The rugged outcrop of the ancient rocks that jut high above the plains of Athi gives a clear view of the Kenya Capital City Nairobi. The Ol Donyo Sabuk National park is covered by the dense forest vegetation that is known by the Kikuyu locals as ‘’ the Mountain of the Buffalo’’ while the Masaai locals call it the ‘’Big Mountain’’. The park can be easily reached from the Nairobi city just 1 hour drive and you reach to the lush cool fresh air parked with scenic views of Ol Donyo Sabuk national park. Ol Donyo Sabuk national park is a home of a wide range of animals especially the Buffalos, Baboons, Bushbuck, Impala, Duiker and more than 40 species of birds, also one can enjoy the scenic view of Mount Kenya while at the park and African highest Mountain Kilimanjaro.
In general Ol Donyo Sabuk National park was first settled by the American Explore Lord William Northrop Mc Millan, he later settled here with his wife before their death and they were both buried with their dog in here, as you hike to the summit you can be able to see their grave which acts as a great attraction in the park.
Attractions in Ol Donyo Sabuk National Park.
Wildlife/Animals.
Ol Donyo Sabuk national park hosts awide range of wildlife, and is also known as a home to dominate animals with more than 250 buffaloes, other animals in the park includes the Bush backs, leopards, Baboons, porcupines, Mongoose, bush baby, ground squirrel, python, Sykes monkeys and among others.
Bird species.
The park has got over 45 bird species in various areas of the park like the open savannah grassland, forest bird species and the water species, the bird species here are the African Hawk- eagle, sunbirds, different types of weavers, mourning dove, pied wagtail, Buzzard among others.
Scenic view of Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Kenya.
Ol Donyo Sabuk national park is not too close to both of these mountains but due to a high raised level that makes travelers have a clear gainful view of Mount Kenya and Kilimanjaro on clear day.
The Burial Site of Lord William McMillan and the Wife.
Lord William was the first white man to settle here and lived with his wife Lucie and their dog. But unfortunately they are no more, all the three family members were buried in the same place thus making it one of the park’s attractions to various guests during their visit in the park.
Fourteen Falls.
This is the most of the amazing totally magnificent fall which is positioned inside the park in river Athi, it’s among the most attractions that offer romantic scenic beauty of the park’s landscape, the falls are important both for traditional and religious site that contributed a lot on both Asian immigrants and residents of the area. To Asians use the area as recreational and spiritual site.
Montane landscape.
The park is dominated by magnificent Mount Ol Donyo Sabuk that sits at the center of the park, it attracts travelers who visit the park, the mountain rises height of 2,145 meters, but the terrain of the scape requires one to use a 4×4 wheel car in order to access the starting point of hiking, as you can be hiking even you hike and come across the graves of the family of Lord Williams who were buried there.
Things to do in Ol Donyo Sabuk national park.
Game viewing.
Game Viewing is best enjoyed by the safari vehicles or guided walking safaris, along tourist’s game drive here, all the animals can be viewed in large numbers such as the herds of buffaloes, leopards, bushbuck, porcupine, Mongoose, baboons and among others.
Visiting the waterfalls.
This is the remembering historical site with the scenic views of the waterfalls, the fourteen falls which is considered to be among the Kenya’s most landmark tourist attraction.
Mountain climbing.
In the Ol Donyo Sabuk national park, mountain climbing is among the major activities done in the park, thought the activity is challenging but it needs more fitness in the body, this takes about 3 hours to reach the peak where you can enjoy a cool fresh air, and have the scenic view of the entire surroundings.
Bird watching.
Bird watching in Ol Donyo Sabuk national park is an interesting activity in the park as you have to see many birds and of different kinds, that is birds with in Kenya to thrill while on Kenya Safaris Tours and surrounding area will be at your display especially the most interesting rare birds will be identified clearly with the binoculars.
Camping.
There are spacious ground for camping, all you will need is the camping requirements and have the amazing time exposure outside with your family, friends. You will enjoy the sun sets and rises and also the awesome sights and sounds of the animals and birds in the area.
Best time to visit Ol Donyo Sabuk national park.
The best and appropriate time to visit the park if from January to March marks the driest season, April to June is wet and hot whereas from July to October, its warm and dry. November to December is warm and wet, so activities like the game watching, hiking, camping, mountain climbing are easier in the dry season.
Entrance Fees of Ol Donyo Sabuk national park.
| Category | Citizen (KSH) | Resident (KSH) | Non-Resident (USD) |
| Adult | 300 | 300 | 26 |
| Child | 215 | 215 | 17 |
Where to stay in Ol Donyo Sabuk national park.
There are various accommodations ranging from Budget, Mid- range and Luxury accommodation as they include the Turaco public campsite, Rocky Hyrax and Summit Campsite, Chania Tourist lodge, Trade Winds lodges, Cool Tavern House, Blue post Guesthouse and among others.
How to get to Ol Donyo Sabuk national park.
The Park can be accessed either by the air or road transport means from Nairobi up to the park.
By Road transport.
Ol Donyo Sabuk national park is 65 kilometers from Nairobi, then from Thika town continue 22kilometers along the main Garissa road to Makutano unction going along Kenya Wildlife Service marking, you still cover more 3 driving kilometers away from fourteen falls that sound to be one of the Kenya’s most spectacular landmarks, from here you will drive across the Athi River with a junction connecting you to access the game park’s main gate. This takes you 1 hr. and 7 minutes.
By Air transport.
From Nairobi to Ol Donyo Sabuk national park is about 52km, which takes you 33 minutes.
