Ol Donyo Sabuk National Park Kenya : Ol Dongo Sabuk National Park Kenya is renowned as an ultimate Panoramic experience, dominated by a small mountain covered in montane forest which is home to over 45 bird species including grey-headed sparrow weaver, white- browed sparrow weaver, African pied wagtail, Augur buzzard, mourning dove, African pied wagtail, purple- breasted sunbird among others. More so, the park is home to large herds of buffalo which are dominant animals in the ecosystem and other wildlife species including leopards, olive baboons, aardvarks, bushbucks, porcupines, mongoose, pythons and monitor lizard. Take a visit to mountain’s summit where you can enjoy scenic views of Mount Kenya.
The park was established in 1976 naming it as Ol Donyo Sabuk which means the large Maasai Mountain, located in the North of Nairobi city around 65 kilometers. More to that, the park is one of the smallest national parks in Kenya covering an area of 20 square kilometers and it was built around the slopes and summit of Oldonyo Sabiuk hills. There is rugged outcrop of the ancient rocks that found high above the plains of Athi offering a clear view of the Kenya capital city Nairobi. More then, OI Donyo Sabuk National Park is comprised of the dense forest vegetation that is known by the Kikuyu locals as ‘’ the Mountain of the Buffalo’’ while the Maasai local call it the ‘Big Mountain’.
There is only one route that trekkers use to hike up to the summit, the mountain raises 360 meters above sea level. That one route passes through the 14 falls of River Athi, lying down the slopes of the Athi River which is a source of water to wildlife at the park. Ol Dongo National Park was first discovered by the ‘’European Explorer Lord William Northrop McMillan’’. He settled here with his wife before they both died and up to date the 3 graves of the explore family are still here – He and his wife and their dog were buried here which acts as an outstanding attraction at the park. Lord Williams left here from 1872 to 1925 with wife Lady Lucie.
In fact, Ol Donyo Sabuk National Park is home rich in animal species especially the Buffalos, baboon, Bushbuck, Impala, Duiker and more than 40 bird species. It is also a right place to visit where you can enjoy the scenic view of Mount Kenya while at the park and African highest mountain Mount Kilimanjaro.
Key Features About OI Donyo Sabuk National Park;
Wildlife includes; Buffalo, Leopard, Mongoose, Bushbuck, Olive baboon, Colobus monkey, Vervet monkey, Sykes’ monkey, Kirk’s dik-dik, Bush pig, Common duiker, Reedbuck, Rock hyrax, bushbaby, Tree and ground squirrel, Aardvark, Porcupine, Python and Monitor lizard among others.
Birdlife;
The park harbors more than 45 species of birds recorded
Weather and Climate of OI Donyo National Park
During the month of January -March can be hot and dry, then April to June is hot and wet.
From the month of July to October can be very warm and dry, November and December are warm and wet.
Attractions in OI Donyo National Park;
Montane landscape : Well, the park is dominated by Mount Oldonyo Sabuk located at the center of the park and the park got its name through this mountain which attracts 80% of the guests who visit the park.
The mountain rises 2,145 meters, the terrain of the slope that requires one to use a 4×4 wheel car in order to access the starting point of hiking. If you take a hike to its summit, you will be rewarded with view of the graves of the family of lord Williams who were buried here.
An unusual burial site -McMillan grave; This was the first European to settle in OI Donyo Sabuk National Park and lived there with his wife Lucie and their dog. After their death, they were all buried in the inside the park.
Wildlife watching : OI Donyo Sabuk National Park is home to wide range of wild animals mostly the herds of buffalos and other animals include porcupines, bushbucks, baboons, leopards, Mongoose among others.
Abundant forest birds : The park is home to over 45 bird species including the forest bird species, open savannah grassland and wetland /waterbird species.
Fourteen Falls : They are quite impressive falls located inside the park in River Athi and acts as one of the great attractions that offers romantic scenic beauty of the land. It is a great site for both traditional and religious site that give an impact on both Asian immigrants and residents of the area. For Asians use it as a recreational and spiritual site, through disposing of their ashes for the loved ones who have died as they believe the water reaches and delivers their ashes to India.
Note; Geographically, fourteen falls sits at an altitude of 1400 meters above seas level.
Scenic views of Mount. Kenya from the Summit
Activities in OI Donyo Sabuk National Park
Activities in OI Donyo Sabuk national park include, visiting the waterfalls, Camping, Game viewing, Mountain climbing
Visit the waterfall
During your safari at the park – never leave without visiting this remarkable historical site with great sights of the waterfalls.
Mountain Climbing
This is one of the major activities done by the tourist during there visit to OI Donyo. The trekking experience is impressive as you hike to its summit where you can have great view of the nature around.
How to get there;
By Road; The park is located 85 kilometer north-east of Nairobi. From Thika town proceed 22kilometer along the main Garissa Road to Makutano junction. At Makuta no follow the ‘’KWS’’ sign ‘Kenya Wildlife Service sign and then turn right, proceeding 3km on all-weather murram road to Donyo town. From Donyo turn right and proceed a drive further 2 kilometers to the main gate.
Meaning, it can be easily reached from the Nairobi City just in 1 hour drive and you reach to the lush cool fresh air parked with scenic views of OI Donyo Sabuk National Park.
There is only one route that trekkers use to hike up to the summit, the mountain raises 360 meters above sea level. That one route passes through the 14 falls of River Athi, lying down the slopes of the Athi River which is a source of water to wildlife at the park. OI Dongo National Park was first discovered by the ‘’European Explorer Lord William Northrop McMillan’’. He settled here with his wife before they both died and up to date the 3 graves of the explore family are still here – He and his wife and their dog were buried here which acts as an outstanding attraction at the park. Lord Williams left here from 1872 to 1925 with wife Lady Lucie.
In fact, OI Donyo Sabuk National Park is home rich in animal species especially the Buffalos, baboon, Bushbuck, Impala, Duiker and more than 40 bird species. It is also a right place to visit where you can enjoy the scenic view of Mount Kenya while at the park and African highest mountain Mount Kilimanjaro.
What to pack with you;
During your Kenyan safari to OI Donyo National Park, we advise you to always pack useful essentials make your safari holiday in Kenya perfect, including drinking water, camera, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, guidebooks, enough mineral water bottle and camping equipment if you intend to stay overnight.
Get started now!
