A rugged, hump-backed outcrop of ancient rock jutting high above the Athi Plains and hazily visible from Nairobi, Ol Donyo Sabuk is a densely forested mountain known to the local Kikuyu as ‘The Mountain of the Buffalo’, and to the Maasai as ‘The Big Mountain’.
Just one road leads to its summit, which offers magnificent 360’ panoramas over the Athi River, the pineapple fields of Thika and the snow-capped peaks of both Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Kenya. Within easy reach of Nairobi, the lush vegetation and cool air of this compact and scenic National Park make for an ideal day trip or camping weekend.
Climatic conditions – Hot and dry
Major attractions – Fourteen Falls; scenic views of Mount Kenya from the summit; McMillan grave (of Sir William Northrup McMillan (1872- 1925) and his wife Lady Lucie); camping facilities
Access – Road: From Thika proceed 22 km along the main Garissa road to Makutano junction. At Makutano follow the KWS sign and turn right, proceeding 3 km on all-weather murram road to Donyo town. At Donyo turn right and proceed a further 2 km to the main gate.
Accommodation – Kenya Wildlife Service Self-Catering Accommodation: Sabuk House
Best time to visit – All year round
Activities – Game viewing, bird watching, camping and picnicking