Ol Doinyo Sabuk National Park Trail

Ol Doinyo Sabuk National Park lies about 60 km north-east of Nairobi near Kilimambogo, off the Thika-Garissa Road in Machakos County, Kenya. Its name means Buffalo Mountain in Maa, and the mountain rises above the Athi Plains to an altitude of about 2,145 m. The park is reached by private vehicle or taxi via Thika Road in roughly 1.5 hours, or by matatu to Thika and onward transport to Kilimambogo. A park entry fee is payable at the Kenya Wildlife Service gate, and the road to the summit is rough and best driven in a high-clearance vehicle.

The full hike covers about 18 km and 800 m of ascent over six to eight hours, which places it in the hard category. The trail climbs through scrubby savannah into dense highland forest and then to a cleared summit area, with surfaces of dirt, roots, loose stones and occasional muddy sections. Shade is plentiful in the forest but limited on the open lower slopes and summit. Hikers with a vehicle can drive part of the way and walk shorter sections, and the summit road gives a less strenuous way to reach the top.

Landmarks include the Fourteen Falls-region views, the summit viewpoint with views towards Mount Kenya and the Aberdare Range on clear days, and the grave of Sir William Northrup McMillan, an early settler, near the top. Buffalo, bushbuck, colobus and other monkeys, and many bird species live on the mountain, and buffalo in particular require caution, so hikers should be accompanied by a ranger or guide where advised. The summit is the usual turn-around point.

There are no reliable water sources or huts, so food and at least two to three litres of water per person should be carried. Weather can change quickly, and mist at the summit is common. A picnic area near the entrance has basic facilities, and visitors should leave the park before the gates close in the evening.