Ol Donyo Sabuk National Park

Ol Donyo Sabuk National Park is a protected area in Kenya.

Ol Donyo Sabuk National Park at a Glance

Location
Nairobi & Southern Corridor, Kenya, East Africa
Coordinates
-1.132801, 37.260475
IUCN Category
II
Crowds
Busy
Malaria Risk
Low
Best Time to Visit
July to October for the Great Migration in the Mara. January to February for dry season wildlife. Avoid long rains (April–May).

Getting to Ol Donyo Sabuk National Park

Nearest airport: Sarara Airport, 21 km away.

Nearest international airport: Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO), 42 km away.

Big Five in Ol Donyo Sabuk National Park

4 of the Big Five can be found here: White Rhinoceros, Lion, African Buffalo, Black Rhinoceros.

Weather & Climate in Ol Donyo Sabuk National Park

The warmest temperatures in Ol Donyo Sabuk National Park occur in March, averaging 18.1°C (up to 24.2°C). The coolest conditions are in July at 14.6°C.

The driest weather conditions are typically in June with average rainfall of 13.8mm. Average humidity: 69.8%.

Monthly Temperatures

  • January: 16.8°C (rainfall: 75.6mm)
  • February: 17.9°C (rainfall: 45.3mm)
  • March: 18.1°C (rainfall: 96.4mm)
  • April: 16.7°C (rainfall: 203.4mm)
  • May: 16.3°C (rainfall: 68.0mm)
  • June: 15.3°C (rainfall: 13.8mm)
  • July: 14.6°C (rainfall: 16.0mm)
  • August: 15.1°C (rainfall: 13.8mm)
  • September: 16.3°C (rainfall: 18.6mm)
  • October: 17.5°C (rainfall: 48.3mm)
  • November: 16.2°C (rainfall: 160.3mm)
  • December: 16.3°C (rainfall: 57.7mm)

Best Time to Visit Ol Donyo Sabuk National Park

The best months to visit Ol Donyo Sabuk National Park are February, March, June, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Good, temperature 16.75°C, rainfall 75.6mm, sunshine 11.1 hrs, humidity 69.5%
  • February: Great, temperature 17.95°C, rainfall 45.3mm, sunshine 11.3 hrs, humidity 62.7%
  • March: Great, temperature 18.08°C, rainfall 96.4mm, sunshine 11 hrs, humidity 65.1%
  • April: Poor, temperature 16.68°C, rainfall 203.4mm, sunshine 10 hrs, humidity 79.5%
  • May: Good, temperature 16.29°C, rainfall 68mm, sunshine 10.6 hrs, humidity 75.5%
  • June: Great, temperature 15.27°C, rainfall 13.8mm, sunshine 9.8 hrs, humidity 69.8%
  • July: Good, temperature 14.6°C, rainfall 16mm, sunshine 7.8 hrs, humidity 69.5%
  • August: Great, temperature 15.07°C, rainfall 13.8mm, sunshine 8.2 hrs, humidity 67%
  • September: Great, temperature 16.27°C, rainfall 18.6mm, sunshine 10.1 hrs, humidity 64.9%
  • October: Great, temperature 17.51°C, rainfall 48.3mm, sunshine 11 hrs, humidity 62.8%
  • November: Poor, temperature 16.19°C, rainfall 160.3mm, sunshine 10 hrs, humidity 77.6%
  • December: Good, temperature 16.32°C, rainfall 57.7mm, sunshine 11 hrs, humidity 74.5%

Wildlife in Ol Donyo Sabuk National Park

Home to 101 recorded species including 44 iconic birds, 25 waterbirds, 22 birds of prey, 4 big five, 3 big herbivores, 2 tropical birds.

Recommended Packing List for Ol Donyo Sabuk National Park

Based on average temperature of 16.4°C, typical conditions, humidity 70%.

  • Layered clothing - recommended for 16°C temperatures
  • Fleece or warm jacket - essential for cool mornings and evenings
  • Binoculars - essential for every game drive
  • Sun hat & sunscreen - protection from the African sun
  • Sturdy walking shoes - for bush walks and uneven terrain
  • Neutral-coloured clothing - khaki, olive, and tan blend with the bush
  • Insect repellent - essential in most safari regions
  • First aid kit - basic medical supplies for remote areas
  • Torch / headlamp - useful for evenings at camp
  • Camera with telephoto lens - capture your safari memories

Notable Species

Safari Lodges in Ol Donyo Sabuk National Park

50 safari lodges available.

Other

Similar Parks in Nairobi & Southern Corridor

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Kenya

Travel advisory for Kenya

Ol Donyo Sabuk National Park FAQs

What unique activities can I experience at Ol Donyo Sabuk National Park beyond typical game drives?

Ol Donyo Sabuk is renowned for its scenic hike to the summit of Mount Ol Donyo Sabuk, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding plains, Mount Kenya, and even Nairobi on a clear day. This makes it a popular destination for day hikers and nature enthusiasts seeking a different kind of safari adventure.

What kind of wildlife can I expect to see at Ol Donyo Sabuk National Park, and is it a Big Five destination?

While not a Big Five destination, Ol Donyo Sabuk is home to a significant population of buffalo, which are often seen grazing on the slopes. You can also spot various antelopes, baboons, vervet monkeys, and a rich diversity of birdlife, making it excellent for birdwatching.

When is the best time to visit Ol Donyo Sabuk National Park for hiking and clear views?

The dry seasons, from January to March and July to October, are ideal for visiting Ol Donyo Sabuk. During these months, the trails are less muddy, and the skies are typically clearer, providing optimal conditions for hiking to the summit and enjoying the expansive panoramic vistas.

Given its popularity, how crowded does Ol Donyo Sabuk National Park get, and what should I expect?

Ol Donyo Sabuk is quite popular, especially on weekends and public holidays, often experiencing a high crowding level. To avoid peak crowds, consider visiting on a weekday or arriving early in the morning to enjoy a more serene experience on the trails and at the summit.

Is Ol Donyo Sabuk National Park suitable for a day trip from Nairobi, and what are the typical entry costs?

Yes, Ol Donyo Sabuk is an excellent day trip option from Nairobi, located just about 85 kilometers northeast of the city. As of recent updates, non-resident adult entry fees are typically around $20 USD per person, making it an accessible and affordable outing.

Recommended Books

  • Stuarts' Field Guide to National Parks & Game Reserves of East Africa by Chris & Mathilde Stuart - Park-by-park guide with maps, species lists, and practical information. Perfect for planning which parks to visit and what to expect.
  • The Handbook of Bird Photography by Markus Varesvuo, Jari Peltomäki & Bence Máté - Excellent for birding photographers on safari - covers technique, equipment, fieldcraft, and post-processing with stunning example images.
  • Birds of East Africa by Terry Stevenson & John Fanshawe - Covers Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi - 1,388 species illustrated with range maps. The essential birding companion for East African safaris.
  • Photographing Wildlife in Africa by Paolo Torchio - Practical guide specifically for African safari photography - camera settings, lens choices, composition techniques, and how to make the most of game drives.
  • Lonely Planet East Africa by Lonely Planet - Comprehensive travel guide covering Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and beyond. Practical information on visas, transport, accommodation, and detailed park guides.
  • Fodor's The Complete Guide to African Safaris by Fodor's Travel - Country-by-country planning guide with lodge reviews, practical logistics, packing lists, and insider tips. Often cited as the best all-in-one safari planning resource.
  • National Geographic Kids: Safari by National Geographic - Age-appropriate wildlife facts with stunning photographs. Great for getting children excited about the animals they'll see on safari.
  • The Last Elephants by Don Pinnock & Colin Bell - Conservation-focused book combining beautiful photography with urgent storytelling about the threats facing Africa's elephant populations.
  • Here Is the African Savanna by Madeleine Dunphy - Beautifully illustrated picture book about the savanna ecosystem. Teaches children about the interconnected web of life on an African plain.
  • Lonely Planet Kenya by Lonely Planet - In-depth guide to Kenya - Masai Mara, Amboseli, Tsavo, Samburu, and the coast. Detailed maps, accommodation reviews, and practical travel advice.
  • Safari: A Photographic Journey by Art Wolfe - Large-format coffee-table book from one of the world's most celebrated nature photographers. Stunning images from across the African continent.
  • The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals by Jonathan Kingdon - The definitive mammal field guide for Africa covering over 1,150 species with detailed illustrations. Considered the gold standard for safari-goers and researchers alike.
  • The Behavior Guide to African Mammals by Richard Despard Estes - Goes beyond identification to explain why animals behave as they do. Essential reading for safari-goers who want to understand the wildlife they observe.
  • A Field Guide to the Reptiles of East Africa by Stephen Spawls, Kim Howell, Harald Hinkel & Michele Menegon - Comprehensive coverage of snakes, lizards, turtles, and crocodilians found across East Africa. A niche but appreciated guide for the thorough naturalist.
  • Born Free: A Lioness of Two Worlds by Joy Adamson - The true story of raising Elsa the lioness in Kenya and releasing her back to the wild. The book that started safari tourism culture and inspired generations.
  • Remembering Lions by Various Photographers - Part of the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife conservation book series. Features contributions from world-class wildlife photographers, with proceeds supporting lion conservation.
  • African Animals ABC by Stella Blackstone & Petr Horacek - Simple alphabet book with bold, colourful animal illustrations. Perfect for toddlers and young children preparing for their first safari. Ages 2–5.
  • Beat About the Bush: Mammals by Trevor Carnaby - The single best book for understanding animal behaviour on safari. Explains why animals do what they do - feeding, mating, territory, predator-prey dynamics. Makes every game drive infinitely more rewarding.
  • Wildlife of East Africa (Princeton Pocket Guide) by Martin B. Withers & David Hosking - Compact pocket guide covering mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and insects of Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda. 500+ colour photographs. The best quick-reference guide to carry on game drives.
  • Africa's Top Wildlife Countries by Mark W. Nolting - The most respected safari planning book in print. Detailed country-by-country guide covering parks, lodges, best times to visit, and what wildlife to expect. Updated regularly. The first book every safari planner should read.
  • The Safari Companion: A Guide to Watching African Mammals by Richard D. Estes - Part field guide, part planning tool. Explains mammal behaviour in a way that transforms game drives. Covers tracks, signs, social structures, and habitat preferences. A must-pack for serious safari-goers.
  • The Shadow of the Sun by Ryszard Kapuscinski - Widely considered the greatest book ever written about Africa. Kapuscinski spent 40 years reporting from across the continent. Vivid, poetic, and deeply insightful. Essential pre-safari reading for understanding the continent.
  • The White Masai by Corinne Hofmann - International bestseller about a Swiss woman who falls in love with a Samburu warrior during a holiday in Kenya. A wild, unforgettable true story of cultural collision. Over 4 million copies sold.
  • Elephant Company by Vicki Constantine Croke - The extraordinary true story of James Howard Williams and the elephants who helped him build bridges, extract teak, and ultimately rescue refugees across the Burmese jungle during WWII. Gripping and moving.
  • When the Last Lion Roars by Sara Evans - An urgent, accessible account of the African lion's decline from 200,000 to under 20,000 in a century. Covers the science, politics, and human stories behind lion conservation. Eye-opening pre-safari reading.
  • Ivory, Horn and Blood by Ronald Orenstein - The definitive book on the poaching crisis devastating African elephants and rhinos. Covers the criminal networks, the rangers fighting back, and what travellers can do. Important context for any safari visitor.
  • Last Chance to See by Douglas Adams & Mark Carwardine - Witty and heartbreaking tour of endangered species by the Hitchhiker's Guide author. Combines humour with urgent conservation messaging.
  • Owen and Mzee by Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff & Paula Kahumbu - True story of an orphaned hippo befriending a 130-year-old tortoise in Kenya. A heartwarming tale of unlikely friendship that teaches empathy.
  • Remembering Elephants by Various Photographers - Stunning coffee-table book from the Remembering Wildlife series. All proceeds go to elephant conservation - beautiful photography with a purpose.
  • Out of Africa by Isak Dinesen (Karen Blixen) - The quintessential Africa memoir - a poetic and evocative account of life on a coffee plantation in Kenya. The book that defined the romance of East Africa for generations.
  • I Dreamed of Africa by Kuki Gallmann - Classic memoir of an Italian woman's life on a Kenyan ranch - turned into a Hollywood film. A beautiful and heartbreaking love letter to East Africa.
  • West with the Night by Beryl Markham - Aviation adventure memoir set in Kenya - Hemingway called it one of the finest books he had ever read. A unique perspective on colonial East Africa.
  • Whatever You Do, Don't Run by Peter Allison - Hilarious memoir from a Botswana safari guide - true stories from the bush that will have you laughing out loud. A favourite among safari enthusiasts.
  • Poached by Rachel Love Nuwer - Gripping investigation into the illegal wildlife trade - from African poaching networks to Asian markets. Essential reading for understanding the threats to safari wildlife.
  • Safari Nation by Jacob S. T. Dlamini - Fascinating history of South Africa's national parks and their complex colonial legacy. Academic but accessible - changes how you think about safari tourism.
  • Safari: A Photicular Book by Dan Kainen & Carol Kaufmann - Mesmerising book with moving photographic images of African animals. Kids and adults love the magical moving pictures - perfect pre-trip gift.