Mt Ololokwe Hiking And Camping Guide

Here is a step-by-step guide for hiking and camping on Mt. Ololokwe. Mt. Ololokwe Hike and Camping brings yet another blend of your mountain and elevation experiences. The time for camping in the northern part of Kenya is now. Yes, set your eyes on the holy mountain, Mt. Ololokwe, located in Namunyak Conservancy in Samburu East. It is around 2000 m ASL at its peak. This magical mountain lies along the Nanyuki-Marsabit highway, 60 km away from Isiolo town.

Lately, this mountain, known by the locals as Ol Donyo Sabache, has become a major draw for visitors looking for hiking and rock climbing adventures off the beaten track, and the views of the surrounding semi-arid plains and distant mountains from the top are breathtaking.

Mt Ololokwe Location

From Nairobi, take Thika Road and drive to Karatina town. A further 12.5 km on towards Nyeri, turn right onto the road to Nanyuki, and drive 170 km past Kiganjo, Naro Moru, Nanyuki, Timau, and Isiolo to Archers Post. A further 27 km on, turn left onto a 4 km dirt road to Sabache Camp at the base of Mt. Ololokwe.

Tips for your Mt Ololokwe climb

Here are some important tips for your Mount Ololokwe adventure:

Pack light since everything you take to the top needs to be carried either by yourself or by a donkey.
Ensure you have an ample supply of water, and don’t forget to bring sunscreen; the sun can be unforgiving.
Dress comfortably during the hike but carry warm clothing for the night, as it can get windy and cold at the top of the mountain.
If you have dietary preferences or restrictions, communicate them clearly in the camp so that your meal on top of the mountain suits your needs.

Mt Ololokwe Route Description

You could start hiking up Ololokwe from Sabache Camp, nestled along a seasonal riverbed at the base of the mountain, at an elevation of about 1,000 m above sea level, or from any other location close to the mountain. The total hiking duration to the top can take anywhere from 2 to 3 hours, depending on your pace and whether you are interested in observing the local flora and fauna.

Most of the trails on Ololokwe were created by elephant herds, who periodically migrate up the mountain in search of water during the dry season. The Samburu herdsmen also use them when taking their livestock to the permanent water springs at the top. The vegetation along the trail is primarily dry land bushes consisting of different species of Acacia and Euphorbia plants. Along the trail, you’ll also find large rock clearings that provide excellent views of the small rocky outcrops in the near distance called Nkadoru Murto and Mathew’s Range.

The top, at 2,000 m above sea level, enjoys cooler temperatures, morning cloud cover from time to time, and permanent water springs feeding rivers that start and end on the 1,200-acre mountaintop. As a result, there is an indigenous forest teeming with large Podocarpus, Cedar, and Strangler Fig trees, among other trees, with “Old Man’s Beard” hanging off some of the trees. A unique flora also found at the top of Ololokwe is a rare giant cycad that is endemic to this area and is said to have survived unchanged since the age of dinosaurs.

If you walk to the south-western edge of the mountain top, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, and the tarmac road as it disappears into the horizon towards Isiolo. The southern end of Mathews range is also visible from this location.

What to Wear and Carry During Mt. Ololokwe Hike & Camping

Comfortable hiking boots (Also pack an extra light pair/sandals)
Comfortable hiking attire (Also pack a warm jacket and an extra pair for travelling back)
Sleeping bag
Personal effects, e.g., tissue, toothbrush, wet wipes, etc.
At least 3 litres of water
Sunscreen and a hat
Snacks
Raincoats and other rain rain gear just in case it rains
Identification (ID or Passport)
Head torch

What to Include in Mt. Ololokwe Hike & Camping

Park access fees
Transport
Meals (supper and breakfast)
Camping fees
Guide fees
Porter’s fees
Sleeping mat
Tents (1, 2, or even 3-man tent)
Refill water

Mt Ololokwe Accommodation

The closest accommodation establishment to the mountain base is Sabache Camp, a luxury tented camp facility that also allows campers to bring their tents. Other accommodation facilities in the vicinity include Ololokwe Village Guest House.