Ol Donyo Sabuk Mountain graces the landscape of Machakos County, nestled approximately 65 kilometers to the northeast of Nairobi City. As a designated Gazetted National Park, it stands proudly as the fourth highest point in Kenya, rising to an impressive elevation of 2,145 meters (7,037 feet).

This remarkable ecosystem encompasses a mountain shrouded entirely in lush montane forest, except for a modest expanse at its peak. The name “Ol Donyo Sabuk” originates from the Maasai language, where it translates to “large mountain.” This aptly captures the essence of this solitary mountain, which majestically emerges from an otherwise flat terrain.

Within this pristine environment, buffalo reign as the dominant inhabitants, earning the mountain the moniker “Kilimambogo,” meaning “Buffalo-hill.” A diverse array of wildlife also calls this place home, including bushbuck, leopard, olive baboon, colobus monkey, vervet monkey, Sykes’ monkey, Kirk’s dik-dik, bush pig, common duiker, reedbuck, rock hyrax, bush-baby, tree and ground squirrel, aardvark, porcupine, mongoose, python, and monitor lizard.

This park is a haven for avian enthusiasts, boasting a rich diversity of 45 bird species. Among the easily identifiable ones are the white-browed sparrow weaver, grey-headed sparrow weaver, African pied wagtail, mourning dove, augur buzzard, African hawk eagle, purple-breasted sunbird, yellow-vented bulbul, speckled mousebird, helmeted guinea fowl, black-headed oriole, grey tit, ring-necked dove, bateleur, great sparrow-hawk, bronze sunbird, superb starling, and Mackinnon grey shrike, all contributing to the park’s vibrant and captivating avian tapestry.