Mt Ololokwe aka Ol Donyo Sabache is a sacred mountain revered by the Samburu Maasai. It’s an adventurous blend of road-tripping, tough hiking and wild camping that’s not for the faint-hearted!
Whilst you can free camp, this guide is for anyone wanting to self-drive but stay at an authentic local camp with basic accommodation and meals included (Ideal for more casual hikers and families).
At a push, you can summit Ololokwe and get back to Nairobi in just 2 days, but there’s lots to see and do nearby so here’s our more relaxed 3 day guide:
Day 1
- AM – Early 3.5h drive up to Nanyuki to break up your journey (~6h if you drive straight through)
- Have lunch at Le Rustique, The Nook , Hungry Caterpillar or Soames
Or drive straight through to arrive at Sabache Camp at 1pm, settle in and eat a hearty camp lunch before your hike. - 2-3pm Siesta time to beat the heat ☀️
- Late afternoon nature hike of trails near camp or bush sundowners 🍺
- Campfire refreshments, cultural experience or night game drive, then camp dinner under the stars 💫
Day 2
- Easy option: AM guided hike around the base of O’Lolokwe (~2h)
- Summit Hike: Approx 3.5 hours up, 2.5 hours down (Count in > 6h total)
You can either start very early in AM when it’s coolest, or if you want to camp at summit, start the hike no later than 2.30pm to allow enough time to set up your tents at the summit before dark.
For those returning to camp, start at 1pm to avoid descending in the dark – NB This is the hottest time to hike so come prepared with:
1L electrolyte water per person, sunscreen, insect repellent, polarised sunglasses, hiking shoes, long sleeve top, a good hat and a light pocket rain poncho (esp. during rainy seasons). Dinner and sleep overnight at Ololowke summit or Sabache Camp.
Day 3
- Final camp breakfast and check out to explore Reteti Elephant Sanctuary (must pre-book!)
- Or head back to Nairobi
Option to break up your drive by staying overnight in Nanyuki:
- Castle Forest Lodge (Rustic)
- Le Rustique (Boutique hotel)
- Soames Hotel (Premium hotel)
Cost Breakdown
Sabache camp is a rustic tented camp so don’t expect luxury! They have a variety of canvas safari tents with queen and twin beds, solar, ensuite bathrooms with flush toilets, hot showers and verandas with Mountain views.
- Rate per adult = Kes 15,000 per adult, per night on Full board
- Rate per child (4 – 12 yrs) = Kes 7,000 per child, per night on Full board
- Conservancy fees = Kes 2,000 per person per day
- Day Hike with guide: Kes 2,500 per person
- Porters: Kes 2,500 per day (Can carry 15kg of camping gear if you are summiting)
- Summit Camping surcharge: Extra 15k per adult (Includes guide, camping equipment, mobile dinner & conservation fee)
- Other Activities (Must be pre-booked with Sabache in advance)
- Hot Bush Breakfast near camp (~10 min drive)
- Kes 2,000 per person
- Ewaso River Elephant River Crossing with Picnic Breakfast and game drive
- Kes 4,000 per person
- Rhino Watch: Join rangers to track and observe rhinos in the Sera Wildlife Conservancy
- Kes 8,000 per person including picnic lunch
- Retiti Elephant Sanctuary: Visit orphaned elephant calves before they are released back into the wild.
- Kes 7,000 per person
Sabache can also provide a Safari vehicle and guide for game drives 👇
Daytime game drives
- Using camp vehicle: Kes 35,000 per day (6h) or Kes 17,000 half-day (3h)
- Guide joining you in your own vehicle: Kes 2000 per day
- Night game drives – They provide a guide and spotlight.
- Kes 2,000 with your own vehicle
- Kes 2,500 per person in Sabache Camp vehicle
Whatsapp our concierge for more info or to start planning your Ololokwe hike!