Mt Kilimambogo literally means “The mountain of buffaloes.” It is located within the Ol Donyo Sabuk national park, off the Thika-Garissa highway, about 65km from Nairobi. It is within Machakos county just across the border from Kiambu county and stands at an altitude of 2145m above sea level.

Mt Kilimambogo hike provides a great experience owing to the beautiful views along the trail. There is a paved road up to the summit but there is also a footpath that is steeper, making you push yourself harder than when you follow the road. Along the trail, you pass by Lord MacMillan’s burial site. You also get to enjoy amazing views of surrounding farms and the park from several strategic viewpoints.

The trail to the summit is 9 km along the motorable murram road, and 6km along footpaths. The hike to the summit and back to the gate covers approximately 12km and is typically completed within 4-6 hours of hiking at a moderate pace.  Mt Kilimambogo hike is beginner friendly for the average person and kids over 5 years.

The summit is beautiful, luscious green surrounded by beautiful flowers, dense forest cover and it gives spectacular view of Lukenya Hills and Mt. Kenya. The pineapple plantations beautify the horizons as the irrigation water dams and water pans glitter against the rays of the sun.

You’ll find many communication boosters at the summit as well.

Dominated by a small mountain covered in forest, the Ol Donyo Sabuk National Park is home to several species of birds including the white-browed sparrow weaver, grey- headed sparrow weaver, African pied wagtail, mourning dove, augur buzzard, African hawk eagle and purple-breasted sunbird. You’ll spot several of them along the way.

In spite of it being named mountain of buffalos we didn’t site any wild animals save for many monkeys, baboons and hyrax busking on top of the rocks.

Beautiful flowers

Beautiful views

A welcome host of monkeys