Some people go on yoga retreats in Bali, while others immerse themselves in silence during a meditation workshop in India. What's our way of clearing our heads and "reconnecting" with ourselves? A challenging hike in a beautiful African location! A prime example of this is climbing the sacred mountain Ololokwe, located in the northern Samburu area of Kenya. You're guaranteed mental serenity at the breathtaking summit, but physical peace... not so much. With a little goat and a donkey, you'll ascend with Samburu warriors, experiencing the sandy paths and steep sections of this sacred mountain. Admittedly, it's a climb, but the view once you reach the top more than makes up for all the effort.

Grading: 7km To The Top | 14km Return
Trekking Time: 3hrs – 4hrs One Way

HIKE SUMMARY:

Day 1: Nairobi to Sabache Camp
Depart Nairobi at 0500hrs and drive north past the beautiful farmlands of Timau to Nanyuki town for a shopping stop. Embark on the northern tour with a stopover for photos and sightseeing at Mt. Ololokwe viewpoint. Proceed for a short drive to arrive at Sabache camp nestled at the middle of the range surrounded by high peaks.

You will arrive at the camp in time for lunch. After lunch, prepare the camping gear and essentials for the porters’ crew to carry up the mountain to the top and start the hike to the peak.
Hike up to the top of the mountain with plenty of stops to take in the beauty. Catch the sunset at the top before enjoying a wild camping experience in a shaded enclave at the top. The hike covers to complete one way.

Day 2: Sabache Camp to Nairobi
In the morning rise up to enjoy the beauty of the sun rising from the top of the mountains. Take photos and enjoy the views of the Gregory rift towards the Namunyaka Conservancy before descending for breakfast and showers at the camp. After freshening up embark on your journey back to Nairobi with a detour of the Samburu Buffalo Springs to arrive late in the evening.

What To Carry

• Drinking water (You can buy the 10ltr bottles with a handle)
• Comfortable hiking Shoes with good grip.
• Spare shoes or sandals for the journey back.
• Quick-dry hiking clothes for the hot hike.
• Sunhat, Sunscreen, Sunglasses.
• Warm Jacket/hoodie and or fleece for the evening.
• Warm Shuka
• Enough Snacks, drinks, beverages & energy bars
• Items of personal use: Towel, Soap, Tooth Brush, toothpaste, Tissue, etc
• Day Pack /Small Bag to carry your personal items
• Cameras/Power bank/Bluetooth speakers/torch/headlamp.
• Identification card or passport
• Any personal medication/Personal first aid items
• Mosquito repellant/Anti Histamine
• Tips for Guides and Crew
   

Package Includes:

• Return trip transport from Nairobi
• Meals on Tour:Lunch, Dinner & Breakfast
• Namunyak Conservancy Park fees
• Hiking and Community fees
• Camping Logistics at the Top of the mountain
• Porters for Tents, Food, & sleeping bags

• Tour Leader and Guide

   

Package Excludes:

• Enroute lunches
• Transport costs for Self-drive
• Items of personal use
•  Medical and Insurance Expenses
• Tips for Guides

• Evacuation & travel insurance

   

Packing Notes

• Pack what you deem very necessary for the night. Pack a small light bag for the overnight and also your Maasai shuka/sleeping bag as appropriate. Have a bigger
  porters bag for easy carrying by porters.
• Showering will be once we descend. So you can leave the rest of the Items/clothes that you do not need for the night in the car.
• For the Drinking water for the night, have 5L bottles that come with a holder. That way it can be carried by hand by porters as they carry other things.
• Wrap all drinks/bottles in a newspaper and pack properly in a padded bag.
• The walk-up is 3 hours, steep but with many breaks totaling 6-7km tops.