Olesekut

Situated in the South Rift Valley about 50km from Nairobi, the Olesekut summit  on Oloroka mountain range offers a moderately easy day hike through Maasai country that takes about 5-6hours to complete. To the dismay of the local Maasai, foreigners erroneously call this place ol esakut, a swear word in the Maa language. It’s an easier alternative to the much steeper and higher climb up Oloroka from the Oltepesi side.

Route Description

After starting at the plains near Ole Sayeti, the trail skirts to the left of this little hill, then cuts across another plain to get to the base of Olesekut. It then winds its way up onto oloroka ridges that present spectacular views of the surrounding countryside, including the distant Ngong Hills.

From here on, the trail levels off at a high elevation and follows a ridge top with stunning V-shaped gullies running off to the sides, and breathtaking sheer cliff drops. At the head of one of these side valleys is Kitalo Cave, a refuge for Maasai Morans during their  period of living in the wild, following their circumcision. Save for the few herds of Maasai livestock you encounter grazing on the lower hill slopes, Olesekut is delightfully isolated from civilization, and from its summit you get magnificent views of both Ngong Hills and Mt Olorgesailie. It makes for a truly refreshing day hike from Nairobi.

Getting There

Take Langata Road till Bomas of Kenya, turn right on to Magadi Road, and drive past Ongata Rongai, Kiserian and Corner Baridi till Kisamis. Branch off to the right on to the Ngong circular road and drive past the a bridge till you get to J.M Kariuki’s memorial marker at the site where his body was found back in 1975, following his assassination during Jomo Kenyatta’s regime. Turn left and drive towards Ole Sayeti until you find a Manyatta where you’ll park your vehicle. Local homestead owners charge a small fee to look after your car.

Guides

You need a local guide to hike on this hill since it’s on Maasai community land. The following guides know the local trails, and will also explain the local flora and history. They will need a day’s notice when you schedule a visit.

Emmanuel Kaimarish  – Tel: +254 704 866745, email: emmanurish@gmail.com

Paul Kalaile – Tel: +254 714 155872,
email: paulnteyierr@gmail.com