OL KARIEN GORGE AND THE GOL MOUNTAINS
Seasonal Highlights
January to May
Probably the best time to visit is the wet season (January to May), but it can still be included in itineraries at other times of the year if people are particularly keen on walking or geology, bird watching or want to see the genuine Maasai. As the dry season progresses it does become extremely dry and dusty.
To get to Ol Karien Gorge, you travel through the Gol Mountains. This is a spectacular trip. The scenery is prehistoric. Huge mountains, canyons and spectacular rock formations dominate the wide meandering valleys. In the rains, they become lush and green and bright with flowers. Beautiful big trees provide an umbrella of shade for the game. With the mountains attracting the rain, the storm cloud formation and the light is out of this world, making the area seem mystical and bewitched.
During the wet season large amounts of wildlife inhabit these areas. The predators using the trees and rocks as a perfect vantage point to hunt the plains game.
Ol Karien Gorge is to the east of the Gol Mountains. It is an area of spectacular beauty as well as historic interest. Geologically it is fascinating with the great canyon slicing through the earth. It is the primary nesting ground for vultures. In some areas the gorge is as narrow as the spread of a vultures wings, in others it opens up to the sky. Views to the west look over the Gol Mountains. To the east are the plains with the smoking and grumbling Oldonyo Lengai rising like a giant limpet out of the earth. The youngest and only active volcano in the region.
The Maasai still bring their herds of cattle down to Ol Karien Gorge to drink. Their traditions
have been unchanged for hundreds of years. Fortunately in this area their way of life has not yet been spoilt
by western culture. Here is a classic example of ancient interaction between man and wildlife in a timeless
and beautiful area.
When possible we set up camp at the mouth of the Gorge with views down into it. The emphasis on a stay here is to be able to walk, which is a real bonus to the safari.
Read what veteran travel writer Brian Jackman has to say about this area.