Olonana Lodge, an A&K Sanctuary | Masai Mara National Reserve
Sanctuary Olonana sundowners
Sanctuary Olonana organic garden
DeckingCredit: A&K Sanctuary
SuiteCredit: A&K Sanctuary
SuiteCredit: A&K Sanctuary
Twin room in Family SuiteCredit: A&K Sanctuary
EnsuiteCredit: A&K Sanctuary
LoungeCredit: A&K Sanctuary
DiningCredit: A&K Sanctuary
PoolCredit: A&K Sanctuary
Olonana groundsCredit: A&K Sanctuary
Olonana bush lunchCredit: A&K Sanctuary
SuiteCredit: A&K Sanctuary
TerraceCredit: A&K Sanctuary
LoungeCredit: A&K Sanctuary
EnsuiteCredit: A&K Sanctuary
Mara RiverCredit: A&K Sanctuary
BomaCredit: A&K Sanctuary
EnsuiteCredit: A&K Sanctuary
DeckingCredit: A&K Sanctuary
BarCredit: A&K Sanctuary
GK-Suite-Fire-PlaceCredit: A&K Sanctuary
GK-Suite-Pool-NightCredit: A&K Sanctuary
GK-SuiteCredit: A&K Sanctuary
Overlooking the Mara River, award-winning Sanctuary Olonana, our first ever luxury safari property, is the idyllic location to experience a classic and authentic African safari. From the chef’s organic garden, to the use of sustainable energy sources, Sanctuary Olonana sets a new standard with its light environmental ‘footprint’. Over the years Sanctuary Olonana has also built strong relationships with the local Maasai tribes by working with them to improve their level of health-education and lifestyle, and securing unrivalled access to their culture and local knowledge. This luxury safari camp is an exclusive hideaway complete with library, swimming pool, and the freedom to enjoy a three course dinner deep in the bush or on the private river-view terrace of one of the 14 luxurious canvas pavilions. For wildlife lovers, this is one of the best places in East Africa to witness the spectacle that is the wildebeest migration. Whether on foot or from the back of a 4x4, here, at the heart of Africa’s big game country, the thrill of a traditional safari will never disappoint.
Suites
Facilities
Activities and Services
Olonana Lodge’s 14 exceptional suites, at least 130 sqm in size, flaunt clean lines and organic materials, and are so comfortable that guests would be forgiven for being tempted to stay in. Floor-to-ceiling glass doors fold open to reveal magnificent Mara River views and the interiors have been sensitively and tastefully finished with elegant nature-inspired furnishings; this creates an ever-present sense of being connected to the great outdoors. Sumptuous king-sized beds, with overhead fans, and a daybed on the deck invite you to relax inside or out, while the sprawling lower lounge area offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The unfaltering attention to detail extends to fully stocked mini-fridges, specially commissioned African art and glamorous ensuites. These refined marble- and slate-accented bathrooms have a generous tub, double vanity and a rain shower.
Olonana SuiteCredit: A&K Sanctuary
Olonana BathroomCredit: A&K Sanctuary
Olonana Suite DeckCredit: A&K Sanctuary
Olonana TubCredit: A&K Sanctuary
Olonana Suite InteriorCredit: A&K Sanctuary
Olonana viewCredit: A&K Sanctuary
Room Facilities
Balcony , Balcony / Deck, Bath Towels, Bath, Bed Linen, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Electrical Outlets, Fan, Fireplace, Foam Mattress, Lounge Area, Mini Bar, Mosquito Nets, Mosquito Netting, Private Lounge / Sitting Area, Pure Cotton Linen, Safe, Verandah, Wardrobe
Now the most luxury travellers can immerse themselves in this wildlife experience, connecting with ancient forces of nature, from the secluded ultra-luxury Geoffrey Kent Suite. The sophisticated free-flowing space contains two private bedrooms, each fully en-suite, and is accessed by private road.
Guests can enjoy:
Two en-suite bedrooms complete with freestanding bathtub One additional connecting bedroom for children Fully open floor-to-ceiling windows Wraparound private decking area and infinity pool overlooking the river Private vehicle and safari guide Private lounge and dining area Exquisite meals freshly-prepared by an in-suite chef Fully stocked private bar with premium drinks
Credit: A&K Sanctuary
Credit: A&K Sanctuary
Credit: A&K Sanctuary
Credit: A&K Sanctuary
Room Facilities
Balcony , Balcony / Deck, Bath Towels, Bath, Bed Linen, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Cooking Facilities, Dressing Gowns, Electrical Outlets, En Suite Bathroom, Ensuite, Fan, Foam Mattress, Hairdryer, Hand Towels, Laundry Service (Complimentary), Lounge Area, Lounge, Mini Bar, Mosquito Nets, Mosquito Netting, Plunge Pool, Private Lounge / Sitting Area, Private Pool / Jacuzzi, Pure Cotton Linen, Safe, Shower, Twin Bed
Three of the suites at Olonana Lodge feature an extra bedroom, which is heaven-sent for families.
Credit: A&K Sanctuary
Room Facilities
Balcony / Deck, Bath Towels, Bath, Bed Linen, Clothes Press, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Dressing Gowns, Electrical Outlets, En Suite Bathroom, Ensuite, Fan, Foam Mattress, Hairdryer, Hand Towels, Laundry Service (Complimentary), Lounge Area, Lounge, Mini Bar, Mosquito Nets, Mosquito Netting, Pure Cotton Linen, Safe, Shower, Twin Bed, Verandah, Wardrobe
Property Facilities
Accept Credit Cards, Children Friendly, Children Play Area, Credit Card Facilities, Eco Friendly, Gym on property, Internet Access (Complimentary), Pool, Restaurant, Spa, Vegetarian
Room Facilities
Air Conditioning, Balcony / Deck, Bath Towels, Bath, Bed Linen, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Dressing Gowns, Electrical Outlets, En Suite Bathroom, Fan, Fridge, Hairdryer, Hand Towels, Laundry Service (Complimentary), Lounge, Mini Bar, Mosquito Nets, Mosquito Netting, Outside Shower, Pure Cotton Linen, Safe, Shower, Tea / Coffee, Twin Bed, Verandah
Available Services
24-hour Security, Airport Shuttle (Complimentary), Credit Card Facilities, Laundry Service (Complimentary), Private Vehicle (Available), Room Service
Activities on Site
Big 5, Bird Watching, Game Drives, Game Viewing, Game Walks, Massages, Night Drives, Safaris
Activities Nearby
Big 5, Child Friendly Activities, Fishing, Game Drives, Game Viewing, Game Walks, Hot Air Ballooning, Safaris
At Olonana Lodge, game viewing starts from the lodge. A pod of hippos lives permanently in the river just below the lodge and many other species come to drink there. A&K Sanctuary's experienced guides take you to all the hidden spots and our customised open safari vehicles offer all-round views, allowing for excellent photography opportunities. The Mara's rich eco-system includes acacia-studded savannah, riparian forest and woodland which attract more than 300 bird species and a stunning variety of animal life all year round.
Credit: A&K Sanctuary
Get an insight into the vibrant and still traditional way of life of the Maasai. Learn about the medicinal plants that grow here, the importance of cattle and the stages of life through which all Maasai pass, from young boy or girl to respected elder. Accompanied by an experienced Maasai guide you are invited to visit the village which is built along traditional lines; complete with cattle enclosure, outer palisade and mud and cow dung huts. Meet the elders, their wives and families and learn about the social structure of the homestead, the role of women in their society and many more aspects of their daily life. Interaction and discussion is encouraged, so whether the ladies are building a hut, the warriors are dancing or making fire with stones and sticks, guests are free to join in.
Olonana Lodge, in partnership with A&K Sanctuary supports several schools in the wider Maasai Mara. Guests can have an opportunity to visit the schools and see the impact that the lodge in having in the community.
Credit: A&K Sanctuary
Credit: A&K Sanctuary
Your balloon is inflated against the first rays of sunrise and once aloft floats gently over the plains and the plethora of game. The balloon lands around one hour after taking off with breakfast being prepared nearby. The smells of bacon, sausages and eggs drift on the breeze as you begin breakfast with platefuls of exotic Kenyan fruits and homemade pastries and, of course, glasses of bubbly to toast your flight.
Your Stay
3 Nights
Full Board Plus - Dinner, Bed, Breakfast, Lunch and Activities
Special Interests: Adventure, Big 5, Birding, Flora, Leisure, Nature, Relaxation, Wildlife
Gorilla Forest Lodge, an A&K Sanctuary | Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
Credit: A&K Sanctuary
Credit: A&K Sanctuary
Credit: A&K Sanctuary
Credit: A&K Sanctuary
Credit: A&K Sanctuary
Credit: A&K Sanctuary
Credit: A&K Sanctuary
Credit: A&K Sanctuary
Credit: A&K Sanctuary
Credit: A&K Sanctuary
Credit: A&K Sanctuary
Credit: A&K Sanctuary
Credit: A&K Sanctuary
Once-in-a-lifetime encounters with Uganda’s endangered gorillas await when you stay in one of these eight private luxury tents in the heart of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Ecologically respectful, contemporary-yet-classic in style, Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp blends in sensitively with the dramatic African mountain landscape and, situated uniquely inside the national park, you are only minutes away from the start of your gorilla trekking adventure. Located in one of the remotest areas of Africa, these comfortable canvas spaces are dressed with indigenous prints and furniture made from natural materials. Beds are draped in neutral-toned linens, and local artefacts set a scene that ensures memorable moments both inside and out the accommodation. Each tent has a spacious, stone-walled bathroom with private sections, and a free-standing bath for a relaxing soak after a day’s trekking. The trees around the camp light up in the morning when the sun starts shining, and thanks to there being so few tents, the camp retains an intimate, exclusive feel, enabling you to experience Africa’s magic with the lightest of footprints yet with practically every mod con.
Rooms
Facilities
Activities and Services
Luxury Rooms
Each of the 10 spacious, elegant villas at Gorilla Forest Lodge stands alone amid greenery. Each villa features kingsize four-poster beds hung with gauzy canopies, with seating areas inviting post-trek downtime. Ensuite bathroom featuring a large bathtub complete with jungle views, plus an indoor shower are in every villa. Floor-to-ceiling windows bring the outside in, while private verandas give the sense that you are not merely looking at the forest but immersed within it. Each villa also has a minibar, desk, telephone and safe, plus two sculptural hanging chairs made from ribs of varnished wood, suspended from the veranda porch and ideal for observing monkeys.
GFL-BEDROOMCredit: A&K Sanctuary
Room Facilities
Balcony / Deck, Bath Towels, Bed Linen, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Dressing Gowns, Electrical Outlets, En Suite Bathroom, Hairdryer, Hand Towels, Mini Bar (Complimentary), Mosquito Nets, Mosquito Netting, Pure Cotton Linen, Safe, Tea / Coffee, Verandah
Property Facilities
Bar, Eco Friendly, Internet Access (Complimentary), Restaurant, Spa, Vegetarian
Room Facilities
Bath, Dressing Gowns, Laundry Service (Complimentary), Mini Bar, Mosquito Nets, Pure Cotton Linen, Safe, Shower, Verandah
Available Services
24-hour Security, Airport Shuttle (Complimentary), Credit Card Facilities, Laundry Service (Complimentary), Room Service
Activities on Site
Bird Watching, Game Viewing, Gorilla Tracking, Massages, Walks (Guided)
Activities Nearby
Animal Encounters, Bird Watching, Cultural Tours, Game Viewing, Gorilla Tracking, Walks (Guided)
The gorillas are completely wild but have become used to seeing a few humans after years of habituation. Many of the expert guides have been involved in this process since the beginning and are able to explain the complicated etiquette involved in meeting a giant silverback. This is an opportunity afforded only to a select few, as just eight visitors are allowed to view each group every day. Trekking through dense forest with steep slopes means that guests need to be physically fit to enjoy the trek. Once the gorillas are located, guests will spend a maximum of one hour with them before returning back to the lodge. Please note only children aged 15 and above can go gorilla trekking. A gorilla trekking permit must be bought in advance.
Credit: A&K Sanctuary
The Batwa People are the oldest inhabitants of the Great Lakes region of Central Africa and a significant minority group in the region. This full-day experience offers an opportunity for guests to immerse themselves in the Batwa’s unique and vibrant culture, and includes a three-hour walk through the dense forest, followed by an hour spent witnessing their way of life. Guests can expect a music performance, a visitation by the goddess, a demonstration of traditional hunting and gathering methods and a chance to listen to their captivating stories and understand how they live.
Credit: A&K Sanctuary
Together with A&K Philanthropy, we have worked with Bwindi communities to launch health, enterprise and education initiatives which have helped us foster strong relationships with local residents. Our Bwindi Community Tour includes visits to the Bwindi Women’s Bicycle Enterprise and beadmaking workshop, a school and hospital, and opportunities to meet members of the Batwa community – the indigenous inhabitants of the region and traditional guardians of the forest. The tour is led by Dennis Mugume, AKP’s Field Coordinator in Uganda, who shares insights and information about the local community, giving guests the opportunity to learn more about the “real” aspects of the country they are visiting, beyond the incredible scenery and wildlife encounters they experience. It usually takes around two hours but can be tailored to suit you.
Credit: A&K Sanctuary
A bird-lover's paradise, Bwindi is aflutter with more than 350 species of birds, including some of the rarest avian species on the planet and 24 that are endemic to the region. Our local expert will guide you on a two-to-three-hour walk in search of these feathered forest-dwellers, including the vibrant and elusive African green broadbill, the African emerald cuckoo, and the brightly colored African pitta. Whether you are a seasoned twitcher or a curious beginner, this is an experience not to be missed.
Credit: A&K Sanctuary
A guided walk from Gorilla Forest Lodge on the Munyaga Waterfall Trail is the ideal way to explore Bwindi’s diverse ecosystem. Its dense forest, bamboo groves and open glades are home to rare and unique species, including giant forest hogs, red-tailed, blue and colobus monkeys, baboons and chimpanzees. The walk is around 2.5 miles, takes about three hours and, in the company of an expert ranger from the Uganda Wildlife Authority, makes a great warm-up or cool-down day before or after your gorilla-trekking adventure.
Credit: A&K Sanctuary
Your Stay
3 Nights
Full Board Plus - Dinner, Bed, Breakfast, Lunch and Activities