- Info
- Images
- Video
- Rooms
- Units
- Facilities
- Activities and Services
ol Donyo Lodge is located on the Maasai-owned Mbirikani Group Ranch, a vast expanse of wilderness between Amboseli and Tsavo National Parks, bordering Chyulu Hills National Park. This stunningly beautiful area is incredibly diverse, and often has spectacular views of Mount Kilimanjaro. Eight pool suites plus one two-bedroom family suite offer a harmonious blend of contemporary and rustic accommodation, merging the landscape into each suite. Designed for broad appeal, the lodge is a perfect getaway for families, honeymooners or multi-generational groups. What makes it a standout is its notable variety of activities – from good quality wildlife viewing, hiking, horseback riding and mountain biking – ol Donyo Lodge is a place to feel Africa, and get out from behind the wheel. Add to this the lodge’s creature comforts of fine dining, spa treatments, infinity pool, star beds and multiple lounges, and it is a place to relax and unwind for days.
Deluxe Pool Suites
No two of the lodge’s suites are exactly the same, but what is consistent is the view of Mt. Kilimanjaro and the lodge’s famous waterhole as well as star beds atop each of the suites for sleeping under the stars. The décor is luxurious and opulent, while still retaining the atmosphere and sense of place that is an essential ingredient of an outstanding bush lodge. Art from around Africa coupled with the photography of Beverly Joubert, create a commanding space under the high thatch roofs. The design is contemporary and yet traditional.
All suites have a lounge, indoor and outdoor showers, double washbasins, flush toilet and bath, and “star-bed”. The rooftop “star-bed” is accessed from the verandah via a winding stone staircase. This is a fabulous sleep-out option, with utter privacy and all the amenities of the suite just below.
Room Facilities
Air Conditioning, Balcony / Deck, Bath Towels, Bath, Bed Linen, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Dressing Gowns, En Suite Bathroom, Ensuite, External Shower, Fan, Hairdryer, Hand Towels, Laundry Service (Complimentary), Mini Bar (Complimentary), Mosquito Nets, Outside Shower, Plunge Pool, Private Lounge / Sitting Area, Pure Cotton Linen, Queen Bed, Safe, Shower, Twin Bed
2 Bedroomed Sambu Family Suite
The Sambu Suite functions as a bush home intended for families or groups of friends. This 2-Bedroom Family Suite is purpose-built and designed for a couple who want space and seclusion or for parents who require their children under the same roof but with adequate space and privacy. It has two bedrooms under one roof and one swimming pool. Each bedroom has its own spacious en-suite bathroom, complete with an indoor and outdoor shower, "star bed" and sundowner viewing deck.
Room Facilities
Balcony / Deck, Bath Towels, Bath, Bed Linen, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Electrical Outlets, En Suite Bathroom, External Shower, Fan, Fireplace, Hairdryer, Hand Towels, Laundry Service (Complimentary), Mini Bar (Complimentary), Mosquito Nets, Outside Shower, Plunge Pool, Private Lounge / Sitting Area, Pure Cotton Linen, Queen Bed, Safe, Shower, Twin Bed, Wardrobe
Property Facilities
Accept Credit Cards, Bar, Battery Charging Facilities, Credit Card Facilities, Internet Access (Complimentary), Kiddies Club, Laundry Service, Library, Licensed, 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, External Shower, Fan, Fireplace, Hairdryer, Hand Towels, Laundry Service (Complimentary), Lounge Area, Mini Bar (Complimentary), Mosquito Nets, Outside Shower, Private Lounge / Sitting Area, Private Pool / Jacuzzi, Pure Cotton Linen, Queen Bed, Safe, Shower, Tea / Coffee, Twin Bed, Verandah
Available Services
24-hour Security, Credit Card Facilities, Laundry Service (Complimentary), Private Vehicle (Available)
Activities on Site
Big 5, Bird Watching, Cycling, Fine Dining, Game Drives, Game Viewing Hide, Game Viewing, Game Walks, Gourmet Picnic, Helicopter Scenic Flights, Horse Riding, Massages, Safaris
Activities Nearby
Big 5, Bird Watching, Child Friendly Activities, Cycling, Game Drives, Game Viewing, Game Walks, General Sightseeing, Helicopter Rides, Helicopter Scenic Flights, Hiking, Horse Riding, Mountain Biking, Safaris, Wine Tasting
Early morning and late afternoon / evening safari drives take place in some of the most luxurious wildlife-viewing vehicles. Each Toyota Land Cruiser safari vehicle is open-sided, canopied
and customised for photographers (fold-down screens, raised roofs, photographic bars, multi-plug inverters). Each vehicle is also stocked with a fridge with drinks and snacks, ready for
longer days out if the wildlife viewing is exciting and just too hard to leave.
Every day on safari brings a unique and distinct experience. Safari drives typically start at sunrise, returning for lunch and depart again in the mid-afternoon before returning just after sunset.
Guests can enjoy up-close encounters with wildlife without departing from the lodge. The open-air log-pile hide and the sunken hide at the waterhole, both situated directly in front of
the camp, provide a perfect vantage point for such experiences. Our schedule is flexible, and guests are encouraged to create their own itinerary according to their interests with guidance and recommendations from our professional guides.
Enjoy wildlife viewing from this property on our online HD hidecam 24-hours a day. Visit greatplainsconservation.com/liveafrican-wildlife-webcam/#ol-donyo for more information.
With vast open plains and the dramatic, ancient volcanic soil Chyulu Hills to explore at ol Donyo Lodge this vast region provides a truly unique riding experience. Riding is available all year round at no additional cost.
- All riders must have a short assessment in our arena prior to setting out to ensure all guests riding out can control their horse and are comfortable at a short trot. If riders do not have
the required experience, they will be offered a lesson in the arena instead. Plains riders will be given some instruction, a minimum requirement is the ability to do a short trot;
- Horse riding is available to guests aged 12 and older with prior experience; no beginners;
- All guests are encouraged to complete a short questionnaire determining their riding experience and preferences prior to arrival.
Guided walks can be pre-booked and are led by qualified, licensed walking guides.
This is a good opportunity to exercise but also another way of viewing the landscape and wildlife in the area. We recommend cycling during the cooler hours of the day, either in the early morning or late afternoon. Cycling usually takes place on the plains heading toward the kopje or el Mau.
Guests can enjoy up-close encounters with wildlife without departing from the lodge. The open-air log-pile hide and the sunken hide at the waterhole, both situated directly in front of the camp, provide a perfect vantage point for such experiences.
Our proximity to Amboseli National Park gives the opportunity for full-day excursions to the park. Guests depart the lodge after breakfast for a leisurely drive across the plains and through small villages. We usually arrive at the park in the mid-morning and depart in the mid-afternoon (with a picnic lunch and a full selection of drinks). We have selected this time of day as it coincides with the time when the guests from the other nearby larger lodges are on siesta, and vehicle density is at its lowest. This is also the time when the elephant and plains game congregate around the waterways and marshes in high density. This excursion can only be guaranteed in advance, please book it at the time of reservation and is subject to additional cost.
Great Plains Young Explorers Kids' programme is available – thoughtfully designed to explore various experiences and topics from birding to cooking to art to tracking wildlife.
- Yoga mat, light weights available in each suite;
- The lodge features a gym where guests can make use of the
following equipment:
- Squat rack;
- Spinning bikes;
- Rowing machine;
- Treadmill;
- Yoga mats;
- Workout benches;
- A selection of various weights and dumbbells.
- Guests can enjoy a run/walk on the airstrip.
Guests can take to the skies from ol Donyo Lodge and experience sweeping 180-degree views on a choice of helicopter excursions. These scenic flight options, to be booked prior to the guest's arrival, include the Chyulu Hills, Amboseli and Mount Kilimanjaro, offering a remarkable aerial perspective of this iconic landscape.