Olonana Lodge is a hideaway of rare elegance and serenity, in a prime position on a private stretch of the Mara River – the very spot where Sanctuary began, a quarter of a century ago, in 1999.
Connoisseurs of the Maasai Mara – that vast, gorgeous expanse of wilderness in southwestern Kenya, at the border with Tanzania – know that its character changes subtly from one nook to the next. Olonana occupies a covetable position just north on the famous Mara Triangle, at the edge of the National Reserve – a marvellously secluded and leafy spot, between looming escarpment and fast-flowing river. Here the “Sanctuary” label seems especially apt. Yet all around, the ceaseless pageant of wildlife and wonder rolls on.
Olonana’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.
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
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 feature an extra bedroom, which is heaven-sent for families.
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
Accept Credit Cards, Children Friendly, Children Play Area, Credit Card Facilities, Eco Friendly, Gym on property, Internet Access (Complimentary), Kiddies Club, Pool, Restaurant, Spa, Vegetarian
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
24-hour Security, Airport Shuttle (Complimentary), Credit Card Facilities, Laundry Service (Complimentary), Private Vehicle (Available), Room Service
Big 5, Bird Watching, Game Drives, Game Viewing, Game Walks, High Tea, Massages, Night Drives, Safaris
Big 5, Child Friendly Activities, Fishing, Game Drives, Game Viewing, Game Walks, Hot Air Ballooning, Safaris
At Sanctuary Olonana, game viewing starts from the camp. A pod of hippos lives permanently in the river just below camp and many other species come to drink there. 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.
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.
More and more popular are the visits organised by our guides to a variety of local schools during school term. These visits are free but we would recommend a donation to the school of anything upward of $15 per person.
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.
The LifeStraw Filte
Sanctuary Retreats is dedicated to building long-lasting relationships with the rural communities in which we operate. Our Safe Water for Schools Programme has introduced LifeStraw filters to communities in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia, benefiting almost 57,000 individuals. The LifeStraw Filter is a high-volume water purifier designed to deliver safe drinking water.
More information on all our offerings can be found on https://www.sanctuaryretreats.com/philanthropy-projects