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Ol Donyo Lodge is the only lodge in East Africa to be awarded the prestigious Relais & Chateau status. There are awesome views of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Ol Donyo lies in the foothills of the Chyulu Range. The Chyulu Hills are the youngest range of volcanic hills in Africa, the last volcanic activity having only happened about 600 years ago. They are situated halfway between Tsavo and Amboseli National Parks on a concession of 300,000 acres of communally owned Maasai land, known as Mbirikani Group Ranch, which is also part of the Amboseli eco-system. The open plains, rolling hills and the snow topped Mount Kilimanjaro invoke images of Africa as it was in the earlier part of the last century. Wildlife and Maasai herdsmen live, as nature determined they should, in this unspoiled corner of Kenya.
Ol Donyo Lodge consists of ten expansive guest suites in six stand-alone villas. No two are the same design - each suite and villa is designed and positioned slightly differently but all have a dramatic view of the plains and Mt. Kilimanjaro in the distance. 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 Carol Beckwith and Angela Fisher create a commanding space under the high thatch roofs surrounded by cool stonewalls. The design is contemporary and yet traditional.
Each suite has a rooftop “star-bed” accessed from the verandah via a winding stone staircase. The “star-beds” are a fabulous sleep-out option, with utter privacy and all the amenities of the suite just below. Each suite also has a lounge, verandah, indoor and outdoor showers, double washbasins, flush toilet and bath. All but two of the suites have their own private pool(s).
Guests can plan their day choosing from a wide range of guided activities such as game drives in open 4x4 Land Rovers, walking safaris, horse riding, hiking in the mountain range or cultural exposure to traditional Maasai customs.
Arrangements include:
· All meals and snacks
· Soft drinks, beers, house wines
· Laundry
· Shared game drives – day and night
· Guided walks
· Horse rides
· Maasai cultural visits
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 Carol Beckwith, Angela Fisher and of course 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.
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.
Property Facilities
Bar, Eco Friendly, Kiddies Club, Library, Pool, Restaurant, Spa, Vegetarian
Room Facilities
Balcony / Deck, Bath, Dressing Gowns, Fan, Fireplace, Laundry Service (Complimentary), Lounge Area, Outside Shower, Private Pool / Jacuzzi, Pure Cotton Linen, Safe, Shower, Tea / Coffee, 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, Hiking, Horse Riding, Mountain Biking, Safaris, Wine Tasting
Strong populations of wildlife find their habitat in and around the ol Donyo Lodge environs. While the "Big Five" are here - rhino, elephant, lion, leopard and buffalo - they are often elusive; however, cheetah, fringe-eared oryx, gerenuk, and giraffe make for frequent viewing. Guests are able to track wildlife by open safari vehicles, as well as by foot, or horseback (described below). The best times to be out are from first light for the morning drive, and from 4-4:30 pm for the afternoon drives. These are the times when most of the action is likely to happen. Night drives give you the opportunity to discover a range of unusual and nocturnal animals and view the breathtaking African stars. These drives commence after dinner service at approximately 9:30 pm. Please remember that the vehicles are open and it can be quite chilly in the early mornings and evenings, so take very warm clothing with you on your drives. There are also shukha (blankets) and lined ponchos provided in the vehicles if you get cold while out.
With 275,000 acres of 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.
RIDE OPTIONS
INTERMEDIATE AND ABOVE
For Intermediate riders and above we offer 2 to 4 hour rides exploring the concession. Enjoy exhilarating medium to fast-paced canters and encounters with our famous big Tuskers.
For this riding option, you need to be riding fit, confident and competent, ride with an independent seat and be able to control an easy horse at all paces over uneven terrain.
PLAINS RIDE
Novice riders can enjoy a gentle 60/90 minute ride exploring the open plains.
All riders will need to have a short assessment in our arena prior to setting out to ensure all guests riding out can control their horses 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 a short trot.
Another huge benefit of staying outside national parks is that here we are allowed to appreciate the stunning landscape around us on foot, peacefully without the noise of engines. The Chyulu Hills were designed for walking and hiking. We highly recommend this unforgettable experience. Our resident tracker will accompany you and your guide and will carry a firearm. Your guide and the lodge managers will be able to suggest different walks depending on fitness and your interests, such as birding, spelunking, or exploring the plains. Each is a voyage of discovery unveiling secrets of the bush, wildlife movements, medicinal plants and uniquely adapted flora and fauna. Wear good walking shoes, a hat and camouflage-coloured clothing so as not to alarm the wildlife, and take binoculars. Your guide will have water for you.
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.
Just below the lodge’s main area is our famous ‘log-pile’ hide named as such because of its elaborate and impressive interwoven construction. A short walk with a cool drink in hand, and you’ve arrived at a secret shaded spot from which to view the many mammals that come in for a drink. This is a tremendous experience, especially during the midday siesta.
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.
ol Donyo Lodge is the ultimate family safari destination. The Young Explorers program is designed to enhance both a child's and a family’s overall safari, weaving themes of conservation and culture into each fun activity with the intention of giving children tangible examples and moments to bring back to their peer group. The future of conservation is, after all, in the hands of these young ambassadors.
We offer a full range of activities from bush survival skills including making sling shots, bows and arrows and creating fire using traditional Maasai techniques, to watercolor painting and so much more.
FITNESS
- Yoga mat, and light weights available in each suite;
- Stationary exercise bikes:
- Guests can enjoy a run/walk on the airstrip.
A Bell 505 helicopter is available, and guests can enjoy 180-degree views with a choice of aerial scenic tours. These include viewing the Chyulu Hills, Amboseli, and Mount Kilimanjaro from the air. In addition to the scenic tours, guests can also visit Amboseli to explore this area with a Great Plains guide and safari drive as well as reserve helicopter transfers from Nairobi to our Mara-based safari camps or Nairobi and ol Donyo Lodge .
