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Ol Donyo Lodge

The Lodge

Ol Donyo Lodge lies between Kenya’s Tsavo and Amboseli National Parks. The safari lodge is honed from the ancient lava rock. This rock was spewed out of Kilimanjaro. It creates a timelessness that touches everyone who visits us.

This Great Plains Conservation Réserve-Collection camp is located on 111,000 hectares of private land. It is in the heart of the Chyulu Hills on the Mbirikani Ranch. The ranch is owned by 4,000 Maasai.

ol Donyo Lodge blends contemporary design with the rich culture of the Maasai. This combination creates the perfect setting for a Kenya safari. Perched on a hillside, guests can enjoy expansive views of East Africa’s classic savannahs below.

ol Donyo Lodge is home to 8 deluxe suites and 1 x 2-bedroomed family Sambu Suite.  Each Suite offers guests private verandas and swimming pools to enjoy.

Spa treatments are available for guests at the spa or in their suites.

A brand-new  fire deck under the stars off the main area is available for you to enjoy.

There are two hides at the waterhole in front of the main area. One is a new sunken hide completed with a coffee machine and fridge. The sunken and open-air hides allow guests to remain there all day. They view the animals that come to quench their thirst at the waterhole.

ol Donyo Lodge is also a proud Relais & Châteaux member.

Fellow Kenyan Réserve-Collection luxury safari camps include Mara Nyika Camp and The Sambuk Suite at Mara Nyika. There is also Mara Plains Camp and The Jahazi Suite at Mara Plains. Additionally, Mara Toto Tree Camp is included.

Our Réserve-Collection luxury safari camps in Zimbabwe include Tembo Plains Camp and The Zanji Suite at Tembo Plains.

Our Réserve-Collection luxury safari camps in Botswana include Zarafa Camp and The Dhow Suite at Zarafa. Selinda Camp and the Selinda Suite are also included. We have Sitatunga Private Island and the Sitatunga Private Island Suite. Finally, there’s Duba Plains Camp and the Duba Plains Suite.

The Great Plains Réserve-Collection Kenya safari camps are the country’s only Relais & Châteaux members.

Experience the epitome of tranquility in our Deluxe Pool Suites.

Imagine waking up to the majestic sights of Mount Kilimanjaro. The day’s first light reflects on your private plunge pool. At Ol Donyo Lodge, the Deluxe Pool Suites offer an immersive and intimate connection with the landscape. They provide plush comfort. The suites maintain a deep sense of place. You can choose from a collection of ten luxurious suites. Each suite offers expansive views of the open plains. On a clear day, you can see the grand visage of Mount Kilimanjaro. We have designed every suite with a thatched-roof living space. Each has an outdoor shower and a verandah. The verandah is finished with a plunge pool. There is also a ‘star bed’ for enjoying the African night sky in utter tranquility.

Rates

$1 344 to $2 178 per person sharing per night

Safari Suites

Each suite at ol Donyo Lodge offers its own window to the soul of the East African safari. Their views look out over the suite’s private plunge pool and across the rolling plains toward Mount Kilimanjaro.

We believe a Kenya safari today must be a full and rich experience with no apologies for excellent service.

Each suite offers guests private outdoor and covered verandas. These lead to your private swimming pools, indoor lounge areas, and en-suite bathrooms. The bathrooms come with indoor baths and indoor and outdoor showers. On your suite’s rooftop, stunning star beds are available. You can sleep under the canopy of the night sky. You can safely listen to the hyenas and lions who are active during the night. You can also listen to birdlife as the sun rises.

Life-changing wildlife viewing and well-designed accommodation is imperative.

Many guests feel that ol Donyo Lodge is the best “first or final stop” on their Kenya safari. We have often had to pry children off the necks of our guides. They fall in love with the guides. They also enjoy the activities in our Young Explorers programs. It feels like home to them.

High-quality binoculars are available for you to use while with us at ol Donyo Lodge.

Safari Experiences

ol Donyo Lodge offers guests a wide range of wildlife viewing activities. These activities are the most extensive in the entire Great Plains portfolio of safari camps!

Immerse yourself in the unparalleled range of wildlife viewing experiences while on your Kenya safari at ol Donyo Lodge.

Guests can enjoy thrilling open-vehicle safari drives and explore the region. For a more intimate experience, embark on a night safari to see nocturnal animals under the starlit African sky.

Intermediate and advanced riders can enjoy scenic horseback safaris. Each safari offers unique perspectives on the diverse wildlife of the Chyulu Hills ecosystem. Witness majestic elephants, elusive big cats, and a myriad of bird species in their natural habitat.

Join our expert guides on walking safaris. Learn about the unique flora and fauna up close. Alternatively, learn more about the Great Plains Foundation’s conservation initiatives. These initiatives contribute to preserving this remarkable environment.

ol Donyo Lodge embraces its community heritage. Our guides can take you to a nearby village. This allows you to embrace the local culture.

Take to the skies with our Bell 505 helicopter safaris for aerial views of iconic landscapes and African wildlife. Soar above Kenya’s stunning landscapes, from the majestic Chyulu Hills to the iconic Mount Kilimanjaro. Witness incredible wildlife and untouched wilderness from a unique aerial perspective. This unforgettable journey promises thrilling views perfect for photography and creating lasting memories. Guests are encouraged to pre-book their scenic helicopter flight at ol Donyo Lodge. Doing so will elevate their safari experience to new heights.

Capture stunning photos from our underground or open hide. Enjoy the panoramic views from our elevated lodge. Every moment at ol Donyo Lodge is designed to bring you closer to nature.

If guests want to enjoy extensive guided bush walks, they can pre-book these to ensure availability. Shorter plains walks are available on shorter notice.

Experience the vibrant atmosphere of the Kimana local market, located a 1.5—to 2-hour drive from ol Donyo Lodge. This bustling market offers a glimpse into the local culture. It features fresh produce, local textiles, and beadwork. You can also find livestock, household items, and a large second-hand clothes market for sale. Guests can leave the lodge after breakfast, around 9 a.m., with a packed lunch to enjoy on the way back in a scenic spot.

For a more immersive experience, visit a local Maasai homestead. It is a 1.5 to 2-hour drive towards Imbirikani. Women welcome you into their homes. They share their culture and offer handmade beaded works for purchase. A cash donation per person is paid directly at ol Donyo Lodge which is then handed to the community.

Additionally, school visits with the Great Plains Foundation provide a chance to interact with students. They also allow learning about local education initiatives. Two schools are available for visits, and a community liaison officer guides the experience. 24-hour notice is required, and visits are only available during school hours.

(Please note that these cultural experiences may only be available some days of the week).

All this and more ensures your authentic Kenya safari experiences at ol Donyo Lodge will never be forgotten.