Ol Malo Lodge – An Exclusive Luxury Safari Experience in Northern Kenya
Nestled in the heart of Kenya’s rugged northern frontier, Ol Malo Lodge is one of the country’s most distinctive and privately owned safari lodges. Perched dramatically on a rocky escarpment overlooking vast wilderness, this exceptional lodge offers guests an intimate, adventurous, and deeply personal safari experience far removed from the crowds of mainstream destinations.
Located in the wild landscapes of Laikipia, Ol Malo Lodge combines raw natural beauty, authentic Kenyan hospitality, and thrilling wildlife encounters, making it an ideal choice for discerning travelers seeking exclusivity, privacy, and adventure.
Location & Setting – Untamed Wilderness in Laikipia
Ol Malo Lodge sits within a private conservancy in northern Kenya, between the arid northern plains and the forested slopes of Mount Kenya. The lodge overlooks the winding Ewaso Nyiro River, a vital lifeline for wildlife in this semi-arid ecosystem.
This remote location ensures:
- Exceptional privacy and exclusivity
- Vast open landscapes with minimal vehicle traffic
- A true sense of exploration and wilderness
Guests typically arrive by charter flight to a nearby airstrip, followed by a scenic game drive to the lodge.
Accommodation – Rustic Luxury with Panoramic Views
Accommodation:-
Ol Malo Lodge is renowned for its handcrafted, eco-sensitive architecture, built using natural stone, wood, and thatch to blend seamlessly with the surrounding environment.
Accommodation features:
- Spacious, individually designed cottages
- Open-fronted rooms with uninterrupted views of the bush
- En-suite bathrooms with hot showers and organic toiletries
- Private verandas ideal for wildlife viewing and sundowners
The lodge also offers a private family house, perfect for multi-generational travel or exclusive use safaris.
Wildlife & Safari Experiences
Laikipia is one of Kenya’s most wildlife-rich regions, and Ol Malo Lodge offers flexible, off-road safari experiences rarely possible in national parks.
Wildlife commonly encountered includes:
- Elephant, giraffe, buffalo, and plains game
- Lion, leopard, cheetah, and hyena
- Grevy’s zebra and reticulated giraffe
- An exceptional diversity of birdlife
Because the lodge is located within a private conservancy, guests enjoy freedom of movement, longer safari hours, and customized activities.
Unique Activities at Ol Malo Lodge
Adventures-Take The Reins
Ol Malo Lodge is especially known for its adventurous and diverse activities, many of which are unavailable elsewhere in Kenya.
Horseback Safaris
Ride across open plains and riverbeds alongside wildlife for an exhilarating and immersive safari experience.
Camel Safaris
A traditional and peaceful way to explore the landscape, guided by experienced Samburu camel handlers.
Walking Safaris
Discover the smaller details of the bush, from animal tracks to medicinal plants, accompanied by expert local guides.
Fly-Camping & Bush Adventures
Sleep under the stars in a remote fly camp for the ultimate wilderness experience.
Cultural Encounters
Interact with local Samburu communities and learn about their traditions, culture, and way of life.
Dining – Farm-Fresh, Home-Style Cuisine
Meals at Ol Malo Lodge are hearty, fresh, and unpretentious, reflecting the lodge’s family-run ethos.
Dining highlights include:
- Organic produce from the lodge’s own gardens
- Freshly baked bread and home-style meals
- Bush breakfasts and scenic sundowners
- Flexible meal times tailored to guest activities
Dining is typically communal, fostering a warm, relaxed atmosphere.
Sustainability & Conservation Commitment
Ol Malo Lodge is deeply committed to conservation and responsible tourism. The lodge operates with minimal environmental impact and plays an active role in protecting Laikipia’s fragile ecosystems.
Key initiatives include:
- Wildlife conservation and anti-poaching support
- Employment and empowerment of local communities
- Sustainable water and energy use
- Preservation of natural habitats
Guests directly contribute to conservation efforts simply by staying at the lodge.
Best Time to Visit Ol Malo Lodge
Ol Malo Lodge is a year-round destination, with each season offering unique experiences.
- Dry Season (June – October): Excellent wildlife viewing and cooler temperatures
- Green Season (November – May): Lush landscapes, fewer guests, and superb birding
Because of its private conservancy setting, wildlife viewing remains rewarding throughout the year.
Who Is Ol Malo Lodge Best For?
Ol Malo Lodge is ideal for:
- Honeymooners seeking privacy and romance
- Adventure-focused safari travelers
- Families looking for flexible, engaging activities
- Repeat safari guests wanting something different
- Travelers seeking an authentic, non-commercial safari
Why Choose Ol Malo Lodge?
Ol Malo Lodge stands apart from traditional luxury safari lodges by offering:
- A truly remote and exclusive setting
- Highly personalized service
- Unmatched freedom and adventure
- Authentic Kenyan character and warmth
For travelers who value experience over formality, wilderness over crowds, and authenticity over excess, Ol Malo Lodge delivers one of Kenya’s most memorable safari stays.
Ol Malo Rates & Prices
Non-Resident Rates in US$ PPPN, inclusive of Conservancy Fee per night
Regular Season (Per Person Per Night)
5th Jan – 31st Mar 2026 | June 2026 | 1st Sept – 31st Oct 2026 | 1st – 19th Dec 2026
Closed: April, May & November 2026
| Category | Adult (USD) | Child Sharing 5–15yrs (USD) |
| Room Rate | 1,095 | 710 |
| Conservancy Fee | 183 | 92 |
| Total Per Night | 1,278 | 802 |
Premium Season (Per Person Per Night)
1st July – 31st August 2026 | 20th Dec 2026 – 3rd Jan 2027
Closed: April, May & November 2026
| Category | Adult Sharing (USD) | Single Adult (USD) | Child Sharing 5–15yrs (USD) |
| Room Rate | 1,600 | 1,875 | 1,030 |
| Conservancy Fee | 183 | 183 | 92 |
| Total Per Night | 1,783 | 2,058 | 1,122 |
Included: Full board accommodation, soft drinks, local beers,non-premium wines and spirits, laundry, Ol Malo airstrip transfers,activities as shown and statutory taxes. CHECK IN 11:OOAM, CHECK OUT 10:00AM
Experiences Included: Exclusive day and night game drives,guided walks and medicinal plant walks, horse riding for all levels of riders (weight limit 90kg), camel treks, 3 peak challenge, Samburu cultural visits, Mountain biking, Sleepouts; Treehouse or Leopard hide
- FLY CAMP (1 NIGHT) : Pre-booking required. Minimum 2pax | Maximum 6pax. Unhosted. SURCHARGE Mobilisation US$500 PER NIGHT (Guest Room at Ol Malo retained)
- NOMAD EXPEDITION ON REQUEST (MIN 2 NIGHTS) : Pre-booking required. SURCHARGE Mobilisation US$500 PER NIGHT (Must Start or End at Ol Malo | No Room retained) Expedition style: Riding (experienced horse riders only, riding assessment forms required) OR Walking.
- NOMAD HELICOPTER ON REQUEST : South Island Star camp, Lake Turkana. Contact Annie on annie@olmalo.com or Andrew on WhatsApp – +254 721 630 685 for pricing and questions.
EXCLUSIONS AND EXTRAS
Excluded: Champagne, premium spirits, cellar wines, transfers to /from Loisaba airstrip (US$110 per transfer), fly camping, Helicopter trips cost dependent on itinerary and flying time (contact Andrew direct), wellness treatments.
Extra: Conservancy fees US$160 per adult/ US$90 per child Tuesday/Saturday Samburu market day visits (cash payments in Kshs.), Samburu Trust shop beadwork payable with credit card.
Notes:
- Season:Ol Malo Lodge and House are closed in April, May and November 2025.
- Child policy:-Children of any age are welcome
- Phone signal Intermittent
- WiFi:Ol Malo House, in the rooms &Ol Malo Lodge, in the rooms
- Power – Solar 24 hours;Charging points in rooms (3 pin square) and in the main areas.Adapters in rooms provided.
- Hairdryers Provided on request
- Altitude:The lodge is approximately 1,600 metres above sea level
- Temperature:Ol Malo has a warm climate all year round. Nightly lows of 10-15°C and daily highs of 25-30°C
Getting there
- Schedule flights from Nairobi’s Wilson airport to Losiaba Airstrip.
- Shared transfers to / from Loisaba US$110 per vehicle each way (max 6 adults per vehicle).
- Private charters to Ol Malo Airstrip
- By road – Approx. 6Hrs drive from Nairobi
Related Bush and Beyond Camps
Ol Malo is proudly represented by Bush and Beyond, a collection of owner-run lodges with strong conservation and community ties. Other related camps to pair with Ol Malo include:
Lewa (Laikipia region)
- Lewa House – Family-owned lodge set on the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, famous for black rhino and Grevy’s zebra.
Samburu
- Sarara Camp – Nestled in the Namunyak Conservancy, renowned for elephant conservation and dramatic scenery.
- Sarara Treehouses – Elevated rooms built into the forest canopy for an immersive Samburu wilderness experience.
Maasai Mara
- Mara House, Acacia House & Topi House – Exclusive-use Bush and Beyond properties in the Mara North Conservancy, perfect for families and small groups.
- Encounter Mara – A tented eco-camp in the Naboisho Conservancy, known for big cats and community-driven conservation.
Discover Ol Malo Nomad
Discover more Laikipia Lodges Ol Lentille in Laikipia, Kenya and Segera Retreat
View Ol Malo Photos
Explore More Laikipia and Kenya Safari Accommodations
Discover other exquisite properties within the Laikipia region and beyond that promise equally enchanting safari experiences.
- Lewa Wilderness: Perched on the northern slopes of Mount Kenya, Lewa Wilderness is one of Kenya’s oldest and most private safari ventures. It boasts a mix of comfort, adventure, and stunning landscape in the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy.
- Sarara Camp:-Nestled in the heart of Namunyak Wildlife Conservancy, Sarara Camp offers an unparalleled experience of luxury and wilderness. Witness large elephant herds and the Samburu’s ancient singing wells.
- Solio Lodge:-Solio Lodge is located on a private wildlife sanctuary tucked in the valley between the lofty slopes of Mount Kenya and the peaks of the Aberdare Mountains. It’s renowned for rhino conservation and stunning landscape views.
- Sasaab Lodge,Samburu:-Overlooking the Ewaso Nyiro River, Sasaab is close to the Buffalo Springs National Reserves in Kenya’s Northern Frontier District. Sasaab blends Moroccan style with the Samburu culture, surrounded by a sensational backdrop.
- Cottar’s 1920s Safari Camp:-Located near the Masai Mara, Cottar’s 1920s Safari Camp brings back the essence of the 1920s camps and offers an unparalleled, exclusive safari experience with exemplary service and guiding.
- Ol Jogi Home:-Ol Jogi Home is amongst the most exclusive properties in Africa and provides a unique home-away-from-home experience. It is set on a private conservancy of 58,000 acres with an astonishing variety of wildlife.
- Ol Lentille:-Located in the Laikipia region, The Sanctuary at Ol Lentille is a collection of four private, full-service, fully staffed houses for the discerning few. It is known for pioneering community and conservation work.
Other Bush and Beyond Properties
Bush and Beyond is home to a range of exclusive safari accommodations, each offering a unique window into the wild beauty of Kenya. From intimate lodges to private luxury homes, here are some of the other magnificent properties under the Bush and Beyond umbrella:
These properties promise a personalized safari experience, offering everything from thrilling wildlife encounters to tranquil panoramic views, all while promoting sustainability and community empowerment.
