Olmarei : Your Private Riverside Sanctuary in the Masai Mara
Discover the ultimate exclusive-use safari experience on the banks of the Mara River with Beyond Kenya Safaris.
Imagine waking to the gentle grunt of hippos from your private verandah, stepping out to greet the African dawn over the Mara River, and enjoying a day of wildlife viewing entirely on your terms. This is the reality at Olmarei House, a stunning private ranch-style residence that forms part of the esteemed Wild Villas collection .
Tucked within the pristine Enonkishu Conservancy on the northern edge of the Masai Mara ecosystem, Olmarei offers families and groups of friends the ultimate blend of intimate luxury, unparalleled wildlife encounters, and authentic connection to the Kenyan wilderness. At Beyond Kenya Safaris, we believe that true luxury lies in exclusivity—and Olmarei delivers this in spades .
From its breathtaking views over hippo-filled river meanders to its elegant contemporary design, Olmarei is not just a place to stay; it’s a private home in the wild where unforgettable memories are forged.
The Olmarei Experience: A Home on the River
An Exquisite Ranch-Style Residence
Olmarei House is a warm and contemporary home that comfortably accommodates up to 10 guests across five en-suite bedrooms—three in the main house and two in adjacent guest cottages . This intimate setting makes it perfect for multi-generational family safaris, private getaways with friends, or milestone celebrations like birthdays and anniversaries .
The villa itself is a masterpiece of safari-chic modernism. An open-plan living and dining room connects seamlessly to a modern kitchen, creating a convivial heart to the home . Sliding glass doors and expansive verandahs blur the lines between indoors and out, inviting the Mara’s golden light and gentle breezes into every space .
The Hippo Gazebo and Infinity Pool
Perhaps Olmarei’s most enchanting feature is its magnificent swimming pool and Swahili-style gazebo, which overlooks a meander of the Mara River . This idyllic spot offers front-row seats to one of Africa’s most entertaining wildlife spectacles: resident hippos wallowing and grunting in the water below . It’s the perfect place for a refreshing dip, a lazy lunch, or simply losing yourself in the rhythm of the river.
The Sundowner Deck
As the African sun begins its descent, there is no better place to be than Olmarei’s rooftop sundowner deck with its fire pit . Here, you can gather with loved ones to toast the day’s adventures, watch the sky ignite with vibrant hues of orange and crimson, and spot wildlife coming to drink at the waterhole below . It’s an immersive sensory experience that captures the very essence of a safari.
Unmatched Location: The Northern Mara Conservancies
Olmarei is situated within the Naretoi estate on the edge of the Enonkishu Conservancy, part of a 45,000-acre expanse of private wilderness adjoining the Maasai Mara National Reserve . This location offers significant advantages over the national reserve itself:
- Fewer Crowds: Enjoy game drives without the hustle and bustle of tourist congestion, ensuring you truly connect with nature .
- Richer Wildlife Encounters: Northern conservancies are renowned for their abundant and diverse wildlife, including the iconic Big Five and a host of other species .
- Exclusive Access: Olmarei provides private access to the Enonkishu, Ol Chorro, and Lemek Conservancies for unlimited game drives .
- Immersive Activities: Beyond game drives, you can enjoy guided bush walks, farm bike rides, and cultural visits that are not available in the main reserve .
Wildlife highlights include lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, the rare black rhino (at the nearby Rhino Sanctuary), and cheetah . During the annual Great Migration (typically July to October), the plains teem with vast herds of wildebeest and zebra, offering phenomenal predator-prey action .
Accommodation and Amenities at a Glance
Key Features:
- Capacity: Up to 10 guests (3 bedrooms in main house, 2 en-suite cottages)
- Views: Panoramic vistas over the Mara River, Naretoi plains, and Kileleoni Hill
- Pool & Gazebo: Massive swimming pool with gazebo for hippo viewing
- Living Spaces: Spacious family room with fireplace, open dining room, large verandah with BBQ area
- Recreation: Ping pong table, sundowner deck with fire pit
- Full Staff: Private chef, butler, guide, and hospitality team
What’s Included: A Seamless Safari Experience
Olmarei is booked on an exclusive-use basis, meaning your dedicated team is entirely focused on your party. The comprehensive package includes:
- Full board accommodation with all meals and a selection of local beverages (soft drinks, beers, wines, and spirits)
- Unlimited game drives in private safari vehicles within Enonkishu, Ol Chorro, and Lemek Conservancies
- Airstrip transfers (from Ngerende or other local airstrips)
- Laundry service
- Bush breakfasts, picnics, and sundowners
- Guided nature walks and farm bike rides
- Community visits to local projects
- Visit to the Mara Training Centre
Exclusions
Items not included are premium champagne and spirits, the hot-air balloon safari, entrance fees to the Rhino Sanctuary and Mara Elephant Project, and gratuities .
A Day at Olmarei
Morning
Your day begins with a gentle wake-up call, followed by a hearty breakfast. Then, you’ll set off on a private morning game drive with your expert guide. The cool hours are prime time for predator activity, and you’ll likely encounter lion prides, elusive leopards, and herds of elephant and buffalo.
Afternoon
Return to Olmarei for a delicious lunch, prepared by your private chef. Spend the heat of the day relaxing by the pool, watching hippos in the river, or enjoying a siesta on the verandah.
Evening
As temperatures cool, head out for another game drive, chasing the golden sunset. Your guide will find the perfect spot for sundowners, where you can toast the end of another perfect day. Return to the villa for an alfresco dinner under the stars, followed by a nightcap around the fire pit.
Olmarei Rates for 2026
Rates are for exclusive use of the villa for up to 6 guests, on a full-board basis, and are subject to change.
| Season | Dates | Rate for 6 Guests | Extra Adult | Extra Child (5-15 yrs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regular | 5 Jan – 1 Jun; 1 Sep – 19 Dec 2026 | US$ 6,740 | US$ 1,045 | US$ 880 |
| Premium | 2 Jun – 31 Aug 2026 | US$ 7,185 | US$ 1,180 | US$ 963 |
| Festive | 20 Dec – 4 Jan 2027 | US$ 9,185 | US$ 1,290 | US$ 1,128 |
Note that alternative rates are quoted by some partners, so contact us to receive the most accurate offer for your specific dates and group size .
Booking Terms:
A minimum stay of 3 nights is required. A 20% non-refundable deposit confirms the booking, with the balance due 46 days prior to arrival .
Plan Your Journey with Beyond Kenya Safaris
Getting to Olmarei is part of the adventure. The most common route is a 45-minute scenic flight from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport to the Ngerende or Naretoi airstrips, followed by a short drive to the villa .
At Beyond Kenya Safaris, we specialize in crafting bespoke itineraries that perfectly match your desires. We’ll handle all the logistics—from flights and transfers to tailored safari activities—ensuring a seamless and stress-free experience.
Why Choose Olmarei?
Olmarei offers a rare combination of exclusive luxury, prime wildlife viewing, and meaningful conservation support. Staying here directly contributes to the preservation of the Maasai Mara ecosystem and the empowerment of local communities . As one recent guest enthused, “Every moment was a delight. An absolute must-stay!” .
Ready to create your own Olmarei story?
Contact the safari experts at Beyond Kenya Safaris today. Let us help you design the ultimate private safari experience in the heart of the Maasai Mara.