🌿 Sanctuary Olonana – Riverside Luxury in the Masai Mara!
On the shaded banks of the Mara River, where hippos wallow and bird calls echo at dawn, Sanctuary Olonana offers a sanctuary of calm after the thrill of safari. Just outside the gates of Kenya’s iconic Masai Mara, this award-winning lodge combines contemporary eco-luxury with deep immersion in nature. Guests wake to river views from glass-fronted suites, spend their days tracking predators across golden savannahs, and return to world-class dining under a canopy of stars.
✨ Sanctuary Olonana at a Glance
- Location: Private stretch of the Mara River, minutes from the Masai Mara National Reserve
- Accommodation: 14 spacious glass-fronted suites with en-suite bathrooms, river-facing verandas, and floor-to-ceiling windows
- Activities: Morning and evening game drives, bush breakfasts, sundowners, Maasai cultural visits, hot-air balloon safaris, and guided nature walks
- Unique Feature: Exclusive riverside setting where wildlife often comes to drink right in front of the lodge
- Recommended Stay: 3–4 nights, especially during the Great Wildebeest Migration (July–October)
Accommodations Suites
– A Testament to Elegance
A Contemporary Safari Haven
Sanctuary Olonana is a boutique safari lodge celebrated for its sleek design and eco-friendly ethos. With just 14 glass-fronted suites, guests enjoy unrivalled privacy and uninterrupted views of the Mara River. Each suite features spacious interiors, en-suite bathrooms with rain showers, and private verandas — perfect for watching wildlife drift by at any hour. Families are welcomed with dedicated family suites, while couples find romance in the seamless blend of wilderness and modern comfort.
Geoffrey Kent Suite – The Pinnacle of Privacy
Game Drives & Experiences
From Olonana, the Masai Mara National Reserve is right on your doorstep, offering year-round wildlife encounters and front-row seats to the Great Wildebeest Migration between July and October. Expert guides lead twice-daily game drives, nature walks, and cultural visits to nearby Maasai villages. For those seeking something extra, hot-air balloon safaris lift you above the savannah at dawn, followed by champagne breakfasts in the bush.
Safari Experiences
Tailored Activities and Adventures
Wildlife & Conservation
This region is one of Africa’s richest wildlife theatres. Expect sightings of the Big Five — lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo — as well as cheetah, giraffe, and over 450 bird species. Sanctuary Olonana also champions sustainable tourism, operating with a strong commitment to eco-design and community partnerships that preserve the natural and cultural heritage of the Mara.
Why Choose Sanctuary Olonana?
- Location: Exclusive stretch of the Mara River, close to migration crossing points.
- Accommodation: 14 glass-fronted luxury suites with en-suite bathrooms and private decks.
- Activities: Game drives, guided bush walks, hot-air balloon safaris, Maasai cultural visits.
- Best For: Couples, families, and eco-luxury travelers seeking an exclusive Mara safari.
- Recommended Stay: 3–4 nights, ideally during migration season for dramatic river crossings.
✨ Whether it’s your first safari or a return to Africa’s wild heart, Sanctuary Olonana offers a stay that is immersive, elegant, and unforgettable — a true sanctuary in the Masai Mara.
✨ Recommended stay: 3–4 nights to fully enjoy the Maasai Mara safari experience.
2025 Sanctuary Retreats Special Offers _Download
JOURNEYS PICKED FOR YOU:-Find your next spectacular adventure featuring our Sanctuary stays
Sanctuary Olonana Camp Rates 2025
| Suite and Family Suite | |||||||||
| Season | 1-3 nights | 4-6 nights | 7+ nights | ||||||
| PP | Single | Child | PP | Single | Child | PP | Single | Child | |
| Low | $1 020 | $1 020 | $510 | $765 | $765 | $382 | $714 | $714 | $357 |
| Mid | $1 190 | $1 784 | $595 | $952 | $1 428 | $476 | $892 | $1 338 | $446 |
| High | $2 318 | $3 476 | $1 159 | $1 970 | $2 955 | $985 | $1 854 | $2 781 | $927 |
| Geoffrey Kent Suite | |||||||||
| 1-3 nights | 4-6 nights | 7+ nights | |||||||
| Per Suite (Max 4) | Child | Per Suite (Max 4) | Child | Per Suite (Max 4) | Child | ||||
| Low | $4 895 | $612 | $3 671 | $459 | $3 426 | $428 | |||
| Mid | $5 710 | $714 | $4 568 | $571 | $4 283 | $535 | |||
| High | $11 124 | $1 391 | $9 455 | $1 182 | $8 899 | $1 112 | |||
Seasons:
- Low:-01 Apr – 31 May / 01 Nov – 20 Dec
- Mid:-03 Jan – 31 Mar / 01 Jun – 15 Jun
- High:-16 Jun – 31 Oct / 21 Dec – 02 Jan 2026
ADDITIONAL SERVICES – 2025
- Exclusive Use of Vehicle – Full Day Per Vehicle (Max 6) $650
- Exclusive Use of Vehicle – Half Day Per Vehicle (Max 6) $325
- Extra lunch Per Person $60
- Guide room Per Person, Per Night $150
- International tour leader staying in guide room Per Person, Per Night $250
- Meet and assist Per Group $190
- Picnic lunch box Per Person $30
- PM Departure Per Person $140
INFORMATION
These rates are in US$ per person per night (except for the GK Suite & Private Villa) and include VAT. The Geoffrey Kent suite and Private Villa rates are based on the entire unit. Bookings and rates are subject to availability, and these rates and terms and conditions can be withdrawn or altered without prior notice at the sole discretion of Sanctuary Retreats. All bookings are subject to Sanctuary Retreats trading terms and conditions.
Accommodation Information
- Triple and quadruple suites are subject to availability at time of confirming a booking.
- A Suite can accommodate one child aged 12 or younger sharing a suite with two adults (sleeping on a sofa bed).
- There are three Suites for families at Sanctuary Olonana which have an additional bedroom for two children aged 18 or younger and a sofa bed for a child aged 12 or younger.
- In addition to four adults, the Geoffrey Kent Suite can accommodate two children aged 18 or younger in an additional (third) bedroom and a child aged 12 or younger in a sofa bed.
- Guide accommodation, subject to availability.
- Check out time at Sanctuary Olonana is 10:00 am.
Unsaleable Inventory
Sanctuary Retreats reserves the right to charge 50% of the room rate in the event that the dates requested create a night that is unsaleable in any room category.
Single Occupancy
Single occupancy bookings are charged at the listed single rates. There is no supplement for single occupancy for a maximum of 3 suites from April to May and November to 20 December
Activities
All camp activities (included & excluded) are subject to weather conditions and seasonality. In cases whereby severe weather conditions prevail, activities may not be offered if deemed potentially harmful for guests, or if the pre-described activity is no longer accessible due to weather conditions.
Children Policy
- All Sanctuary Retreats Kenya properties All ages welcome
- Children aged 15 years and younger are required to share with an adult
- A private game drive vehicle must be booked for families with children aged 5 and younger
- Children aged 15 years and younger are not permitted on walking safaris
Child Rates
- 6 years old and younger Free of charge
- Between 7 – 15 years old (when sharing with one adult) Adult rates apply
- Between 7 – 15 years old (when sharing with two adults) Child rates apply
- 16 years old and older Adult rates apply
- 2 Children, 15 years and younger (when sharing with one adult) 1 Child rate applies & 1 Adult rate applies
Child Rates (Geoffrey Kent Suite & Private Villa)
The maximum age for child rates to apply is 15 years inclusive. One or two children sharing in the Geoffrey Kent Suite / Private Villa with four adults, pay the listed child rate.
Additional Services
- The rates are valid between dates shown. Listed rates are subject to change without prior notice
- Guide rooms are available at Sanctuary Olonana and Sanctuary Tambarare.
- International tour leader staying in guide rooms are available at Sanctuary Olonana and Sanctuary Tambarare.
- Road transfers and flights can only be carried out during daylight, and timing and duration may differ considerably depending on factors beyond the control of Sanctuary Retreats and operators involved. Please check at the time of booking.
- Early departures from lodges may be necessary to accommodate flight schedules.
- Luggage on intercamp flights is restricted to 15kgs per person in soft side bags.
- Activities may be weather permitting.
- Park fees are set by the relevant authority and may change without prior notice even after booking.
GENERAL INFORMATION, TERMS & CONDITIONS
Long Stay Rates
Long stay rates depend on the months of travel and the duration of the total stay, starting from 4 nights. The total stay can be in one camp/lodge only or be made up of stays in different Sanctuary Retreats camps/lodges anywhere in Africa. Stays in different camps/lodges do not need to be consecutive but must belong to one itinerary.
Payment Terms
A non-refundable 20% deposit is payable within 7 days of confirming a booking, with the final balance due 60 days prior to arrival. If a booking is made 60 days or less before arrival, the full cost is payable immediately. Last-minute bookings are payable before arrival. Failure to pay on time may result in automatic cancellation of a booking with cancellation penalties payable to Sanctuary Retreats. Please email proof of payment to reservations.kenya@sanctuaryretreats.com. Payments made by credit card will incur additional charges, which will be advised at time of booking, or when making payment.
Cancellation Terms
All cancellations should be made in writing. Cancellation charges (calculated on the total value of the booking):
- If cancellation is received more than 60 days prior to arrival – 20%.
- If cancellation is received from 60 days to 31 days prior to arrival – 50%.
- If cancellation is received less than 31 days prior to arrival – 100%.
Additional fees apply for cancellation of airline tickets and other services, which will be advised as soon as possible after receipt of the written cancellation. Special cancellation terms apply for group bookings and exclusive use of a camp or lodge, which will be advised at time of booking
Gallery
🏕️ Comparing Sanctuary Olonana with Nearby Masai Mara Camps
| Camp/Lodge | Style & Atmosphere | Location | Best For | Price Range* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sanctuary Olonana | Contemporary eco-luxury, glass-fronted villas, riverside setting | Private Mara River frontage | Couples, families, wellness & eco-luxury travelers | From $ 1,100 |
| Angama Mara | Ultra-luxury, modern glass suites with panoramic escarpment views | Oloololo Escarpment | Honeymooners, photographers, design lovers | From $ 1,700 |
| Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp | Classic, family-friendly tented safari camp | Oloololo Escarpment, private concession | Families, first-time safari-goers | From $ 700 |
| Bateleur Camp | Vintage 1920s safari-style, intimate and exclusive | Adjacent to Kichwa Tembo, private concession | Romantic safari purists | $$$$ |
| Mara Serena Safari Lodge | Larger lodge, panoramic river views, good value | Inside Mara Triangle, overlooking Mara River | Migration watchers, groups | $$–$$$ |
| Mara Bushtops | Luxury lodge with private hot tubs & indulgent dining | Private concession, Mara border | Couples, indulgence seekers | From $ 1,120 |
| Mahali Mzuri | Sir Richard Branson’s futuristic safari camp | Olare Motorogi Conservancy | Ultra-luxury travelers, Great Migration | From $ 1,100 |
✨ This grid positions Sanctuary Olonana as the eco-luxury riverside choice, while giving readers clear alternatives like Angama Mara for panoramic romance, Mahali Mzuri for futuristic luxury, or Kichwa Tembo for a more classic safari camp experience.
Other Masai Mara Safari Camp
🌍 Suggested Safari Combinations with Sanctuary Olonana
1. Sanctuary Tambarare Camp (Northern Kenya)
Pair the luxury of Olonana with rugged adventure in Laikipia. Track wild dogs, explore on foot, and sleep under the stars.
2. Lewa Conservancy (Lewa Safari Camp or Kifaru House)
Contrast the Mara’s predator action with Lewa’s rhino conservation and sweeping Mount Kenya views.
3. Amboseli National Park (Tortilis Camp)
Add the drama of elephants framed by Kilimanjaro’s snow-capped peak.
4. Samburu (Saruni Samburu or Elephant Watch Camp)
Diverse landscapes and the Samburu Special Five make an exciting pairing with Olonana.
5. Diani or Zanzibar Beach Retreat
Finish your safari with a barefoot-luxury beach stay. Snorkeling, diving, and spice island charm balance the adrenaline of the Mara.
🌍 Suggested Safari Combinations with Sanctuary Olonana
A stay at Sanctuary Olonana is unforgettable on its own, but pairing it with other destinations in Kenya creates a richer, more varied safari journey. Here are some seamless extensions to consider:
1. Sanctuary Tambarare (Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Laikipia)
Combine your riverside luxury in the Mara with a conservation-focused stay at Sanctuary Tambarare. Located in Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Tambarare offers intimate tented accommodation and exclusive access to rhino sanctuaries, chimpanzee habitats, and Big Five game drives. It’s the perfect complement to Olonana, showcasing Sanctuary’s commitment to both comfort and conservation.
2. Lewa Conservancy (Lewa Safari Camp or Kifaru House)
Pair the predator action of the Mara with Lewa Conservancy’s rhino protection programs and sweeping views of Mount Kenya. Lewa is quieter and more conservation-driven, offering a balance of wildlife and cultural experiences.
3. Amboseli National Park (Tortilis Camp)
For dramatic scenery, add Amboseli, where vast herds of elephants roam beneath the snow-capped peak of Mount Kilimanjaro. It’s a photographer’s paradise and a unique contrast to the open plains of the Mara.
4. Samburu (Saruni Samburu or Sasaab)
Head north to Samburu for unique wildlife such as the Samburu Special Five — Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Somali ostrich, beisa oryx, and gerenuk. The striking landscapes and cultural interactions make it a fascinating extension.
5. Beach Escape (Diani or Zanzibar)
End your safari with barefoot luxury on the coast. Diani Beach offers boutique oceanfront resorts with water sports, while Zanzibar enchants with spice island charm, pristine beaches, and cultural history in Stone Town.
✨ Why combine?
Blending Sanctuary Olonana with Sanctuary Tambarare or other iconic destinations lets you experience Kenya’s full diversity — from predator-filled savannahs and rhino sanctuaries to snow-capped peaks and palm-fringed beaches.
✨ 9-Day Kenya Safari Itinerary: Sanctuary Tambarare, Sanctuary Olonana & Indian Ocean Beach Escape
Day 1–3: Sanctuary Tambarare – Conservation & Big Five at Ol Pejeta
Your journey begins in the heart of Ol Pejeta Conservancy, a renowned wildlife sanctuary on the Laikipia Plateau. Stay at the elegant Sanctuary Tambarare, where modern tented luxury meets world-class conservation. By day, track rhinos, spot the Big Five on exclusive game drives, and visit the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary. By night, retreat to your stylish tent and listen to the sounds of the African bush.
Highlights:
- Track endangered black & white rhinos
- Visit the only chimpanzee sanctuary in Kenya
- Explore Ol Pejeta’s rich savannah on guided drives and walks
Day 4–6: Sanctuary Olonana – Masai Mara Magic
Fly south to the Masai Mara, one of Africa’s most iconic safari landscapes. Your base is Sanctuary Olonana, set on a private stretch of the Mara River. From glass-fronted suites, watch hippos in the water below, then set out on game drives to witness lions, cheetahs, elephants, and—between July and October—the Great Wildebeest Migration. Evenings bring gourmet dining under the stars, paired with the soothing soundtrack of the river.
Highlights:
- Game drives in the Masai Mara National Reserve
- Front-row views of the Great Migration (seasonal)
- Riverside luxury suites with private verandas
Day 7–9: Diani Beach – Indian Ocean Bliss
After days of safari adventure, unwind on the palm-fringed shores of Diani Beach. Stay at a boutique oceanfront resort, where turquoise seas and white sands invite relaxation. Snorkel over coral reefs, try kite-surfing, or simply indulge in spa treatments and sunset cocktails. This beach finale offers the perfect balance to your safari circuit.
Highlights:
- White sand beaches & crystal-clear waters
- Snorkeling, diving, and water sports
- Boutique luxury resorts with laid-back charm
✦ Safari Extensions
- Amboseli for elephants framed by Mount Kilimanjaro
- Samburu for unique wildlife & striking landscapes
- Zanzibar for spice island culture and beach relaxation
💡 Why This Itinerary Works
This 9-day journey blends conservation and rhino tracking at Sanctuary Tambarare, predator-rich safaris at Sanctuary Olonana, and Indian Ocean tranquility at Diani Beach. It’s a seamless combination of wildlife, culture, and relaxation — ideal for couples, families, and first-time safari travelers alike.
Would you like me to also create a shorter 7-day circuit (Tambarare + Olonana only) and a longer 10–12 day version (adding Amboseli or Zanzibar) so you have flexible options for different guest preferences?
🌿 7-Day Kenya Safari Itinerary: Sanctuary Tambarare & Sanctuary Olonana
Day 1–3: Sanctuary Tambarare – Ol Pejeta Conservancy
Begin your safari in Laikipia’s Ol Pejeta Conservancy, staying at Sanctuary Tambarare. Explore rhino sanctuaries, track the Big Five, and visit the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary.
Highlights:
- Exclusive Big Five game drives
- Rhino and chimpanzee conservation experiences
- Luxury tented camp with modern design
Day 4–6: Sanctuary Olonana – Masai Mara National Reserve
Fly to the Masai Mara and settle into Sanctuary Olonana on the Mara River. Enjoy thrilling game drives, riverside dining, and the chance to witness the Great Wildebeest Migration (seasonal).
Highlights:
- Daily game drives with expert guides
- Glass-fronted luxury suites with river views
- Cultural visits to nearby Maasai villages
Day 7: Departure
Morning game drive or riverside breakfast before flying back to Nairobi for onward travel.
✨ Why it works: Compact, seamless, and ideal for travelers short on time but eager for a Big Five + Migration safari circuit.
🌍 12-Day Kenya Safari Itinerary: Tambarare, Olonana & Zanzibar
Day 1–3: Sanctuary Tambarare – Ol Pejeta Conservancy
Kick off your adventure in Laikipia at Sanctuary Tambarare, where rhino conservation meets intimate safari experiences.
Day 4–6: Sanctuary Olonana – Masai Mara
Fly into the Mara for three nights at Sanctuary Olonana. Twice-daily game drives reveal predators, plains game, and—during migration season—the dramatic river crossings.
Day 7–11: Zanzibar – Spice Island & Beaches
Swap the savannah for the sea. Fly to Zanzibar for five nights of beach luxury. Explore historic Stone Town, visit spice plantations, and relax on powdery beaches. Stay at a beachfront resort blending island charm with barefoot luxury.
Highlights:
- Snorkeling, diving, and dhow sailing trips
- Cultural tours of Stone Town & spice farms
- Beachfront sunsets and spa indulgence
Day 12: Departure
Fly back to Nairobi for international departure.
✨ Why it works: This extended safari blends conservation (Ol Pejeta), wildlife spectacle (Mara), and ocean relaxation (Zanzibar) for a perfectly paced, diverse adventure.
✨ Safari Itinerary Comparison: Sanctuary Tambarare & Sanctuary Olonana Circuits
| Itinerary | Destinations | Highlights | Ideal For | Pace | Indicative Cost (pp, 2026) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 Days – Tambarare & Olonana | 3 nights Sanctuary Tambarare (Ol Pejeta Conservancy) + 3 nights Sanctuary Olonana (Masai Mara) | Big Five safari, rhino & chimpanzee conservation, Maasai culture, Mara River wildlife | Travelers short on time, first-time safari-goers | Compact & focused | From ~USD 8,500 pp |
| 9 Days – Tambarare, Olonana & Diani Beach | 3 nights Tambarare + 3 nights Olonana + 3 nights Diani Beach | Safari + beach combo, whale sharks (seasonal), white sand beaches, ocean activities | Couples, honeymooners, families seeking variety | Balanced mix | From ~USD 10,500 pp |
| 12 Days – Tambarare, Olonana & Zanzibar | 3 nights Tambarare + 3 nights Olonana + 5 nights Zanzibar | Rhino & Big Five safaris, Great Migration, Stone Town, spice plantations, snorkeling & diving | Adventure seekers, honeymooners, slow-travel luxury lovers | Relaxed & immersive | From ~USD 13,800 pp |
💡 Costs include accommodation, meals, game drives, park fees, internal flights & transfers. Excludes international flights & optional activities.
✨ Each of these carefully curated itineraries combines the very best of Kenya’s wilderness with Sanctuary’s signature style of luxury and personalized service. Whether you prefer a compact 7-day adventure, a balanced 9-day safari-and-beach retreat, or a relaxed 12-day journey blending safari with Zanzibar’s turquoise shores, you’ll enjoy an unforgettable experience tailored to your pace and passions. Please let us know which circuit feels right for you, and we will be delighted to place a provisional booking to secure your space.