Sanctuary Olonana (A&K Sanctuary):
A Complete Guide to Modern Luxury on the Masai Mara River
On the banks of the Mara River in Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve lies a luxury camp that perfectly blends modern design aesthetics with raw wilderness — Sanctuary Olonana. As one of the flagship properties in the Abercrombie & Kent (A&K) Sanctuary collection, Olonana has been the benchmark for modern luxury safari experiences in the Masai Mara since opening in 1999. Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast chasing the “Big Five” or a traveler seeking a private retreat lulled by the grunts of hippos, Olonana delivers an unforgettable East African safari.
Location & Access
Olonana Lodge sits on a private stretch of the Mara River in the southwestern Masai Mara National Reserve. The camp is approximately 6 km from Oloololo Gate and just about 8 km from Kichwa Tembo Airstrip, a 15- to 30-minute drive away.
Getting There:
- By Air: Scheduled or charter flights from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport take about 45 minutes to Kichwa Tembo Airstrip, followed by a short transfer to camp
- By Road: Approximately 5–6 hours’ drive from Nairobi, passing through the Great Rift Valley and Masai villages
The camp is about a 40-minute drive from the famous wildebeest river-crossing points on the Mara River, making it one of the best bases for witnessing the Great Migration river crossings during the July to October season.
The Accommodation Experience: Where Modern Design Meets Wilderness
Accommodations Suites
– A Testament to Elegance
Olonana features 14 spacious suites, including two honeymoon suites and an exceptionally luxurious Geoffrey Kent Suite. The camp underwent a full renovation in 2018, upgrading traditional canvas tents to glass-fronted structures that let indoor and outdoor spaces flow together naturally.
Each suite features:
- Floor-to-ceiling glass doors that fold fully open onto a private deck overlooking the Mara River
- Spacious en-suite bathrooms with bathtub, indoor/outdoor showers, and double vanities
- Stocked minibar
- Luxurious king-size beds and sun loungers
The Geoffrey Kent Suite is the camp’s most exclusive option, with its own heated infinity pool, private chef, butler, guide, and safari vehicle — designed for travelers seeking the ultimate in privacy and luxury.
The camp’s main area is built from wood, stone, and glass, creating a modern yet organic feel. The dining area overlooks the river, and meals are prepared with fresh ingredients from the camp’s own organic garden. The camp also features a swimming pool, a mini spa (offering everything from traditional African massages to French marine therapies), and a well-stocked library
Safari Experiences
Tailored Activities and Adventures
Wildlife & Activities
Olonana’s greatest advantage is its riverside location — a resident pod of hippos lives directly below the camp, and guests can watch them frolic in the water from their decks. Crocodiles, elephants, and a variety of birdlife are also frequently seen along the Mara River.
Key Activities Include:
- Twice-daily game drives (morning and evening) led by experienced Maasai guides in custom open 4×4 vehicles
- Mara River wildebeest crossing viewing (July–October), one of the most spectacular natural events on Earth
- Maasai village cultural visits to learn about traditional Maasai life, fire-making ceremonies, and warrior dances
- Bush breakfasts and sundowners, enjoying unique outdoor dining experiences on the plains
- Hot air balloon safaris (at additional cost), offering breathtaking aerial views of the Masai Mara
- Nature walks, exploring the wetland ecology and flora and fauna around the camp
Sanctuary Olonana Camp Rates 2026
Suite & Family Suite
| 1–3 Nights | 4–6 Nights | 7+ Nights | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | PP | Single | Child | PP | Single | Child | PP | Single | Child |
| 🟡 Mid | $1,190 | $1,785 | $595 | $952 | $1,428 | $476 | $893 | $1,339 | $446 |
| 🟢 Low | $1,020 | $1,020 | $510 | $816 | $816 | $408 | $765 | $765 | $383 |
| 🔴 High | $2,450 | $3,675 | $1,225 | $2,205 | $3,308 | $1,103 | $2,083 | $3,124 | $1,041 |
Geoffrey Kent Suite
| 1–3 Nights | 4–6 Nights | 7+ Nights | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Per Suite (4 Pax) | Child | 5th Pax | Per Suite (4 Pax) | Child | 5th Pax | Per Suite (4 Pax) | Child | 5th Pax |
| 🟡 Mid | $5,236 | $655 | $1,309 | $4,189 | $524 | $1,047 | $3,927 | $491 | $982 |
| 🟢 Low | $4,488 | $561 | $1,122 | $3,590 | $449 | $898 | $3,366 | $421 | $842 |
| 🔴 High | $10,780 | $1,348 | $2,695 | $9,702 | $1,213 | $2,426 | $9,163 | $1,145 | $2,291 |
📅 Season Dates (2026)
| Season | Dates |
|---|---|
| 🟢 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 2027 |
🦁 Sanctuary Olonana Camp — Rates 2027
Suite & Family Suite
| | 1–3 Nights | | | | 4–6 Nights | | | |
|—|—|—|—|—|—|—|—|—|—|
| Validity | PP Sharing | Single | Child | 3rd Adult | PP Sharing | Single | Child | 3rd Adult |
| 🟡 03 Jan – 31 Mar & 01 – 15 Jun | $1,154 | $1,735 | $581 | $929 | $985 | $1,481 | $498 | $788 |
| 🟢 01 Apr – 31 May & 01 Nov – 20 Dec | $994 | $994 | $498 | $750 | $854 | $854 | $431 | $648 |
| 🔴 16 Jun – 31 Oct & 21 Dec – 02 Jan 2028 | $2,373 | $3,563 | $1,191 | $2,025 | $2,138 | $3,206 | $1,069 | $1,819 |
Geoffrey Kent Suite
| 1–3 Nights | 4–6 Nights | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Validity | Per Suite (Max 4) | Child | 5th Adult | Per Suite (Max 4) | Child | 5th Adult Sharing |
| 🟡 03 Jan – 31 Mar & 01 – 15 Jun | $3,844 | $656 | $1,313 | $3,281 | $563 | $1,125 |
| 🟢 01 Apr – 31 May & 01 Nov – 20 Dec | $3,281 | $563 | $1,313 | $2,906 | $563 | $1,031 |
| 🔴 16 Jun – 31 Oct & 21 Dec – 02 Jan 2028 | $10,500 | $1,313 | $2,625 | $9,469 | $1,219 | $2,438 |
📅 Season Key (2027)
| Season | Dates |
|---|---|
| 🟡 Mid | 03 Jan – 31 Mar · 01 – 15 Jun |
| 🟢 Low | 01 Apr – 31 May · 01 Nov – 20 Dec |
| 🔴 High | 16 Jun – 31 Oct · 21 Dec – 02 Jan 2028 |
Park Fees: Additional park fees apply and are not included in the rates above. Please contact us for current park fee schedules.
Park Fees
- 01 January – 30 June 2026 $110
- 01 July – 31 December 2026 $210
ACTIVITIES
- Exclusive Use of Vehicle – Full Day at Olonana Lodge Per Vehicle (Max 6) $750
- Exclusive Use of Vehicle – Half Day at Olonana Lodge
- Per Vehicle (Max 6) $375
- Bush Walk at Olonana Lodge Per Person $95
- Night Game Drive at Olonana Lodge Per Person $95
- KWS Rhino Sanctuary Visit at Olonana Lodge Per Person $90
Iincludes
- All meals, non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages. Including premium alcoholic brands.
- Transfers to and from the nearest local airstrip.
- Bed Night Levy at Tambarare Camp.
- Laundry services.
- Emergency medical evacuation.
- Geoffrey Kent Suite and Tambarare Villa includes exclusive use of a game vehicle, private safari guide, private chef, dedicated waiter and housekeeper, and premium brands.
- Olonana Lodge: Twice daily game drives or one full day game drive and Masai Village Visit.
- Tambarare Camp: Twice daily game drives or one full day game drive and Northern White Rhino Encounter (one per person, per stay).
EXCLUDES
- Park fees at Olonana Lodge.
- Additional activities at Olonana Lodge.
- International and domestic flights.
- Road transfers to and from other camps and lodges.
- Travel insurance, boutique purchases, spa treatments, gratuities, and all other items of a personal nature.
INFORMATION
These rates are in US$ 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
2027 Rate Reference
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Single Occupancy | No single supplement from 1 January–31 May and 1 September–31 December 2027 |
| Triples | 3 family suites available per night for triple occupancy, subject to availability at time of confirmation |
| Child Policy | Free for ages 6 and under; ages 7–15 sharing with one adult pay adult rate; sharing with two adults pay child rate |
| Included | All meals, premium beverages, airstrip transfers, laundry, emergency medical evacuation, twice-daily game drives |
| Excluded | Park fees, conservancy fees, additional activities, domestic/international flights, travel insurance |
For East African residents, reference rates during peak season (16 June–31 October, 21 December–2 January) are KES 118,800 per adult sharing, and KES 178,200 for single occupancy.
Similar Camps in the Masai Mara
If you’re comparing other luxury camps in the Masai Mara, consider these options:
| Camp | Highlights |
|---|---|
| andBeyond Kichwa Tembo | Located in the Mara Triangle, ideal location during migration season, high-end facilities and exceptional wildlife viewing |
| Angama Mara | Perched on the Oloololo Escarpment, famous for its “Out of Africa” scenery and unparalleled views |
| Mara Plains Camp | Located in the Olare Motorogi Conservancy, known for top-tier guides and very low vehicle density |
| Cottar’s 1920s Camp | A century of heritage, located in a private conservancy, offering highly private safari experiences |
Sister A&K Sanctuary Camps in East Africa
Olonana is a key member of the A&K Sanctuaryast Africa collection. The portfolio includes several distinctive luxury camps across Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda — ideal for combining into a complete East African safari itinerary:
Kenya:
- Tambarare Camp (Ol Pejeta Conservancy): Renowned for rhino conservation, an excellent base for tracking lions and seeing the last two northern white rhinos
- Kitirua Plains Lodge (Amboseli): Newly opened in June 2026, a 128-acre private concession adjacent to Amboseli National Park, famous for spectacular elephant herds and Mount Kilimanjaro views, with rates from $840 per person per night
- A&K Exclusive Tented Camp: Exclusive private camps that can be set up in the Masai Mara, Laikipia, Amboseli, and beyond, accommodating 2–12 tents
Tanzania:
- Swala Camp (Tarangire National Park): Known for elephants and baobab landscapes
- Kichakani Camp (Serengeti): Located in the heart of the Great Migration, with northern and southern locations
- Ngorongoro Crater Camp (Ngorongoro): Relocated and fully redesigned in 2026, just 25 minutes from the crater descent road, featuring 10 newly upgraded tented suites with interiors 97% crafted by local East African artisans
Uganda:
- Gorilla Forest Lodge (Bwindi Impenetrable National Park): A luxury base for gorilla trekking
A&K offers several private tailor-made itineraries linking Olonana with its sister camps. For example, the “A&K Sanctuary Kenya Journey” begins at Kitirua Plains Lodge, continues to Tambarare Camp, and ends at Olonana — an 8-day journey from $9,995 per person. Adding Tanzania allows you to experience the perfect combination of Swala, Kichakani, and Olonana through the “A&K Sanctuary Tanzania & Kenya Journey.”