Description
Meaning ‘place of the greater kudu’, Ol Malo is the home of Colin and Rocky Francombe. The 5,000-acre ranch and game sanctuary lies along the Ewaso Nyiro River on the edge of the Laikipia Plateau and has four wonderful cottages built from natural rock, with thatched roofs and ancient olive wood furniture. Each has a separate bathroom, living area and private veranda.
Ol Malo House accomodates 12 guests and is available for exclusive use. It has a beautiful, large sitting and dinning room - with open fireplaces - encircled by three double bedrooms. Separate cottages create a further three double rooms, each private cottage has arch windows and doors, en-suite bathrooms and decor inspired by the surrounding landscapre. Lighting is handmade by the Samburu women and this creates a warm ambience and welcoming atmostphere. A flagstone path leads to a large open area overlooking the infinity pool - perfect for al fresco dining. From here you can watch the varied game come to drink at the much-frequented waterhole.
A choice of early morning game walks with a hot bush breakfast, horse and camel expeditions, camping and visits to a Samburu village ensure that there is as much, or as little, to do as one could possibly want out of a safari holiday.
Accommodation
Ol Malo house is very private and usually booked on an exclusive basis it has 6 double rooms, comfortably accommodating 12 people. There are 4 private cottages at Ol Malo Lodge.
Childcare
Children are welcome to visit Ol Malo and although there are no specific child care facilities, babysitting can be arranged.
Facilities
There is a stunning infinity pool.
Activities
Ol Malo has plenty to keep you busy, the guides are all fully trained and licenced and grew up in the surrounding wilderness so know it very well. You can tailor the activities to suit your requirements, from game viewing by vehicle or foot, riding, camel rides, fishing or mountain biking. It is also possible and encouraged to visit some of the community projects and meet those living around you.
Services
Ol Malo is run by people who were born and raised here and have a thorough understanding of the countryside and its inhabitants – human and animal.
When to travel
Ol Malo is closed in April, May & November.
The main tourist season is in January and February, when the weather is hottest and driest. At this time, the animals in the wildlife parks tend to congregate more around the watercourses, making them easier to spot.
Northern and eastern Kenya temperatures vary from highs of up to 40°C during the day to less than 20°C at night. Rainfall in this area is sparse and, when it does occur, is often in the form of violent storms. July is usually the driest month, and November the wettest.
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Best time to visit
Good time to visit
Average time to visit
Not applicable
Location and directions
Laikipia, Kenya
Ol Malo is on the banks of the Uaso Nyiro River in Kenya's wild and beautiful North Eastern Province - 5000 acres of spectacular bush country overlooked by Mount Kenya and teeming with the elusive antelope from which the land takes its name. In this majestic setting on a rock escarpment on the edge of the Laikipia Plateau, bordering the tribal heartlands of the nomadic Samburu people.
How to get there
8.5 hour international flight. Followed by a charter flight direct to Ol Malo airstrip, or schedule flight to Nanyuki, departs daily from Nairobi Wilson Airport, and connecting charter to Ol Malo.
