Description
Ol Donyo Lodge nestles in the foothills of the rolling Chyulu Hills, between Tsavo and Amboseli, with exclusive access to a quarter of a million acres of one of the few remaining corners of wild Africa, the Mbirikani Group Ranch. This untouched wilderness where Maasai herdsmen live in total harmony with nature is awe-inspiring.
The main area is set high on the hillside, and opens completely to the plains below, with Mount Kilimanjaro ever present in the distance. The use of stone, thatch and wood make for very comfortable accommodation. Just below the main area, but also on the hillside is a breathtaking infinity pool, complete with a private lounge and dining area. With views of the lodge’s famous waterhole, it is a lovely spot to while away an afternoon.
The four pool villas each have 2 bedrooms and are ideal for families or small groups of friends. They are designed to be versatile and function either as family villas or for two couples while still maintaining an element of privacy. One of the villas functions more as a bush home intended for families or groups of friends. This villa is purpose built and designed for a couple who want space and seclusion or for parents who require their children under the same roof, but with adequate space and privacy. It has two bedrooms under one roof and one swimming pool. Each bedroom has its own spacious en-suite bathroom, complete with an indoor and outdoor shower, "star bed" and sundowner viewing deck.
The Mbirikani Group Ranch features an incredible diversity of habitats. Perhaps the most unique is the high-altitude mist forest, where leopard and rhino lurk, and an incredible amount of biodiversity is present. It is a microcosm, unlike any other area of the ranch. So in addition to tracking, a hike to this area, from the lodge, is very rewarding. The Chyulu Hills and its diverse ecosystem lend itself perfectly to horseback safaris. To come along for the ride, and experience wildlife on horseback, is an experience not to be missed. There is a team of 20 horses, ranging in size and catering for riders of all levels of experience.
The lodge is hosted and the exceptionally friendly staff are there to organise daily activities and to provide high standards of cuisine and personal service.
Accommodation
Ol Donyo Lodge has 10 guest suites in six stand-alone villas. No two spaces are of the same design but all have a dramatic view of the African savannah with Mount Kilimanjaro in the background. The design is contemporary and yet traditional with plenty of art and photography from around Africa. All suites have a lounge, verandah, indoor and outdoor showers, double washbasins, flush toilet and bath, and “star-bed”. All but two of the suites have their own private pools.
Childcare
Ol Donyo Lodge welcomes children but is not suited to very young children and for this reason children must be supervised at all times. Food can be tailored to suit children and earlier meal times can be arranged where necessary. Babysitting can be organised for those that require it.
Facilities
Al fresco lunches on the verandah and candlelit dinners in the main dining room are wonderful, breakfasts in the plains and dinners under the African sky; or surprise sundowners and classic English tea in the romantic setting of the bush. A private chef is also available for in-villa catering as well as in-room massages on request. The lodge has a stunning hillside infinity pool.
Activities
Guests are able to track wildlife by open game drive vehicles, by foot, or horseback. Late afternoon and early evening drives are featured for those interested in spotting the more elusive nocturnal species. Guided mountain bike safaris, visits to the open-air hide, romantic roof top “star-beds” sleep out experiences, authentic Maasai cultural visits, and tracking with the Bloodhounds are all arranged as and when requested.
Services
A private chef is available for exclusive in-villa catering. Also in-room massages can be arranged on request. The lodge is hosted and the exceptionally friendly staff are there to organise daily activities and to provide high standards of cuisine and personal service.
When to travel
The only time to avoid Kenya is during the long rainy season in April and May. November is considered the short rainy season, however, these are less predictable and are much lighter. The best time of year to visit the Maasai Mara is during the Great Wildebeest Migration which tends to pass through the Mara between mid July to late October.
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Location and directions
Chyulu Hills, Kenya
Ol Donyo Lodge is in the heart of the 275,000 acre Mbirikani Group Ranch, located on the slopes of the Chyulu Hills National Park between the Amboseli and Tsavo West National Parks in southeast Kenya. Its location is unrivalled with full views of Mount Kilimanjaro and in the path of seasonal elephant migrations.
How to get there
8.5 hour international flight to Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta Airport, then its 30 minute by road to Wilson Domestic Airport. Scheduled flights from Nairobi’s Wilson airport to Ol Donyo Lodge airstrip take about 1 hour. On arrival at the airfield, the vehicle transfer to the lodge is approximately 30 minutes, allowing time for game viewing.
