The Sanctuary at Ol Lentille
Laikipia, Northern Kenya, Kenya
At a Glance
Each villa is fully staffed and serviced with a butler, valet, guide (and safari vehicle), askari (guard) and exceptional food by an international chef
All safari activities are private per villa
Explore the private reserve by mountain biking, quad biking, horse riding and camel safaris as well as game drives
Four stunning private villas on a hilltop in Laikipia, with seemingly never-ending views
Strong conservation and community ethics to protect the wildlife and ensure tourism brings benefits to the local communities
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Best time to Visit
Good time to visit
Average time to visit
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.
Insider's View
The most beautiful place to relax, and makes a wonderful pre or post safari retreat.
Relax on the viewing deck and have a look through the GPS telescope.
The best aspect of Ol Lentille in my opinion is the homely feel. Every party gets their own stunning villa for the entirety of their stay.
Call us on to start planning your holiday to The Sanctuary at Ol Lentille or take a look at our itineraries to Kenya
Description
Situated in the rolling hills of the Laikipia Plateau, in the Ol Lentille Conservancy, the Sanctuary at Ol Lentille is a breathtaking place to visit, and a great base from which to explore this fascinating and diverse part of Kenya.
Perched high up on a grassy hill overlooking deep, acacia-dotted valleys, The Sanctuary at Ol Lentille is a wonderful community project comprising four houses, each secluded and intimate, and each with its own staff including a Maasai guide, a vehicle, a butler, a valet and an askari (guard). For families with children, the services of a nanny can also be included.
The four guest houses are secluded from each other and are accessed by winding steps and gravelled pathways.
In addition to the four houses, the Sanctuary has a wonderful infinity pool with views stretching to the horizon, while nearby “pods” have been created for guests to escape into and while away the lazy afternoons with a good book or a snooze. There are also viewing platforms complete with GPS telescope ensure guests can enjoy the sights during both day and at night.
For those who wish to explore the area, day and night game drives, walks, quad bikes, horse-riding, mountain-biking and even camel rides are on offer! The conservancy is home to kudu, leopard, hyena and klipspringer and occasionally the rare wild dog are spotted. The stunning surrounding landscapes offer rock climbing courses and jogging trails.
After your activities you can unwind at The Sanctuary’s very own spa, with a variety of treatments including massage and reflexology, as well as beauty treatments. Then relax in the Sanctuary’s very own library complete with a viewing deck and a telescope for all guests to use.
Accommodation
The Sanctuary at Ol Lentille consists of four private houses, each of which are taken on an exclusive basis and come fully staffed and with a private guide and game vehicle. The houses are different sizes so there is a house to suit every need.
The Chief’s House commands a spectacular view with three bedrooms, a main living and dining area and a small plunge pool on the deck.
The Colonel’s house has two double bedrooms, and is very colonial in style with a small plunge pool and a cosy living room with an open fire.
Sultan’s House has just one double bedroom and thus is perfect for honeymooners wanting a secluded retreat – the house is decorated with Swahili accents and has a spacious living and dining area, all with incredible views over the valleys.
Finally the Eyrie is the most spectacular and quirky of the four houses; perched on the top of a kopje, it has incredible views over the entire conservancy. Designed eclectically with hints of contemporary Africa, the Eyrie has a circular bedroom…complete with a circular bed!
| Chief's House | A reflection of contemporary Africa combining a sumptuously cool modern interior with the best of African art, fabrics and artefacts. It has three double bedrooms, sitting and dining rooms, and kitchen. The sitting room has a charming open fire, as well as a plunge-pool on the outdoor deck. Each bedroom has a dressing room and bathroom. The master bedroom has a large outdoor bath set in the rocks for candlelight bathing under the stars. |
| Sultan's House | This stone-built house is designed in “Lamu” style under a huge roof thatched with twisted papyrus. It has fine plaster carving, and lavish furnishings, including a four-poster bed. The house has one enormous double bedroom, a huge sitting/dining room, a kitchen and two bathrooms. The space of this house is such that it can be converted to provide a second (childrens’) bedroom. |
| The Colonel’s House | In “Campaign” style, this house seems truly to be the bush home of a well-traveled military man. With brass-bound furniture, oriental carpets, and a beautiful “Knole” sofa in front of an open fire you can feel a connection with a bygone era of comfort and style. The house has two double bedrooms, sitting and dining rooms, and kitchen. Each bedroom has a dressing room, shower and a sunken bath. There is a courtyard for outdoor dining, featuring a plunge-pool. |
| The Eyrie | This special house is perched at the top of our rock kopje in “African Retro” style. The Eyrie has one en-suite bedroom, sitting room with open fire, dining room, deck and kitchen. It is seductively furnished. The circular bedroom has a gigantic round bed, and it is but a few steps to your own secluded outdoor double rock bath with views over our rugged hills to the deserts of the north. |
Childcare
Children of all ages are welcomed at Ol Lentille and although there are no specific facilities for children, babysitting can be arranged if parents need a bit of time out to themselves.
Facilities
Each house has an horizon swimming pool that is perfect to dip into to cool down from the african sun. Relax in the spa with luxury treatments to treat yourself! Spend time in the library to learn about the local culture or catch up on your latest novel. Pass away some time on the viewing deck and have a look through the GPS telescope to see if you can see any wildlife hiding nearby. The lodge also has satellite broadband WiFi to keep you connected to friends and family.
Each house is fully staffed and serviced by a Butler, Valet, Guide (and safari vehicle)and a night watchman or Askari.
Activities
Activities include horse and camel riding (short rides or longer treks with fly camping), there is a Parcours jogging trail. Croquet and boules are on offer on the lawn. For the more active of you, mountain biking, quad-biking (ATVs) and rock-climbing are available. Also explore the conservancy on both day and night game drives and guided walks to get some sightings of the local game.
Experiences
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Fly Fishing in Northern Kenya
If you want to try something really different during your holiday then why not take a fishing trip up to Lake Rutundu or Lake Alice. Situated at 10,000 feet above sea level, on the slopes of Mount Kenya this is a totally unique fly fishing experience.
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Game Drives in Lewa Downs
Explore this beautiful area of Kenya with your professional safari guide in search of some of the fantastic wildlife of Laikipia. Enjoy the opportunity to track and view some of the critically endangered white and black rhino of the conservancy.
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Scenic flights
A scenic flight is the ultimate way to enjoy Kenya's spectacular landscapes, whether by helicopter or in the wonderful Waco bi-plane, it is an experience of a lifetime.
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Walking Safaris in Laikipia
Explore the African bush on foot with your experienced guide and tracker. A fantastic opportunity to experience a different perspective, away from the noise of a safari vehicle.
Location & directions
Laikipia, Northern Kenya, Kenya
The Sanctuary at Ol Lentille is a small lodge in the African wilderness, only 75 kilometres north of Mount Kenya and located within a 40,000 acre private conservancy.
How to get there
It is an 8-hour 30-minute international flight to Nairobi. Followed by a private charter flight direct to Ol Lentille airstrip, or schedule flight to Nanyuki, departs daily from Nairobi Wilson Airport, and connecting charter to Ol Lentille. It is also possible to arrange a road transfer from Nanyuki to Ol Lentille which takes about 1-hour 30-minutes.
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