Ol Donyo Lodge

CEDARBERG RATING

Luxury

Overview

Ol Donyo Lodge is located on the Masai-owned Mbirikani Group Ranch, 275,000 acres of wilderness between the Amboseli  and Tsavo National Parks and bordering Chyulu Hills National Park.  This stunning area is diverse and has spectacular views of Mount Kilimanjaro. No other lodge in Africa offers such a wide range of experiences in such a private setting.  Kenya’s first Relais & Chateaux lodge is perched on a hillside, with East Africa’s classic savanna below.

The Lodge

The 16 bed lodge is a sympathetic blend of contemporary and rustic with each suite merging into the park's landscape. Designed for a wide appeal, the lodge is ideal for a getaway for families, honeymooners or multi-generational groups. What makes it stand out is its wide variety of activities; cultural visits, great wildlife viewing, hiking, horseback riding for riders of all levels and mountain biking. Ol Donyo Lodge is a place to get a feel for Africa, and  get away from normal life.

Add to this the lodge’s creature comforts - fine dining, massage, infinity pool, star beds and multiple lounges, and it is a place to relax and unwind for days. Wildlife is here, but this semi-arid region does not host the large volumes of the Masai Mara area, so the lodge is best paired with a stay in one of the Masai Mara lodges. Together, this combination gives you a complete Kenya itinerary.

No two of the lodge’s eight suites is exactly the same, but what is consistent is the view to Mount Kilimanjaro. Furthermore, the  lodge has fabulous waterhole and each of the suites has a 'star bed' atop  for sleeping out under the stars. Six of the lodge’s suites have private plunge pools, and two are connected for a ‘villa’ concept, ideal for families or couples traveling together. Constructed of local thatch and gunnite, the suites blend in with the environment although they have great views. Flashes of bright color interspersed with earthy tones, wildlife photography and local crafts punctuate the open-air layout.

The lodge’s main lounge,  with a grand stone fireplace, a small library, an inviting open bar and expansive veranda, is the place to rendezvous with new friends and the local staff. The attached dining area or the nearby pool lounge is where sumptuous meals are served, and good times are to be had. The main infinity pool, curio shop and office offer other diversions should you need more activity after exploring the area.

Community

Most of the lodge staff is from the local Masai community and are keen to share their fascinating culture with guests - this is great opportunity  to learn about it first hand. Also, the Mbirikani Group Ranch and Ol Donyo Lodge are one of the first examples of a community tourism partnership where land is leased from the Masai by the lodge. Therefore, providing the Masai with the benefits of tourism and an incentive for conservation.

At A Glance

  • Off the beaten track
  • Recommended for families
  • Good Food & Wine
  • Horse-riding
  • Mountain Views
  • Beautiful Landscapes
  • Walking Safari
  • Wildlife

Ol Donyo Lodge on the map

Rooms

Ol Donyo Lodge

Deluxe Pool Suites (6)

No two of the lodge’s ten bedrooms is exactly the same, but what is consistent is the view to Mt. Kilimanjaro and the lodge’s famous waterhole as well as star beds atop each of the suites for sleeping under the stars. The décor is luxurious and opulent, while still retaining the atmosphere and sense of place that is an essential ingredient of an outstanding bush lodge. Art from around Africa coupled with the photography of Carol Beckwith, Angela Fisher and of course Beverly Joubert, create a commanding space under the high thatch roofs. The design is contemporary and yet traditional.

All suites have a lounge, verandah, indoor and outdoor showers, double washbasins, flush toilet and bath, and “star-bed”. The rooftop “star-bed” is accessed from the verandah via a winding stone staircase. This is a fabulous sleep-out option, with utter privacy and all the amenities of the suite just below.

Ol Donyo Lodge

Sambu 2-Bedroom Villa (1)

One of the villas, Sambu, 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.