Ol Donyo Lodge
Hotel
Unplug for a while and discover a small paradise nestling between the Amboseli and the Tsavo West National Park – the Ol Donyo Lodge! Richard Bonham, gamekeeper, discovered the spectacularly beautiful landscape from high above in his Cessna and quickly arrived at the decision to build a small, luxurious lodge far from tourist busses and routine safaris.
The first step was to develop a concept in cooperation with the local Maasai tribe that sets out strict guidelines for protecting environmental read more » and social interests. Both the concept and the cooperation haven proven their worth and materialised in the form of the luxurious Ol Donyo Lodge at the heart of the 1000 square kilometres large Mbirikani Sanctuary at the foot of the Chyuli Hills.
Renovated in 2008, the Ol Donyo Lodge radiates a modern appeal with plenty of tradition that has won the lodge a membership in the celebrated luxury hotel portfolio Relais & Chateaux. Moreover, the Ol Donyo’s great commitment to sustainable and socially impeccable operations classifies the lodge as a model for others to follow.
Experience untamed Africa with the Kilimanjaro providing a soaring backdrop! After an exciting safari or excursion, return to one of East Africa’s most luxurious lodges to enjoy a steaming shower or a refreshing dip in the infinity pool before settling down to a delicious dinner served with a flourish.
Only natural materials like stone, straw and timber were used in the construction of the Ol Donyo Lodge. The main building is located on a ridge of the Chyuli Hills and seemingly floats high above the surrounding landscapes.
Settle down on the comfortable sofas grouped around the large fireplace and exchange safari adventure stories. An open bar, generous dining area, a library with internet access and a sweeping veranda complete the facilities and invite you to kick back and relax.
The Ol Donyo’s ten luxuriously large suites are accommodated in six villas spread out on the property. The suites are supremely comfortable but retain that special, exciting and unique “out in the African bush” flair.
Just below the lodge, one of the region’s few reliable waterholes attracts large numbers of wildlife. No foreign vehicles visit these places, ensuring you a quiet and unhurried experience of the local flora and fauna. It is an exclusive paradise that only few get the chance to visit.
Living
The Ol Donyo Lodge offers a total of ten highly exclusive suites accommodated in six separate villas. The suites have been individually designed. However, they all share a common feature: a magnificent
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view out over the savannah and the distant Mount Kilimanjaro.
The suites’ elegant interior is in perfect keeping with the Ol Donyo Lodge’s design concept. A thatched roof adds a rustic touch to a luxurious living- and bedroom furnished with a stately four-poster bed. Both the rooms and the adjacent bedrooms have been built into the Chyuli Hills’ cool rock face. Eight of the ten suites include a private pool in addition to the fantastic open-air shower.
Last but not least, there is a highlight that deserves extra mention: the so-called Star Beds are set high atop each suite’s roof. Follow the stone steps that lead up from the veranda and lie down to let Africa’s brilliant night sky fill your eyes, mind and heart!
Activities
The luxurious Ol Donyo Lodge nestles deep within a pristine part of Kenya. Consequently, the available activities are highly exclusive. The savannah game drives are offered day and night and are accompanied
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by experienced guides.
On a different day, set off exploring on a guided bush hike, straddle a mountain bike or hop atop a trusty steed and set off on horseback through the Mbirikani Protected Reserve. The lodge’s open-air observation hide-out provides a perfect opportunity to get close to elephants and antelopes without being seen.
Mount Kilimanjaro is a tough one to climb. However, you may also decide to climb it speeding through the clouds on a scenic flight. There are plenty of things to see and do and it will be a pleasure for the Ol Donyo’s friendly team to organise day trips to the Amboseli National Park or to one of the local Maasai villages. Lend your support to the Ol Donyo’s environmental and social commitment!
