Ol Donyo Lodge

4 nights from €7100

Envision 110,000 hectares of untamed and picturesque Africa. Immerse yourself in the iconic savannah of East Africa, surrounded by freely roaming wildlife—all from the vantage point of horseback!

Kenya, Ol Donyo
Set arrivals
4 nights
4-8 hours of riding per day
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport
Group size: 8 max

Are you seeking a seamless blend of African horseback riding, opulent accommodations, and a plethora of activities catering to non-equestrians? Look no further than the Ol Donyo Lodge. Nestled in the Chyulu Hills of southern Kenya, this retreat promises an abundance of adventure, relaxation, and serenity.

Picture yourself riding amidst the awe-inspiring silhouette of Mount Kilimanjaro, exchanging the hum of car engines for the rhythmic cadence of horse hooves. The horses provided by Ride Kenya await guests each morning and evening. The riding experience around Ol Donyo encompasses diverse paces and terrains, with intentionally small riding groups. Traverse the landscape teeming with 38 large mammal species, including the illustrious Big 5—lion, rhinoceros, elephant, leopard, and buffalo.

For those who prefer not to saddle up, alternative activities abound: embark on day or night game drives, partake in leisurely walks or invigorating mountain bike rides, indulge in a refreshing swim, rejuvenate with massages, or opt for day trips to Amboseli National Park or Maasai villages and schools.

Recognising that the concept of a “perfect safari” varies for each individual, Ol Donyo Lodge affords you the flexibility to tailor your travel days according to your desires—whether that involves a hearty dose of horseback riding or a more relaxed approach. In all its offerings, Ol Donyo remains steadfast in its commitment to the sustainable integration of nature conservation and tourism.

Itinerary

This is a sample itinerary – subject to change at any time.

Day 1

Arrival

Scheduled flights to Ol Donyo are available both in the morning and afternoon. For this itinerary, we assume guests will arrive at Nairobi’s International Airport in the morning or join from elsewhere in Kenya. After lunch in Nairobi, the plan is to fly to Ol Donyo in the early afternoon, with the flight taking approximately 45 minutes. Upon landing at Ol Donyo Airstrip, guests can enjoy a brief game drive en route to the lodge. The Chyulu Hills present one of Africa’s most breathtaking landscapes: volcanic hills, acacia forests, and vast grasslands interwoven beneath the imposing silhouette of Mount Kilimanjaro. This initial drive serves as an introduction to the area and its diverse inhabitants, including 38 registered species of large mammals and over 300 bird species. At Ol Donyo Lodge, our friendly staff warmly welcomes guests, providing ample time for relaxation, swimming, unpacking, and enjoying the evening.

Day 2

Morning

Guests have the option to go horseback riding – an Introduction Ride. In the early morning, riders are transported to the stables to meet the horses and guides. Each rider undergoes a brief trial ride with an assessment on our outdoor arena to ensure comfort with the assigned horse and sufficient skills for riding with large game. Following the trial ride, the group embarks on a ride designed to familiarise riders with their horses and the local ecosystem. The journey takes them through dense acacia forests and out into the savannah, offering a variety of riding paces and the first encounters with large wildlife such as giraffes, impalas, elephants, warthogs, and gazelles. Riders return to the lodge for a late breakfast/lunch. There is also an option not to ride – guests can choose from a range of morning activities, such as a game drive, walks, or mountain biking. Non-riders can rejoin the riders upon their return to the lodge.

Afternoon

In the afternoon, the entire group can embark on a joint game drive with a “Sundowner.” A suggested location for this is an impressive rock cape to the west of the lodge, providing guests with the opportunity to climb up and observe the sunset.

Day 3

Morning

Both riders and non-riders can venture into the Chyulu Hills in the morning. Riders have the option to ascend on horseback to the summit of “Ol Donyo Wuas,” a beautiful tree-covered hill behind the lodge offering a magnificent view of the entire area. Given the four-hour ride to the top, packed breakfasts will be provided in saddlebags. Along the way, guests can expect encounters with huge elephant bulls, eland antelopes, impalas, and giraffes. Non-riders can also ascend the hill, either on foot or by vehicle. Opting for the second option allows for a popular descent – hurtling down from the summit to the lodge on a mountain bike! Non-riders also bring packed breakfasts on this day.

Afternoon

Following an active morning, those who wish to ride again can participate in a short evening ride. Those seeking relaxation can enjoy a massage at the lodge, followed by an afternoon in the “hide” near the lodge waterholes. Concealed behind a wooden barrier, guests can observe wildlife quenching their evening thirst, ranging from elephants to cheetahs, giraffes, warthogs, jackals, and more. An early dinner precedes a night game drive – a search for nocturnal animals.

Day 4

Morning

The option to ride again is available. Leaving the stables early in the morning, guests embark on a long ride through woodland, across the savannah, and beyond. Along the way, a stop is made for breakfast under a giant acacia tree while the horses graze. After breakfast, guests return to the stables. For those not riding, leaving the lodge at dawn offers the opportunity to follow the trail of the black rhinoceros on foot. This provides a unique chance to meet wildlife rangers and learn more about Kenya’s last wild population of black rhinos. After completing the tracking, guests meet the riders for breakfast. Alternatively, guests can cycle or walk to the breakfast spot. After breakfast, everyone returns to the lodge.

Afternoon

An evening ride or game drive to the lowlands, where a Sundowner can be enjoyed, is on the agenda.

Day 5

Departure

Morning – Departure from the lodge at dawn includes a picnic breakfast. Guests can choose to visit either Amboseli National Park, a Maasai village and its associated school, or Chyulu East National Park. A late lunch awaits upon return to the lodge.

Afternoon – Enjoy a final evening ride, walk, or game drive. Return to the lodge at sunset.

PRICES

INCLUDED

Accommodation with full board; Soft drinks & Alcoholic beverages; including champagne; Daily laundry service; Domestic flight to/from Nairobi Wilson Airport for bookings of 2 nights or more; Local transfers to and from the Chyulu airstrip; Open game drives (both daytime and nighttime), horseback riding for experienced riders (up to 4 hours per day), guided walks, mountain bike tours, 15 min. panoramic helicopter flight (1x per stay, from 2 nights)

NOT INCLUDED

Conservation & community levy; Spa treatments; Visits to the Maasai (20 USD per person); Day trips to Amboseli National Park or scenic flights; Exclusive use of vehicles; Insurance; Tips and personal expenses

Please note that you are responsible for any bank charges incurred for foreign transfers.

ADDITIONAL INFOMATION

Conservation & community levy per person per night: 100.00 €

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT

A single supplement applies; from €710.00 per person per night.

NEAREST AIRPORT

Jomo Kenyatta International Airport

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The accommodation

The Ol Donyo Lodge is nestled in the heart of the 110,000-hectare private Mbirikani Group Ranch, owned by 4,000 Maasai individuals. Located on the slopes of the Chyulu Hills National Park, between the Amboseli and Tsavo West National Parks in southeastern Kenya, this exclusive destination offers an unrivaled setting.

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With direct views of Mount Kilimanjaro and positioned along the route of seasonal elephant migrations, Ol Donyo stands as a symbol of history, passion, and conservation. The lodge seamlessly blends contemporary design with the rich Maasai culture, creating an enduring ambiance that resonates with every visitor. The fees paid by the lodge to the Maasai not only contribute to local communities but also align with shared conservation objectives.

Crafted to provide each room with a unique perspective on the “soul of East Africa,” the lodge overlooks a plunge pool, gentle plains, or Mount Kilimanjaro. All six suites, along with a two-bedroom family unit, feature exquisite star beds where guests can slumber beneath the African sky, accompanied by the sounds of roaming hyenas and lions. Ol Donyo Lodge accommodates a maximum of 16 guests, with Pool Suites recommended for families with children aged 5 to 15.

The communal area of Ol Donyo Lodge boasts a spacious fireplace for leisurely evenings, inviting lounges, an open bar area, a generously designed dining space, a well-stocked wine cellar, library, and a swimming pool with a deck.

Upon returning from daily activities, guests are treated to gourmet meals and fine wines. The distinguished “Relais & Chateaux” group lends its prestige to the exceptional cuisine and fine wine, sourced from a meticulously curated selection and the lodge’s private cellar. As one of only two Relais properties in Kenya, Ol Donyo Lodge harmoniously balances tradition and modernity, luxury, and comfort against the breathtaking backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro and a unique array of wildlife.