OL DONYO LODGE
Vibrant Holiday Safaris gives you a clear sight on the luxurious Ol Donyo Lodge which is a 20-bed multi-lodge destination located on the slopes of the Chyulu Hills near Amboseli National Park. Based on the foundations of the original, legendary Ol Donyo Wuas, the recently re-built lodges all have stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro, efficient solar powered lighting, and solar heated showers in the ensuite bathrooms, and feature a décor that is both modern and luxurious, as well as rustic and comfortable in the tradition of the great wilderness lodges.
Ol Donyo Lodge lies in the foothills of the Chyulu Range on the Mbirikani Group Ranch, a 275,000-acre Maasai-owned ranch that is located between the Amboseli, Chyulu, Tsavo and Kilimanjaro National Parks. The Lodge nestles in the western foothills of the Chyulu range, overlooking Kilimanjaro with quintessential Africa in the foreground, flat top acacia trees and golden savannah.
Accommodation
Ol Donyo has a total of 20 beds in six stand-alone lodges. Some are two-bed lodges, while others are four-bed lodges with their own private lounges and swimming pool. These four bed lodges are perfect for families or small groups of friends who prefer that extra privacy.
All bedrooms now have spacious en-suite bathrooms with superb views, a shower and bath, twin vanities, a flush loo with an additional outdoor shower for those who prefer the outdoors.
All rooms have their own rooftop sundowner / “star-beds” spot where guests enjoy dramatic views over the plains and onto Mount Kilimanjaro. More adventurous guests have the option to sleep out safely on these rooftops to enjoy a night spent under the stars. The lighting is solar powered, as is the hot water of the showers, with an emergency back-up system for overcast days.
Other Facilities
Ol Donyo Lodge’s living and dining area has been rebuilt and it has a whole new feel and character to it, without losing its home-like atmosphere. The dining room has been extended and now includes an outdoor brunch area under the acacia tree. The main pool is available for relaxing in the afternoons.
Activities & Wildlife
As the rooms are so comfortable and the food so delicious (not to mention the extensive wine list) one might be tempted to just laze around the lodge and the swimming pool, however, the list of activities is so exciting that you won’t want to miss a minute.
Over 7,000 wild animals make their home in and around the environs of Ol Donyo Lodge and guests can search for them in vehicles, on foot, or by horseback. Not only are the “BIG FIVE” here – rhino, elephant, lion, leopard and buffalo – but also cheetah, the rare fringe-eared oryx, the shy gerenuk, and the lordly giraffe among many others share this magical landscape.
It is out on a game drive or walk or ride that the exclusivity of Ol Donyo Lodge becomes apparent: you and the few other privileged guests are alone with the animals – no other tourists, no fleets of noisy mini buses are there to disturb the magic of your experiences. Night drives are a feature for those who would like to better opportunity to view the shyer nocturnal wildlife.
Activities operate where possible on an all-inclusive tariff where everything at the lodge is included. The exceptions to this are the Amboseli excursion and the Amboseli Park entry fees; horse rides (which are included) and massages. The Maasai villagers will charge individuals for having their photos taken, but the cost of getting there is included in the tariff.
Picnics
Although al fresco lunches on the verandas or candlelit dinners in the dining room are quite wonderful, they also enjoy hosting “Bush Breakfasts” and dinners, not to mention surprise sundowner cocktails or classic English tea in the magnificent and romantic setting of the vast African landscape.
Ride Kenya
East Africa is classic safari country and it would be a shame for guests to visit Kenya without experiencing a night out under canvas with traditional camp amenities, drinks under the open sky by the fire followed by our superb campfire cuisine. The campsites are chosen based on the season, so your camp may be out on the plains or up in the Chyulu hills, and you can get to your fly camp on horseback. Seduction Rock is a famous overnight spot (and we are led to believe that it always works!)
Ol Donyo Lodge and the Maasai Culture
The Maasai people are as natural a part of the Mbirikani landscape as the wild animals. A visit to a Maasai traditional village is often one of the highlights of a guest’s stay and it provides a wonderful insight into Maasai culture and their way of life.
Day trips to Amboseli
Full-day excursions to Amboseli National Park. Guests depart Ol Donyo Lodge after breakfast and take a leisurely drive across the plains to the Park. We usually plan to arrive in Amboseli sometime in the mid-morning and aim to leave in the mid-afternoon. This coincides with the time when the lodges are breakfasting and is the traditional safari siesta time when the park and the vehicle density is at its lowest. This also is the time of day when the elephants and wildlife densities around the waterways and marshes are generally at their highest. If you want this activity guaranteed, please ensure that you book the excursions in advance.
Massages
In-room massages are on offer.
Mountain Biking
This is a new activity that is carried out on the plains around Ol Donyo Lodge. Guests bike across the savannahs with an armed guide and enjoy the freedom and exhilaration of these plains and their wildlife.
Horse rides with ‘RIDE KENYA’
With access to over 1.4 million acres, including two national parks, Ride Kenya has one of the largest wilderness concessions in Africa today. From the vast dry lake beds of Amboseli to the east, to the majestic Chyulu Hills to the west, Ride Kenya horse safaris traverse a variety of quintessential and game rich East African landscapes. With Mount Kilimanjaro as the back drop, the rides meander amongst 38 species of large mammals, including the Big Five, making Ride Kenya horse safaris an unforgettable experience.
Guests of Ride Kenya are able to choose between luxury mobile horse safaris or staying at Ol Donyo Lodge and riding out from there each day. All of the riding with Ride Kenya is managed and guided by Patrick Stanton and Nicola Young, an enthusiastic and experienced couple who will look after your every need.
Ol Donyo Lodge Riding
Any guest staying at Ol Donyo Lodge is welcome to enjoy horseback riding. They will accept any standard of rider, from a novice child to an advanced adult. They offer horseback riding everyday for Ol Donyo Lodge guests. This can be enjoyed either early in the morning or at sunset.
Most of the lodge rides last for about two hours, but they are able to cater to each guest’s needs. Full-day rides are also available for experienced riders. Many of Ride Kenya’s mobile safari guests enjoy a night or two in the lodge before or after their safari, and this is an excellent add-on to the safari itineraries.
Please note: There is a weight limit for Ride Kenya’s horses. Novice riders (Ol Donyo Lodge only) should be no more than 85kg whilst advanced riders should be no more than 95kg.
History, Conservation and Eco-Tourism
Ol Donyo Lodge and the Maasai people of the Mbirikani Group Ranch are partners in plotting our communal destiny. The Maasailand Preservation Trust is the lodge’s link with the people of the area and the Trust maintains a series of important projects including predator conservation, education, water management, re-forestation, and livestock management training. When you visit Ol Donyo Lodge, you are not just a tourist, but a participant and contributor to the survival of the region’s fauna and flora and the advancement of a noble people.