Ol Donyo Lodge

Sirra, Nyati and El May are all pool rooms. They consist of two suites – a bedroom with ensuite bathroom – connected by an outside foyer. Each bedroom has its own private plunge pool so they can work as individual suites or as a group villa, and guests can arrange whether they need twin beds or a double. The décor is warming and rustic, with dark wooden features plus red and orange fabrics.

In the bathroom guests will find a deep stand-alone bath and a rainfall indoor shower. Every room comes complete with its own outside shower giving the opportunity to have a cool refreshing shower during a hot day. A stone staircase leads up from the veranda to a terrace where guests can arrange to have a ‘star bed’ placed, for a unique nights sleep under the stars.

Asali and Mpya are separate suites, with similar décor to the pool rooms, these are welcoming and comfortable. An ensuite bathroom includes all the same facilities, including a large bath and indoor and outdoor showers. The beds are generously swathed in mosquito netting and high ceilings and authentic decorations create a rustic feel. Guests can also have the opportunity to sleep under the stars by arrangement for a once-in-a-lifetime way to view the clear Kenyan night sky.

Sambu has been designed with a large group or family in mind. Two ensuite bedrooms reside under one roof, with a spacious sitting area with comfortable chairs for the whole group to relax in. This villa has its own private, large plunge pool with views over the breathtaking plains. With all the suites being unique, guests have the knowledge of knowing their experience is individual and personal to them.

Being a Relais & Chateau recognised lodge, guests can be assured that the food will delicious and of the highest quality. Guests can sit at a communal table or at an individual table in a rustic stone building with a high thatched roof or outside. Dining in the midst of the surroundings guests have the opportunity to experience the sights, smells and sounds of the wilderness whilst dining on fresh, hearty food.

Day and night game drives are offered at ol Donyo Lodge, and with such a diverse landscape to explore guests have the opportunity to see a wealth of wildlife. In open sided vehicles guests can explore the area in comfort, keeping an eye out for bush elephant, lion, cheetah, impala, giraffe and zebra, all in their natural habitats. The guides at ol Donyo Lodge have expert knowledge so guests can be guaranteed that they will receive an amazing and educational experience.

Horse riding is available at ol Donyo, so guests can saddle up and explore the Chyulu Hills on horseback. Available to both novice and experienced riders this is an amazing and unique way to become part of the wildlife and ride next to zebra, giraffe and impala.

Due to the hilly terrain this is an ideal spot for mountain biking. Guests will be accompanied by an armed guide and will have the opportunity to get close to the animals, such as wildebeest, buffalo and giraffe. This is an exiting way to explore and see the Chyulu Hills and is perfect for the adrenaline seeking guest.

Guests have the opportunity to explore the bush on foot, walking down towards the plains or up into luscious green hills. Accompanied by an armed guide these excursions offer a more intimate way to explore, and guests can appreciate the smaller things such as animal tracks and micro-ecosystems.

If arranged, guests can go on an excursion to the near Amboseli Park. A UNESCO World Heritage site and Kenyas second most popular national park, Amboseli is a paradise for wildlife with black rhino, various species of monkey, aardvark, cheetah, lion, leopard, impala and many more. It is also a haven for birdlife with various species of stork, pelican, heron, duck and kestrel; guests will not leave Amboseli disappointed.

Visits to the local Maasai villages can be arranged from ol Donyo Lodge. Immerse yourself in the traditions and culture of the local villages, members o these communities will guide you around, keen to show you their way of life and customary traditions. ol Donyo promotes community engagement and there is no better way to engage in the local communities than by spending your afternoon in their friendly company.

Great Plains Conservation seeks to “preserve, rescue and recover” communities, wildlife and landscapes in Africa. One of the ways they are doing this is through the Great Plains Student Conservation Camp by educating teachers and students in local communities and in Great Plains camps about environmental conservation and why this is important. Having a commitment to responsible travel means that Great Plains Conservation not only protects the communities and land they operate within, but also green technology is integrated into all their lodges. The Conservation Grows program began in 2019 and “aims to restore indigenous trees to landscapes across Kenya, Botswana, and Zimbabwe.”

Great Plains Conservation understands that employing people from local communities not only benefits the employee but also their wider family members. Having a job and an income reduces their need to rely on the land for survival so increases the protection of this land. A relatively new initiative is “Women Wildlife Monitors” which aims to employ and empower local women. Great Plains Conservation have also donated solar lanterns to community members and students so their homes can have a safe and sustainable light resource. Every Great Plains Camp has a shop where local beadwork and other products can be sold, to help support local craft groups.

Great Plains Conservation is committed to using sustainable practices in their lodges and they have received recognition from both local and international ecotourism rating systems, specifically ol Donyo Lodge has received a Silver rating from EcoTourism Kenya. All their camps have various practices to help them minimise their carbon footprint as much as possible including composting, bio-digesters, greywater recycling and the removal of single-use plastics. Guests of Great Plains lodges also have the opportunity to donate to tree planting or solar lantern programs to help offset their travel emissions.

Great Plains Conservation contributes to the Rhinos Without Borders project and aims to translocate “100 rhinos from poaching hot zones in South Africa to safe havens in Botswana.” Guests are helping to support this as a “Conservation and Community Levy is added to each stay” as a contribution towards this important conservation project.

Ol Donyo Lodge is a member of the Pack for Purpose initiative which allows travellers to make a lasting impact where they’re staying and supply local communities with equipment and resources they may need for community projects.

ol Donyo Lodge engages in important work with the Maasailand Preservation Trust. This trust works to help engage the local Maasai communities with the heritage of the local wildlife and helps them deal with human-wildlife conflict. Actively anti-poaching, the trust protects the last wild black rhino in Kenya which is guarded closely by rangers who are supported by funds from visitors to ol Donyo Lodge.