THE RESORT
OVERVIEW
STARS
5 STARS
FOUNDED
1987 (Originally built)
Transformed in 2008
NEIGHBORHOOD
CHYULU HILLS
SOUTH KENYA
STYLE
RUSTIC WITH MODERN & LOCAL TOUCHES
COST
ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME
$1,300 - $2,000 / pax / night
TYPE
LUXURY BOUTIQUE SAFARI LODGE
PEAK SEASON
JUNE TO OCTOBER & WINTER HOLIDAYS
NO. ROOMS
9 VILLA-STYLE SUITES
Capacity for 20 guests
Sandwiched between Tsavo and Amboseli, in the rolling landscape of the Chyulu Hills, you'll find Ol Donyo, an ultra-luxury safari lodge with a commitment to conservation, the top-notch dining & hospitality you expect from a Relais & Chateaux property, and a unique host of activities that allow you to see the African landscape from a new perspective. The intimate camp hosts just 20 guests (maximum), so you'll receive personalized service from the lodge's ultra-hospitable staff as well as solitude from the rest of the world. Being off-the-grid doesn't mean you have to sacrifice luxury; quite the contrary, this is one of the most luxurious places I have ever stayed. The rooms are decked out with features like private plunge pools and rooftop "star beds," while the property itself offers 111,000 hectares of private, protected land, yet another pool, two wildlife-viewing hides, and more. Here, you'll be able to explore on traditional game drives, but you'll also be able to partake in a selection of other activities - all expertly guided, of course. It's rare to find a camp where you can experience Safari by night, by foot, by bike, and by horseback. At Ol Donyo you'll also experience a different landscape than you'll see in other parts of East Africa, one that happens to be crowned by Mt. Kilimanjaro. We stayed here on our honeymoon, and it was a highlight of our trip. If you're heading to Africa for a safari, keep this lesser-known corner of Kenya, and this standout lodge in mind!
LOCATION:
Mbirikani Group Ranch
Chyulu Hills, Kenya
MOST RECENT VISIT: Summer 2022
Click here to read about our personal experience!
THE BOTTOM LINE
So what's the big deal? Here's why Ol Donyo is worthy of a stop on your itinerary:
IF YOU WANT A UNIQUE TWIST ON THE SAFARI EXPERIENCE
Ol Donyo offers a unique Safari experience, most notably because of the different activities that are available here. It's rare to find a camp where you can experience Safari by night, by foot, by bike, and by horseback. You also get to experience a different landscape than other parts of East Africa, one that happens to be crowned by Mt. Kilimanjaro.
IF YOU WANT TO EXPERIENCE PEAK LUXURY
This isn't just luxury in terms of safari, but for anywhere in the world. To say we were blown away is an understatement. The rooms are decked out with everything you could need and more, all of your experiences are expertly guided, and the service around the lodge is truly impeccable.
IF YOU WANT TO FIND TRUE SOLITUDE
Going on Safari anywhere comes with a degree of solitude, but ol Donyo takes it to a new level. For starters, the intimate camp has a maximum of just 20 guests. You're also far away from other lodges, unlike in some Safari destinations, so you'll have animal sightings all to yourself.
TRAVEL TOOLKIT:
ON ROOFTOP OF SUITE Photo: PTO Travel Pro*
WITH PRIVATE PLUNGE POOL Photo: PTO Travel Pro*
Photo: PTO Travel Pro*
ON ROOFTOP OF SUITE Photo: PTO Travel Pro*
THE ROOMS
The accommodations here are so spectacular, it's almost a shame that you're going to spend so much time out of the room. With such a remote location, it's hard to believe that the lodge is able to pull off this level of luxury, but I really can't think of another feature they could have jam-packed into these rooms. As you enjoy your mosquito-net draped bed, the spa bathroom, the private plunge pool, or your rooftop starbed, you'll be able to see elephants wander by on their way to the watering hole and hear the roar of lions as you drift off to sleep. (Don't worry the roars sound closer than they are.)
FYI: It really doesn’t matter which room you pick because they are all essentially the same. The only difference is the 2-bedroom Sambu Suite aka the family suite.
MY TAKE
THE ROOMS HERE ARE PROBABLY THE NICEST I'VE EVER STAYED IN
When you dream up an ideal hotel room, feature-by-feature, you're going to end up with something like the rooms at ol Donyo. Spa bathroom - check, private plunge pool - check, incredible views - check. You'll even get a few things you might not think of yourself - like the rooftop starbed!
MAKE SURE TO USE THE STAR BED
It's one of the most unique features I've ever had in a hotel room. It was one of those things that we were excited about before we arrived, but turned out to be even better than expected. The stars here are impossible to describe. My husband - a space geek - couldn't believe what we were able to see with our naked eye.
WAKE UP EARLY TO SEE THE SUN RISE OVER KILIMANJARO
Watching the morning colors paint the landscape below the snow-capped peak of Kilimanjaro is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and you can enjoy it right from your room. You don't even have to get out of bed if you don’t want to!
KEY FEATURES
In-Suite Plunge Pool
Villa-Style Suites
Outdoor Shower
Soaking Tub
Outdoor Seating
Rooftop "Star Bed"
Views of Kilimanjaro
Indoor Rain Shower
Complimentary DSLR Camera
Living Room Space
ICON KEY:
Photo: PTO Travel Pro*
Photo: PTO Travel Pro*
Photo: PTO Travel Pro*
Photo: PTO Travel Pro*
THE PROPERTY
It's hard to tell where the resort ends and the reserve begins, and that's the point. Nature is the star here, and Great Plains' mission dictates that the camp should not interrupt that. Most of your time will be spent out in the bush, enjoying the wildlife, but the property here is set up to beautifully support that and all the moments in between.
KEY FEATURES
Photo: PTO Travel Pro*
MAIN LODGE
POOL
In case the private plunge pool in your suite isn't enough, head to the property's main pool where you can swim up to the infinity edge and look out over the landscape or lay back in a sun lounger and listen to the sounds of nature while you enjoy a cocktail or snack.
Photo: PTO Travel Pro*
SURROUNDING
LAND
Talking about the property without mentioning the surrounding land would be a sacrilege. The 111,000 hectares of private land is just the beginning as the lodge is sandwiched between other national parks with infinite corners for you to explore.
Photo: PTO Travel Pro*
FIRE PIT WITH SEATING
Evenings by the fire quickly became one of our favorite parts of Safari, where you can debrief your day, meet new friends, and of course enjoy a cocktail. Ol Donyo has updated since we went; the new elevated firepit has spectacular views.
Photo: PTO Travel Pro*
HIDES AT THE WATERING HOLE
This is another truly unique feature of the lodge. Two hides, one above ground and the other sunken below, allow you to get unbelievably close to the animals at the watering hole. I highly recommend having lunch or drinks while you sit back and enjoy the show.
Photo: PTO Travel Pro*
LODGE
LIVING ROOM
This room is simultaneously impressive and cozy, almost like you stepped into someone's home. Sink into one of the leather couches to enjoy the fire, hop up on a barstool to try local spirits, or take a peek through the telescope at the blanket of stars.
Photo: PTO Travel Pro*
COMPLIMENTARY GEAR
You'll be loaned both high-quality binoculars & a DSLR (ours was a Canon EOS 50D with 17–85mm & 100–400mm zoom lenses), and you'll get all the images you take on a flash drive. This is perfect if you don't own or don't want to carry your camera.
OTHER FEATURES
In such a romantic setting, it only makes sense that you could build in some pampering. When it comes to massages & spa services, you can choose to have them right in your suite.
Wine Cellar
In true Relais & Chateaux fashion, the resort is equipped with a well-stocked wine room. Not only can you enjoy this in your glass, but it's one of the places you might enjoy dinner.
Boutique Shop
In case you want to add to your safari wardrobe or pick up a souvenir that's more authentic than the typical shot glasses and snow globes, you can check out the on-site boutique.
Photo: PTO Travel Pro*
THIS WAS THE HORSE I RODE, MAHALE Photo: PTO Travel Pro*
Photo: PTO Travel Pro*
Photo: PTO Travel Pro*
THE ACTIVITIES
Don't get me wrong, even a "basic" game drive is still a beyond incredible experience, but ol Donyo pushes the envelope further. Here you can also experience Safari by night, by foot, by bike, and by horseback. It was so interesting to shake up how we experienced the landscape. No matter what you choose to do, you'll always be guided by your assigned expert guide. All of the activities (except a very limited few) are included, and it's totally up to you how you schedule your time.
MY TAKE
RIDING HORSES HERE IS ONE OF THE HIGHLIGHTS OF MY LIFE
Yes, I'm biased since my life once revolved around equestrian sport. But seriously, this is an incredible experience. It's not like other riding vacations you may have been on where you walk nose-to-tail on a set path. The lodge's horses are responsive to the aids and you get to canter across the vast landscape encountering wildlife along the way. Need I say more?
TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE UNIQUENESS OF THE ACTIVITIES
Most safari destinations are very game drive centric, and there's absolutely nothing wrong with that - game drives are incredible! Ol Donyo, however, is unique; you can experience the landscape and wildlife in a variety of ways that are rare at other lodges. I highly recommend switching it up and taking advantage of the new perspectives here!
KEY ACTIVITIES
Photo: PTO Travel Pro*
GAME DRIVE
Game drives are the bread and butter of the Safari experience, where you'll have the opportunity to get up close with incredible wildlife. Here you'll head out in private vehicles, accompanied by an expert guide who will stay with you for the length of your stay. This lets you customize your experience to your personal interests.
Photo: PTO Travel Pro*
WALKING SAFARI
If you want to get out and explore the landscape without anything between you and nature, consider heading out on a walking Safari. You can customize the activity depending how long you want to stay out. This is yet another activity that isn't permitted just everywhere you go but you can take advantage of here.
Photo: Unsplash*
STARGAZING
Safari tends to be all about the plants and animals on the land, but don't forget to look up. I remember being amazed that we could see the Milky Way, stretching 180-degrees above us, with just our naked eyes. The sky is just that dark. Next time I'll come prepared to capture photos, but no equipment is required to enjoy the show!
Photo: Unsplash*
NIGHT DRIVE
Though there's lots to see by day, a different side of the savannah comes out at night when nocturnal creatures spring to life in the cooler temps and cover of darkness. Special red lights help you see the animals without disturbing them. Not all parks & reserves permit night drives, so this is a really unique opportunity.
Photo: Unsplash*
BIKE SAFARI
For a balance of sight-seeing and a touch of physical activity, heading out on a mountain bike is a great option. Don't worry you won't be biking up Kilimanjaro (our route was pretty flat & easy), but we did cycle past some wildebeest like we were another part of the herd. You'll go out with your guide, and everything you need will be provided for you.
Photo: Unsplash*
OFF-SITE EXCURSION
There's a lifetime of land to explore on-property, but you might also consider a day trip to see even more wildlife or get even closer to Africa's most iconic mountain (if the views from your suite aren't enough). Head to Amboseli to see the park's epic Tuskers juxtaposed with the snowy peak. Or, head out in a helicopter to flight-see the volcano from above.
Photo: PTO Travel Pro*
HIDE VIEWING
Ol Donyo has two hides, one above ground, the other sunken below, that flank the edge of the lodge's watering hole. We spent hours here watching the dynamics of the different animals that came to drink. The perspective is unlike anything else, and it doesn't hurt that you can enjoy lunch or a cocktail while you watch.
Photo: PTO Travel Pro*
HORSEBACK RIDE
In my book, this is an absolute must-do. Mount up on one of the lodge's 22 horses and ride out to see the wildlife (we were photo-bombed by giraffes!). If you're capable, you can even open the horses up to trot & canter across the wide-open plains. Once again, you'll have expert guides and everything is provided for you.
OTHER ACTIVITIES
In-Suite Wellness
After all the adventure, you might be ready for a little rest & relaxation. The resort can arrange for yoga or a variety of spa treatments, and you don't even have to leave the comfort & privacy of your suite.
Young Explorer's Program
Kids receive a Young Explorer's pack upon arrival. From there, there's no set program, it's up to your kids' interests. Curated activities could include learning bush survival skills, watercolor painting, & more.
Photography Guide
If you want to improve your photo skills, you can arrange for pro photographer to accompany you on drives in addition to your guide (who also probably knows a thing or two about great wildlife photos!)
Photo: PTO Travel Pro*
Photo: PTO Travel Pro*
Photo: PTO Travel Pro*
THE DINING
There is one core restaurant at the lodge, but it doesn't feel like there's a restaurant at all. The resort is sprinkled with little nooks and crannies where you'll be seated to enjoy your meals. It feels as though you are perpetually having a private dining experience, as if the lodge is your home and you happen to have a Relais & Chateaux quality chef at the helm of all your meals.
With that in mind, let me walk through how dining here "works."
MORNING
Every morning, before we headed out for our early game drive or activity, tea and coffee were brought to our room for a little kick-start. Then we typically had breakfast out in the bush. Sometimes this was a quick, light meal, but we also had an impressive spread where multiple vehicles came to cook a hot meal with eggs, meats, fruits, yogurt, champagne, and more out in the bush.
MIDDAY & AFTERNOON
After the morning activity, lunch was officially served back at the lodge. Lunch was technically a fixed menu, but it consisted of a sampler of several dishes served, so I could build my plate how I wanted. Before heading out in the afternoon, tea and pastries were once again served in the lodge's living room. If instead, you're more in a cocktail mood, don't worry. Sundowners are a classic part of the evening safari experience. Your vehicle is equipped with an onboard refrigerator, so you can enjoy a nice chilled beverage as you watch the sun slip beyond the horizon.
EVENING
At the end of the day, we enjoyed a few drinks around the firepit before dinner was served in our own little corner of the resort, which changed every night. Dinner changed eat night but followed a similar format, 3 courses including an appetizer and dessert. Those courses were fixed, but we were able to select from a few options for the main course. If that doesn't have you totally stuffed and ready for bed, you can hang out around the fireplace in the living room for another cocktail or two.
NOTE
Don't feel like you are stuck to any kind of rigid schedule, one day we sat at the hide for several hours enjoying cocktails and another we had some spare time to enjoy at the bar, trying local gins and getting to know the staff.
THE DETAILS
SERVICE, COSTS, & MORE
MORE DETAILS
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Check-out is at 9:00 AM, but guests may use public areas until departure
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Wi-Fi is available, but limited to guest rooms. This is great if you need it for travel logistics, but I highly encourage you to disconnect as much as possible!
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Children must be a minimum of 5 years old
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Wildlife viewing has an age limit of 6 years (some activities, including horseback riding, may be higher)
SERVICE
I have one word to sum up the service at Ol Donyo: incredible. Each person we met was so warm and personable. The staff were masters of the art of hospitality and bent over backward to make our stay incredible. We've been fortunate to stay at quite a few top properties around the world, and we've never experienced service quite as superlative as we did on this trip. Of all the things I can applaud Ol Donyo for, this has to rank at the top.
COMMUNITY & CONSERVATION
Leaving a positive impact on the community & conserving the natural ecosystem are core tenets of Great Plains, the family of lodges run by Dereck & Beverly Joubert. The couple are world-famous wildlife photographers, documentary filmmakers, and conservationists. They can explain the mission of their foundation and the lodge better than I ever could, so here's a quote from Dereck Joubert highlighting the community & conservation efforts.
“'We consider the community our partners, and there are financial benefits beyond the lease fees we pay that go to them, teachers, and scholars. Other community projects based on wildlife conservation and tourism are strategically designed to uplift our communities.' Dereck adds: 'Your tourism dollars, at ol Donyo Lodge, help us make this safari property one as a model of collaborative conservation. As a result, we have excellent conservation success stories regarding lions, cheetahs and the icon bull elephants, some of the last remaining large tuskers in Africa.'”
"Great Plains supports the salaries of 24 teachers in 15 schools around ol Donyo Lodge. Without additional teachers, student-teacher ratios in government schools in this area would be more than 100 to 1! Our support helps those schools to reduce that ratio, allowing them to dedicate more time and attention to each student. One of those schools is Enkijape, the only school in the area that specializes in serving over 60 primary school children with physical, developmental, and intellectual disabilities."
If you'd like to learn more about the mission and the people supporting it, visit www.greatplainsfoundation.com
SUSTAINABILITY
The lodge puts sustainability at the top of its priorities and has taken several steps to make the property as eco-friendly as possible, including:
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The lodge itself is constructed from natural and recycled materials
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Great Plains properties run almost entirely off solar power
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Water for drinking is purified using UV reverse osmosis, and eco-friendly greywater recycling systems are also in place
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The property takes great strides to reduce waste and eliminate single-use plastic
SEASONALITY
The lodge is really a year-round destination. There are some fluctuations in rates (see the cost section below) and in weather (see the chart below), which may impact when is best for you.
COSTS
ACCOMMODATION RATES
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Rates per person (when sharing a double occupancy deluxe suite)
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Low season: $1,210 (April 1 to June 14 & Nov. 1 to Dec. 19)
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Shoulder Season: $1,350 (Jan. 11 to March 31)
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High Season: $1,960 (June 15 to Oct. 31 & Dec. 20 to Jan. 10)
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Supplements apply for singles as well as children (ages 5-15) sharing with adults.
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There is also a Great Plains Foundation Conservation & Community Contribution fee of $95 per person per night.
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There are some discounts available for staying longer, renewing your vows, or celebrating your honeymoon. These can change from year to year and be season specific.
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Note: These rates reflect the lodge's rates for 2024, but are subject to change.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
Your nightly rate includes the following
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Accommodation
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All on-property activities
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All meals & beverages (including premium spirits and champagne)
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Daily laundry service
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Chyulu airstrip road transfers
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Return scheduled seat in plane air transfers from Nairobi Wilson or properties in the Chyulu Hills / Amboseli region, subject to a minimum 2-night stay
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Complimentary use of high-quality binoculars and professional DSLR (when we went, we were loaned a Canon with multiple lenses, including up to 400mm zoom)
Additional costs outside the above rates may include
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Spa treatments
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Off-property activities (e.g., day trip to Amboseli)
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Air transfers outside of the routings listed above
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Cargo seat on flight
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The lodge requires that you hold medical & travel insurance.
Photo: PTO Travel Pro*
Photo: PTO Travel Pro*
THE LOCATION
The lodge is located in view of Mt. Kilimanjaro on 111,000 hectares of private, protected land dotted with rolling volcanic hills. The land is known as the Mbirikani Group Ranch, which is a reserve jointly owned by 4,000 Maasai. Beyond the lodge & the Ranch, you'll find the adjacent Chyulu Hills National Park, where Out of Africa was filmed, as well as Tsavo and Amboseli National Parks which are just short trips away. The bottom line is - this is an incredible place to enjoy vast ranges of protected land, and to see a different side of East Africa than most tourists see concentrating their time in the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem.
KEY LOCATIONS
1
NAIROBI
100 mi (1h flight)
3
AMBOSELI NATIONAL PARK
35 mi
5
MOUNT KILIMANJARO
50 mi
2
CHYULU HILLS NATIONAL PARK
Adjacent
4
TSAVO WEST NATIONAL PARK
25 mi
6
TSAVO EAST NATIONAL PARK
70 mi
ITINERARY
FEATURING OL DONYO
OVERVIEW
On this epic honeymoon itinerary, you’ll get up close with big cats, the Great Migration, and more on Safari in the Serengeti and the Mara. Then you’ll head to the Seychelles, one of the most picturesque tropical destinations in the world. I know I’m biased, but if you’re planning a big romantic trip, whether for a honeymoon, a milestone anniversary, or whatever reason, you have to consider this itinerary. Our only regret was that we couldn’t stay longer.
Background Photo: Unsplash*
SEE THE FULL ITINERARY DETAILS HERE:
MORE TO SEE
Kenya Destination Guide: PTO Travel Pro* | The Safari Playbook: PTO Travel Pro* | Safari & Seychelles Honeymoon: PTO Travel Pro* | Safari Packing Guide: Unsplash* | Safari Photography Guide: PTO Travel Pro* | 50 Honeymoon Ideas: PTO Travel Pro* | Top Safari Destinations: Unsplash*
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