Ol Donyo Amboseli
It began with a conversation between friends and has evolved into one of East Africa’s premier wildlife destinations. When Richard and Tara Bonham got together with Great Plains Conservation’s co-founders Dereck and Beverly Joubert to discuss a partnership proposal for ol Donyo Lodge, talk revolved around the conservation of this incredible, forgotten paradise. Wedged between Kenyas Tsavo East and Amboseli national parks in the heart of the Chyulu hills, this is a place of timeless wild beauty. From here, you can see the magnificent summit of Africa’s greatest icon – Mount Kilimanjaro. The latent spirituality of this vast landscape resonated with everything that Great Plains Conservations stands for and the deal was a foregone conclusion and such the ol Donyo Lodge you see today came into being.
An overview
Set on the Mbirikani group ranch, 275,000 acres of immaculate, private wild Africa bordering the foothills of the Chyulu Hills national park, ol Donyo lodge blends contemporary design with the rich culture and history of the people of this area – the indomitable Maasai. About 4,000 Maasais own the group ranch and Great Plains conservation leases it from them. The full lease fee as well as a per person conservancy fee goes directly to this community on the understanding that they will ensure the conservation of the ranch and the wild animals which call it home. The result is an area rich in wildlife. Here, some of Africa’s last giant elephant bulls roam freely. The haunting calls of leopards interrupt the night. And lions roam around without the worries of being on the brink of annihilation.
Architecture
The lodge itself came into existence in 2008 and sits in thick woodland on a gently sloping hillside with views out over the plains to a distant Kilimanjaro. Designed to merge your outdoor and indoor living, a series of unique suites and villas appears to emerge from the arid landscape on either side of a palatial lounge and dining area. Six pool suites plus 1 two-bedroom family unit offers a harmonious blend of contemporary and rustic accommodation, merging the landscape into each suite. All of the rooms have their own plunge pool. Enjoy roof terraces where we can set up intimate star beds, allowing you the thrill of sleeping in style under a canopy of endless stars while connecting with your sense of place and self.
Camp access
You can come to Ol Donyo Lodge using either scheduled air transfers or private air charters. On arrival at the airfield, the vehicle transfer to the lodge is approximately 30 minutes, allowing time for game viewing. Safarilink offers scheduled daily flights from Nairobi’s domestic Wilson airport to ol Donyo lodge. The airfield is private and grassed but can handle a wide range of aircraft including but not limited to Pilatus PC-12 and Cessna Caravan. The airfield coordinates are S 02˚30.126’ and E037˚45.211’. Flying time in a Cessna Caravan from Nairobi’s Wilson airport to ol Donyo lodge airfield is about an hour. From the Maasai Mara Game Reserve it is possible to include ol Donyo Lodge into an itinerary with flights via Nairobi. Alternatively, we can arrange a private charter directly from the Maasai Mara to ol Donyo. Flying times depend on the type of aircraft and prevailing weather conditions.
Our footprint
Ol Donyo Lodge is made using natural materials as you can see from the light wash of cement over lava rock. We recycle the water at the lodge each year the recycling programme advances as we develop technologies in this particular system. We also capture rainwater from each roof and filter it and ends up at the water holes in front of the lodge, which attract a variety of wildlife in this water-sparse region. Most of the lodge’s energy comes from the sun and is stored in batteries with energy saving lighting is used throughout the lodge. Solid waste is separated into plastics, metals and glasses, all of which is then transported to Nairobi, a four-hour drive away, where it is recycled. Bio-digesters convert kitchen waste into clean gas that is used for heating and cooking.
Accommodation
Fully inclusive of a wide range of wildlife viewing and outdoor activities, meals, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Park fees and flights from Nairobi and other areas are at an additional cost.
Number of guests
A maximum of 16 guests, sharing, can be accommodated, plus an additional guide’s room as required. Children from 5 years are welcome. We can accommodate families with children between the ages of 5 & 15 in the pool suites.
Activities
Early morning and late afternoon/early evening game drives in a 4×4 open vehicle, guided bush-walks, bush breakfast and dinners, night drives, hiking, horse riding, mountain biking, tracking, conservation and community out-reach programmes, wildlife viewing in a open air hide and sleep outs on private star beds. Fly camping is available to guests who are staying a while longer. We can arrange in-room massages for you for a nominal extra .
Location
On the private 275,000-acre Mbirikani group ranch in south-eastern Kenya, between Tsavo east and Amboseli national parks and next to Chyulu hills national park.
