Sanctuary Olonana

CEDARBERG RATING

Luxury

Overview

Sanctuary Olonana

Sanctuary Olonana is a small exclusive camp on a private concession bordering the Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya. Indeed it is one of the best camps if you wish to see the annual wildebeest migration with the action happening right on its doorstep so that you have front row seats for one of the best wildlife experiences in the world. It lies at the foot of the impressive Siria escarpment - close to where the famous scene in Out of Africa was filmed - and commands a dramatic view over the Mara River, often the focal point for river crossings of wildebeest and zebra.

The Camp

The camp has 14 spacious and well-appointed tents with polished wooden flooring, four poster beds and en suite bathrooms. Relax on your private river view deck with the quiet grunting of hippos as background noise. Two honeymoon suites each have outside showers as well. The main lodge is spacious and inviting with sitting areas, dining room overlooking the river, library and a mini-spa offering a mix of African treatments as well as more conventional French marine therapies. Outside an inviting pool beckons on a hot day whilst the veranda is the perfect spot to relax with a good book.

Activities at Sanctuary Olonana

Sanctuary Olonana offers not only epic game drives but also an array of activities not available in the Reserve itself such as bush breakfasts, picnic lunches and bush dinners, sundowners, cultural visits to the local Maasai as well as hot air balloon flights.

Sanctuary Olonana has been built along strong sustainable lines and is one of the very few lodges to be Gold Eco-Rated in the Mara, partly for its innovative wetlands and tree- planting projects.

Families

Kids of all ages are welcome at Sanctuary Olonana and there are plenty of activities to keep them entertained from learning how to make and shoot a traditional bow and arrow to building a hut. They'll also have the chance to play with children from the local community and perhaps learning maasai songs, traditional dances or just a fun game of football together. The expert guides at the lodge can also take children out on nature trails where they can track and identifiy animal footprints and take part in a bush treasure hunt.

At A Glance

  • Swimming pool
  • Rural location

Sanctuary Olonana on the map

Rooms

Suites

Sanctuary Olonana’s 14 exceptional suites, at least 130 sqm in size, flaunt clean lines and organic materials, and are so comfortable that guests would be forgiven for being tempted to stay in. Floor-to-ceiling glass doors fold open to reveal magnificent Mara River views and the interiors have been sensitively and tastefully finished with elegant nature-inspired furnishings; this creates an ever-present sense of being connected to the great outdoors. Sumptuous king-sized beds, with overhead fans, and a daybed on the deck invite you to relax inside or out, while the sprawling lower lounge area offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The unfaltering attention to detail extends to fully stocked mini-fridges, specially commissioned African art and glamorous ensuites. These refined marble- and slate-accented bathrooms have a generous tub, double vanity and a rain shower.

Family Suites

Three of the suites at Sanctuary Olonana feature an extra bedroom, which is heaven-sent for families.