Good For You

With exclusive access to a quarter of a million acres of one of the few remaining wilderness areas of East Africa, the view of the open plains, rolling hills and snow capped peak of Kilimanjaro from Ol Donyo Wuas invokes images of Africa as it was in the earlier part of the last century.

Wake with a cup of tea or coffee and watch the early morning sun glisten on the peaks of the mountain before you venture out for a game drive to view the myriad wildlife that inhabits these vast African plains.

If you dare, take a walk on the wild side and spend the night camping out in the bush with of one of the lodge’s guides, or just chill out by the swimming pool and watch the never-ending stream of wildlife coming to the waterhole below.

At the end of the day, after a hot shower and a candlelit three-course dinner, relax with a sky full of stars and the ever-present sounds of the African night: lions roaring, hyenas laughing and elephants rumbling with only the fence that surrounds the lodge between you and them. To stay at Ol Donyo Wuas, or ‘the spotted hills’ in Maasai language, is to experience the quintessential Africa.

Good For Kenya

When owner Richard Bonham approached the Maasai of Mbirikani group ranch in the early 90s, to discuss building a small lodge (also to be his home) at the foot of the Chyulu Hills, it was something of a pioneering concept in Kenya; Ol Donyo Wuas was one of the first community conservation projects. Today, this idea has become the accepted way to allow those to whom the land belongs to benefit from its use by tourists.

It would belittle the efforts of those involved to claim it was quite so straight forward, but the involvement of each party and the different perspectives they bring, makes for an unusual and interesting way to see this stunning part of Kenya.

Rooms

Food

Features & Facilities

• Eight thatched cottages built in traditional African style
• En-suite bathrooms in all cottages
• Electricity and hot water are supplied by a solar powered system
• Activities include game drives, walks, horseriding and cultural excursions and are included in the rates.
• Three meals a day plus soft drinks, beers, house wine are included in the rates

Local Info & Activities

Game Walks: Explore the surrounds of the spectacular open plains, acacia woodland and volcanic hills with an experienced guide.

Horse riding: Take a ride on the open plains or through the mist forests in the morning to experience the true African wilderness.

Camping: You can camp on the plains or up in the Chyulu hills with a guide, using either vehicles or horses to get there.

Cultural visits: Visit the Maasailand Preservation Trust Projects which include schools, dams, reforestation and conservation projects.

Yellow Fever, hepatitis and tetanus vaccinations are recommended for all of East Africa.

While in East Africa, only drink bottled water. It is recommended that at least four litres of non-alcoholic fluid be consumed each day to prevent dehydration.

African gastroenteritis 'bugs' are the next most common cause of stomach upsets and diarrhea. Generally, antibiotics will cure this illness within 24 hours.

Kenya offers warm days with cool early mornings and evenings throughout most of the country. The coldest months are June, July and August; the hottest months are January, February and March.

When traveling on safari, baggage should be kept to a minimum. Charter flights and vehicle transfers do not allow a large amount of baggage. Soft duffle bags should be used rather than suitcases, as frequently the air plane baggage lockers cannot fit a large suitcase.

An airport departure tax of US$40 per person, or its equivalent, is payable when leaving Kenya. A local departure tax of Kshs 200 (approx. US$3) per person, per flight, is payable for internal Kenyan flights.

Kenyans drive on the left hand side of the road. It is recommended that you travel with an international driving license if you plan to drive in Kenya.

Sustainability

In 1992 it helped to form the Maasailand Preservation Trust to build schools, health clinics and support game scouts to prevent poaching in the Tsavo/Amboseli ecosystem.

The Trust, together with other organisations, is responsible for enhancing security and monitoring the endangered Chyulu rhino, probably the last remaining population of wild black rhino in Kenya today.

The cottages at Ol Donyo are contructed from local materials and hot water and electricity is provided by solar panels.

Getting There

Ol Donyo Wuas is reached by a fifty minute daily flight by a private air charter or scheduled services from Wilson Airport, Nairobi or a four hour drive by 4WD vehicle south-east of Nairobi.

Kenya is well served by major international airlines, which fly to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi.

Visit our Transport section for flights, hybrid car rentals and train bookings.

Rates & Bookings

US$425 p/person sharing US$530 p/person single occupancy US$210 for a child under 12yrs

Park Fees: US$60 p/person per day or US$30 for children under 12yrs

• All rates include three meals per day, soft drinks, beers, house wine
• Game drives, guided safari walks, horse riding, Maasai cultural visits are included in rates
• iOpen all year except May and November.

booking & cancellation policy

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Want to avoid cancellation fees? Visit our Insurance section for information on travel insurance.