Sanctuary Olonana Camp

Sanctuary Olonana is an exceptional luxury safari lodge set on a private stretch of the Mara River in the heart of Kenya’s most famous game reserve, the Masai Mara. Featuring 14 glass-sided suites and an ultra-luxury Geoffrey Kent Suite, Sanctuary Olonana is inspired by the Masai Mara’s breath-taking natural wonders, an abundance of wildlife, and a dramatic river which runs right past its forest setting. Game drives, cultural visits, bush dinners, sundowners, scenic flights and balloon rides, Olonana makes for a wonderful African safari.

From the chef’s organic garden, to the use of sustainable energy sources, Sanctuary Olonana sets a new standard with its light environmental ‘footprint’. Over the years Sanctuary Olonana has also built strong relationships with the local Maasai tribes by working with them to improve their level of health-education and lifestyle, and securing unrivaled access to their culture and local knowledge.

This luxury safari lodge is an exclusive hideaway complete with a swimming pool and glass-sided suites, 3 of which feature an extra bedroom, perfect for families. For wildlife lovers, this is one of the best places in East Africa to witness the spectacle that is the wildebeest migration.

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.

Geoffrey Kent Suite

Now the most luxury travelers can immerse themselves in this wildlife experience, connecting with ancient forces of nature, from the secluded ultra-luxury Geoffrey Kent Suite. The sophisticated free-flowing space contains two private bedrooms, each fully en-suite, and is accessed by private road.

Guests can enjoy:

Two en-suite bedrooms complete with freestanding bathtub
One additional connecting bedroom for children
Fully open floor-to-ceiling windows
Wrap-around private decking area and infinity pool overlooking the river
Private vehicle and safari guide

Game Drive

At Sanctuary Olonana, game viewing starts from the camp. A pod of hippos lives permanently in the river just below camp and many other species come to drink there. Sanctuary's experienced guides take you to all the hidden spots and our customized open safari vehicles offer all-round views, allowing for excellent photography opportunities. The Mara's rich eco-system includes acacia-studded savannah, riparian forest and woodland which attract more than 300 bird species and a stunning variety of animal life all year round.

Cultural Visit to Maasai Village

Get an insight into the vibrant and still traditional way of life of the Maasai. Learn about the medicinal plants that grow here, the importance of cattle and the stages of life through which all Maasai pass, from young boy or girl to respected elder. Accompanied by an experienced Maasai guide you are invited to visit the village which is built along traditional lines; complete with cattle enclosure, outer palisade and mud and cow dung huts. Meet the elders, their wives and families and learn about the social structure of the homestead, the role of women in their society and many more aspects of their daily life. Interaction and discussion is encouraged, so whether the ladies are building a hut, the warriors are dancing or making fire with stones and sticks, guests are free to join in.

Visit to a School

More and more popular are the visits organised by our guides to a variety of local schools during school term. These visits are free but we would recommend a donation to the school of anything upward of $15 per person.

Hot Air Balloon Safari

Your balloon is inflated against the first rays of sunrise and once aloft floats gently over the plains and the plethora of game. The balloon lands around one hour after taking off with breakfast being prepared nearby. The smells of bacon, sausages and eggs drift on the breeze as you begin breakfast with platefuls of exotic Kenyan fruits and homemade pastries and, of course, glasses of bubbly to toast your flight.

For more information on Sancturary Olonana, click HERE