Ol Donyo Lodge
Chyulu Hills, Kenya
An intimate luxury lodge set within a vast Maasai-owned concession in the Chyulu Hills, between Amboseli and Tsavo. With opportunities to encounter iconic supertusker elephants, horseback safaris, rooftop star beds and breathtaking views of Mount Kilimanjaro, Ol Donyo offers one of Kenya’s most distinctive safari experiences.
Location
Mbirikani Group Ranch, Chyulu Hills, Kenya
Camp Style
Permanent lodge, casita style
Best For
Horseback safaris, exclusivity, families, Kilimanjaro views
Accommodation
8 suites · 1 two bedroom family suite · private villa
Season
Year-round
Our Take
Why We Recommend OL Donyo
Our Take
Why We Recommend OL Donyo
Most Kenya itineraries follow the same circuit. Ol Donyo Lodge is why we don’t always plan one. Set across 275,000 acres of Maasai-owned wilderness between Amboseli and Tsavo, with just nine suites (eight Deluxe Pool Suites and one Family Suite), only Ol Donyo safari vehicles traverse the concession, offering a rare sense of space, silence and exclusivity.
The appeal goes beyond the views, though watching Kilimanjaro at dawn from your private plunge pool is hard to beat. Expert guides with intimate knowledge of the area enrich every game drive, while horseback safaris, guided walks, mountain biking, fly camping and rooftop star beds offer experiences beyond the traditional safari. Four nights can still leave you wanting more.
- 275,000 acre private concession
- Horseback safaris included for intermediate+ riders
- Rooftop star beds in every suite
- Unobstructed Kilimanjaro views
- Relais & Chateaux member
- Amboseli day trips possible
Camp Experience
A First Night That Doesn't Feel Like a Layover
The Camp
Stone, Thatch and a Grand Stone Fireplace
Ol Donyo is not a tented camp and that distinction matters. The casita style design, with whitewashed walls, lava rock construction and large glass windows, gives it a solidity and spaciousness that sets it apart from most Great Plains properties. The central lounge features a grand stone fireplace, an open bar, a small library and an expansive veranda where Kilimanjaro fills the horizon on clear mornings. Below, an infinity pool and full spa overlook the savannah. A separate fire deck sits further out, used for evenings when the stars are reason enough to stay outside.
The Setting
The Green Hills of Africa
The Chyulu Hills what Hemingway called the Green Hills of Africa rise from the semi-arid plains of southern Kenya as a chain of young volcanic cones, the youngest lava flows on the continent. The Mbirikani Group Ranch sits at their base, 275,000 acres of open wilderness bordering both Amboseli and Tsavo West National Parks and Chyulu Hills National Park itself. Wildlife moves freely across this landscape without fences, which is part of what makes the concession feel so different from a reserve. On a clear morning, Kilimanjaro rises above the plains to the south you will photograph it every day.
Firsthand
Our Firsthand Experience
Firsthand
Our Firsthand Experience
Ol Donyo Lodge stands apart in the Great Plains portfolio for the remarkable sense of space and privacy it offers. What struck us immediately was how naturally the lodge blends into the surrounding wilderness, combining the comforts of a luxury retreat with the immersive atmosphere of an African safari.
Exploring 275,000 acres of Maasai-owned wilderness is an experience in itself. The guiding team’s deep knowledge of the terrain and wildlife makes every drive rewarding. During our visit, the effects of drought were visible across the landscape, but the lodge’s waterhole offered memorable wildlife encounters, allowing us to observe animals at close range.
Pranav & Anita
Founders, Travel Africa & More
Accommodation
Stay at The Ol Donyo Lodge
Eight suites, one family suite and a private villa each with a private plunge pool, rooftop star bed and views across the plains toward Kilimanjaro.
Deluxe Pool Suite
The core room type at Ol Donyo. Whitewashed walls, a deep soaking tub, stone finishes and a private plunge pool on the veranda. The rooftop star bed is accessed by a dedicated staircase one of the better reasons to go to bed early.
Private plunge pool · Rooftop star bed · Deep soaking tub · Kilimanjaro views
Sambu Family Suite
A two bedroom configuration with separate sleeping areas sharing a common lounge and veranda. Children five and above are welcome. Connects comfortably for families or two travelling couples who want shared space and private rooms.
Two bedrooms · Shared veranda · Rooftop star bed · Children 5+ welcome
Private Villa
A four bedroom exclusive use villa with its own chef, private plunge pool and complete separation from the main lodge. The right choice for families, small groups or anyone who wants the lodge’s facilities without the shared spaces.
Four bedrooms · Private chef · Exclusive-use · Full lodge access
Safari Experiences
What You Can Actually Do Here
Ol Donyo offers more activity variety than almost any lodge in Kenya and the concession’s scale rewards guests who use all of it.
Game Drives
Horseback Safaris
Guided Bush Walks
Fly-Camping
Mountain Biking
Star Beds
Game Drives
Morning and afternoon drives across the concession, covering open plains, lava fields and riverine forest. Two hides on the property allow close, undisturbed observation of wildlife at the waterhole a different experience from the vehicle and worth using on a quiet afternoon.
Horseback Safaris
Two to four hour rides for intermediate riders and above, across open savannah with wildlife encountered at eye level. Included in the rate and one of the strongest reasons to choose Ol Donyo over any other lodge in this region.
Guided Bush Walks
Walking with a Maasai guide through the concession, covering tracks, lava terrain, birdlife and smaller wildlife the vehicle passes over. A slower morning that changes what you notice.
Fly-Camping
An overnight out in the Chyulu Hills, under canvas, away from the lodge entirely. A genuine wilderness experience for guests who want the landscape without the room.
Mountain Biking
Trail riding across the concession for those who want physical effort alongside wildlife. An unusual addition for a safari lodge and one that works well given the terrain.
Star Beds
Every suite has a rooftop star bed. No activity required simply move outside after dinner and sleep under an open sky while the sounds of the bush carry up from the plains below.
Wildlife
Wildlife You May Ol Donyo Lodge
The Mbirikani concession is unfenced, which means wildlife moves freely between the ranch, Amboseli and Tsavo. Sightings are less predictable than in a concentrated reserve and the sense of genuine wilderness more than compensates
Lion
Elephant
Leopard
Gerenuk
Buffalo
Cheetah
Conservation
More Than a Safari
Ol Donyo Lodge operates on land leased from 4,000 Maasai landowners of the Mbirikani Group Ranch, with lease fees and per person conservancy fees going directly to the community. The partnership with Big Life Foundation one of East Africa’s most respected anti poaching organisations supports ranger salaries, wildlife monitoring and human wildlife conflict mitigation across the broader landscape. The Young Explorers Programme weaves conservation education into every family stay, and the lodge’s lava rock construction used cement sparingly, reducing environmental impact from the build itself.
Getting There
Location & Access
Getting There
Location & Access
Nearest airports
Ol Donyo Private Airstrip
Flight time
45 minutes from Nairobi Wilson Airport
Air transfers
Scheduled seat-in-plane included in rate (min. 2-night stay)
Transfer to lodge
30 minutes by road from airstrip
By road
4.5–5 hours from Nairobi via Emali; 4x4 required for final stretch
From Amboseli
Approx. 2 hours by road
Access
Open all year
Best Time to Visit
Seasons at Ol Donyo Lodge
January – March
Warm and dry with short green grass excellent for predator and cheetah sightings. Clear mornings give the best Kilimanjaro visibility of the year
April – May
Long rains. The hills turn dramatically green. Fewer guests and lower rates; afternoon game drives are wetter but the landscape is at its most striking.
June – October
Dry season. Peak wildlife activity at the waterhole, strong predator movement and reliable Kilimanjaro views most mornings.
November – December
The short rains bring greener plains and refreshed landscapes. A quieter period offering good value, with opportunities to see elephants and other wildlife across the Chyulu Hills.
Our Recommendation
January to March for clarity and cheetah. June to October for waterhole activity and the dryseason concentration of game. The Amboseli day trip is most dramatic in the wet season, when the landscape around the mountain is green and the herds are closest to the park’s core.
Rates
Indicative 2027 Rates
Starting from USD 1590 ( PPPN )
Fully inclusive of accommodation, all meals, scheduled activities including horseback safaris, star bed experience, Big Life conservation fees, daily laundry, return airstrip transfers and all beverages including premium spirits and champagne.
Excludes: Great Plains Foundation conservation levy, spa treatments, Amboseli day trip and helicopter flights.
Travel Africa & More
Our Take
What We Love
The sheer variety of experiences sets Ol Donyo apart. From horseback safaris and rooftop star beds to fly camping, wildlife hides and guided walks, there’s much to explore beyond traditional game drives. The vast 275,000-acre concession offers remarkable privacy and exclusivity, while the beautifully designed suites combine the comforts of a luxury lodge with an authentic connection to the wilderness.
What To Know
Ol Donyo’s vast 275,000-acre concession offers a more exclusive wilderness experience, with fewer vehicles and wildlife spread across a larger landscape. The guiding here is exceptional, with experienced guides who know the terrain and wildlife intimately. Every game drive is an opportunity to explore this remarkable ecosystem, where patience and expert tracking are part of the safari experience.
Who We'd Send Here
Ideal for horseback safari enthusiasts, honeymooners and couples seeking privacy, breathtaking Mount Kilimanjaro views and the vast wilderness of the Chyulu Hills. Families with children aged five and above will appreciate the Young Explorers Programme. Also an excellent choice for travellers wanting to combine the Chyulu Hills with an Amboseli safari experience while staying at one exceptional lodge.
How Long We'd Stay
We recommend four nights to fully enjoy Ol Donyo’s range of activities, from horseback safaris and guided walks to wildlife hide sessions and an Amboseli day trip, without feeling rushed. Three nights also works very well for a rewarding safari experience.
Also Consider
Similar Camps
The Emakoko
Nairobi National Park, Kenya
A boutique, family run lodge built into a cliffside on the edge of Nairobi National Park the easiest and most memorable way to start or end a Kenyan safari.
Lewa Safari Camp
Laikipia, Kenya
A classic tented camp on 65,000 acres of wilderness north of Mt. Kenya part of the Mount Kenya UNESCO World Heritage site extension inscribed in 2013.
Mara Plains Camp
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An intimate Great Plains Conservation camp on the forested banks of the Ntiakitiak River with the highest big cat concentration in Africa …
Questions
Before You Ask
The six things travellers ask us most about OL Donyo.
1. Is Ol Donyo Lodge suitable for families?
Yes one of the better family lodges in Kenya. The Young Explorers Programme runs for children five and above, and the Sambu Family Suite and Private Villa both suit multi generational groups. Children under five are not accommodated in the main lodge.
2. Do I need riding experience for the horseback safaris?
Intermediate level and above. The rides cover open terrain at varying paces and are not suitable for first time or beginner riders. Confirm your experience level when booking and the lodge will assess the right ride for your group.
3. How many nights should we stay?
We recommend four nights to fully enjoy Ol Donyo’s diverse experiences, including game drives, horseback safaris, guided walks, rooftop star beds and an Amboseli day trip, without feeling rushed. However, three nights also works very well, particularly for those balancing their safari itinerary and budget.
4.Is the Amboseli day trip included in the rate?
No it’s available as an additional excursion and is charged separately. Confirm current costs with us at the time of booking.
5. How Does Ol Donyo Compare to Safari Camps in Amboseli?
Ol Donyo offers a different safari experience from traditional Amboseli camps. Set within a vast 275,000-acre Maasai-owned concession in the Chyulu Hills, it provides an exceptional sense of space, privacy and exclusivity. While Amboseli also has camps within private conservancies and concessions, Ol Donyo stands out for the scale of its wilderness and the variety of experiences available, including horseback safaris, guided walks, fly camping and rooftop star beds. Its expert guiding and opportunities to encounter iconic supertusker elephants add to its appeal.
6. How do we get there?
A 45 minute scheduled light aircraft flight from Nairobi Wilson to the Ol Donyo Private Airstrip, followed by a 30 minute road transfer to the lodge. Air transfers are included in the rate for stays of two nights or more.
Could This Be Your Africa?
Tell us what you’re looking for, and we’ll tell you honestly whether this lodge belongs in your journey.
