ol Donyo Lodge is located on the Maasai-owned Mbirikani Group Ranch, comprising of 111,000 hectares of wilderness between Amboseli and Tsavo National Parks and bordering Chyulu Hills National Park. This stunningly beautiful area is incredibly diverse and often has spectacular views of Mount Kilimanjaro. No other lodge in Africa offers such a wide range of experiences, in such a private setting. As one of Kenya’s only three Relais & Chateaux properties (other being sister properties Mara Plains Camp and Mara Nyika Camp), the lodge is perched on a hillside with views of East Africa’s classic savannahs below.

Eight pool suites plus one two-bedroom family suite offer a harmonious blend of contemporary and rustic accommodation, merging the landscape into each suite. Designed for broad appeal, the lodge is a perfect getaway for families, honeymooners or multi-generational groups. What makes it a standout is its considerable variety of activities – from good quality wildlife viewing, hiking, horseback riding and mountain biking – ol Donyo Lodge is a perfect place to feel Africa.

Add to this the lodge’s creature comforts of fine dining, spa treatments, infinity pool, star beds and multiple lounges, and it is a place to relax and unwind for days. Wildlife is here. This semi-arid region offers a diverse safari and wildlife viewing experience to that found in the Maasai Mara area.

ol Donyo Lodge pairs perfectly with its sister properties in the Maasai Mara such as our Mara Plains Camp, Mara Plains Jahazi Suite, Mara Expedition Camp, Mara Toto Camp or Mara Nyika Camp. Together this combination gives guests the most well-rounded and complementary Kenyan safari itinerary.

No two of the lodge’s suites is precisely the same, but what is consistent is the view to Mount Kilimanjaro and the lodge’s famous waterhole as well as star beds atop each of the suites for sleeping under the night sky. All the suites have private plunge pools, and two are connected, creating a ‘villa’ concept, perfect for families or couples travelling together.

The thatch-roofed suites blend with the environment despite their commanding design. Flashes of bright colour interspersed with earthy tones, wildlife photography and local crafts punctuate the open-air layout.

The lodge’s main lounge, complete with grand stone fireplace, a small library, inviting open bar and expansive verandah is the place to rendezvous with new friends, and the local staff. The dining area and nearby pool lounge offer sweeping views across the nearby landscape whilst offering scrumptious, healthy meals. The main infinity pool, curio shop and office provide other diversions should exploring the main area not be enough. Most of the lodge staff is from the local Maasai community and keen to share their fascinating culture with guests – it is a treasured chance to learn. Furthermore, the Mbirikani Group Ranch and ol Donyo Lodge are among the first examples of a community tourism partnership. The land is leased from the Maasai by the lodge, providing them with benefits from tourism and an incentive for conservation. Along with its local conservation partner Big Life Foundation, the lodge continues to push the boundaries in innovative community conservation schemes. Every guest of ol Donyo Lodge contributes to these vital initiatives.