Our take
Ol Donyo Lodge sits on private land in the Chyulu Hills, with hillside suites overlooking plains and a wildlife waterhole. Private pools, rooftop star beds and horse riding create a southern Kenya stay that extends well beyond conventional game drives.
The lodge occupies a hillside on the Maasai-owned Mbirikani Group Ranch, between the Amboseli and Tsavo landscapes. Its communal thatched areas include a lounge, bar and library, with a terrace facing the plains and waterhole. A shared infinity pool supplements the pools attached to guest suites. The location gives the stay a distinctive southern Kenya character; Kilimanjaro may be visible in clear weather, but the mountain can remain hidden by cloud.
Gallery
A closer look at the accommodation, atmosphere and setting.
Swipe or use the arrows to explore. Select a photo to enlarge.
01
Accommodation
Accommodation comprises eight deluxe suites and one two-bedroom Sambu family suite. Accommodation has private verandas and pools, with bathrooms including baths and shower facilities. Rooftop star beds provide the option of sleeping outdoors when conditions permit. The Sambu layout gives families separate sleeping rooms within one suite. The pools and rooftop sleep-outs should be distinguished from communal lodge facilities when discussing the accommodation.
02
Food & drink
Meals are served in the lodge’s main dining spaces or outdoor settings, with the programme arranged around the day’s activities. Bush breakfasts add an appealing change of setting, while the terrace provides views over the plains. The kitchen can discuss dietary requirements before arrival; a lodge stay here combines safari outings with time to enjoy its dining and shared spaces.
03
What to do
Day and night game drives, guided walks and horseback safaris explore the private ranch. Waterhole hides offer a chance to watch animals from a different viewpoint, while mountain biking and other outdoor excursions broaden the experience. Riding is arranged according to ability, and rooftop star beds depend on weather and guest preference. Spa treatments provide a quieter option at the lodge. Elephant and other wildlife sightings vary according to conditions and movements across the ranch.
Planning your stay
The two-bedroom Sambu suite provides a family arrangement with separate sleeping spaces. Plan the children’s activities around ages and riding experience, and discuss the private pools and rooftop sleep-out beforehand. A spacious room does not make every safari activity suitable for every age.
Ol Donyo’s private ranch, waterhole hides, rooftop star beds and riding programme offer a distinct contrast to a Mara safari. Its suites are designed for time at the lodge as well as excursions, with private outdoor spaces and pools.
This is a Chyulu Hills property on Mbirikani Ranch, not a camp inside Amboseli National Park. Choose it for its own landscape and activities. Riding suitability, rooftop sleep-outs and clear Kilimanjaro views should be considered separately from a standard game-drive programme.
Compare the alternatives
Explore the accommodation and setting of each property before choosing your combination.
Amboseli
Angama Amboseli is a ten-suite lodge in Kimana Sanctuary, where fever trees, passing elephants and views towards Kilimanjaro shape the stay. Contemporary rooms and a small guest population complement excursions into neighbouring Amboseli National Park.
Explore the property
Amboseli
Tortilis Camp combines thatched-roof tents with a western Amboseli setting and views towards Kilimanjaro. Sixteen standard tents, a two-bedroom family tent and a private house offer several accommodation choices, with access to both Kitirua Conservancy and Amboseli National Park.
Explore the property
Amboseli
Kitirua Plains Lodge is a thirteen-suite retreat on a private concession bordering Amboseli National Park. Contemporary architecture, two-bedroom suites and substantial wellness facilities offer a comfortable base for elephant-focused safaris, with Kilimanjaro views when cloud conditions allow.
Explore the propertyMake it part of a journey
Allow several nights to enjoy the range of activities rather than arriving only for a single game drive. Ol Donyo can provide a strong contrast to the Maasai Mara and can be followed by time on the Kenyan coast. Schedule more demanding activities with recovery time between them.
These journeys are starting points. We adapt the route, accommodation and length of stay around your plans.
Explore Chyulu Hills or read our Kenya seasonal guide.
Your questions
Accommodation comprises eight deluxe suites and one two-bedroom Sambu family suite. Accommodation has private verandas and pools, with bathrooms including baths and shower facilities. Rooftop star beds provide the option of sleeping outdoors when conditions permit. The Sambu layout gives families separate sleeping rooms within one suite. The pools and rooftop sleep-outs should be distinguished from communal lodge facilities when discussing the accommodation.
Day and night game drives, guided walks and horseback safaris explore the private ranch. Waterhole hides offer a chance to watch animals from a different viewpoint, while mountain biking and other outdoor excursions broaden the experience. Riding is arranged according to ability, and rooftop star beds depend on weather and guest preference. Spa treatments provide a quieter option at the lodge. Elephant and other wildlife sightings vary according to conditions and movements across the ranch.
The two-bedroom Sambu suite provides a family arrangement with separate sleeping spaces. Plan the children’s activities around ages and riding experience, and discuss the private pools and rooftop sleep-out beforehand. A spacious room does not make every safari activity suitable for every age.
Allow several nights to enjoy the range of activities rather than arriving only for a single game drive. Ol Donyo can provide a strong contrast to the Maasai Mara and can be followed by time on the Kenyan coast. Schedule more demanding activities with recovery time between them.
Tailor-made Kenya
We will explain how it compares with the alternatives and whether it fits your preferred dates, route and pace.
Start planning