Our take
Olonana Lodge sits beside the Mara River, with fourteen contemporary suites and a separate Geoffrey Kent Suite. Glass-fronted rooms, river views and a comfortable lodge setting distinguish it from a traditional tented camp, with game drives into the Maasai Mara.
Olonana’s setting is shaped by the Mara River, with guest accommodation looking towards the water and its resident wildlife. The lodge’s contemporary architecture gives it a different character from a canvas camp: solid buildings, broad glazing and generous indoor space. Shared guest areas, a swimming pool and wellness treatments complement safari outings. The riverside position is appealing throughout a stay, with migration herds and crossings dependent on seasonal wildlife movements.
Gallery
A closer look at the accommodation, atmosphere and setting.
Swipe or use the arrows to explore. Select a photo to enlarge.
01
Accommodation
Fourteen contemporary suites overlook the river, with three offering adjoining bedrooms for families. They are permanent, glass-fronted suites rather than safari tents. En-suite bathrooms and private terraces provide comfortable space between outings. The separate Geoffrey Kent Suite has two bedrooms and a private pool, chef and guide, giving a more secluded alternative within the property. Choose this named category when private facilities are a priority.
02
Food & drink
Dining takes place in the lodge’s main guest areas and outdoor settings overlooking the river, with meals fitted around safari outings. Picnics can support a longer day in the reserve. Guests in the Geoffrey Kent Suite have a private chef arrangement, distinct from the main lodge’s shared dining experience. Dietary requirements are best provided before arrival.
03
What to do
Game drives into the Maasai Mara form the core programme, with the route shaped by current wildlife activity. Community visits and guided walks can be arranged where permitted, while ballooning offers a sunrise view at additional cost. Swimming and wellness treatments provide time at the lodge. Resident wildlife is a year-round attraction; migration timing and river crossings remain unpredictable and are not guaranteed by the riverside location.
Planning your stay
Three of the fourteen suites have adjoining bedrooms for families. The two-bedroom Geoffrey Kent Suite adds a private pool, chef and guide for those seeking more independent arrangements. Room layout and pool supervision should be considered alongside the children’s ages.
The river-facing glass suites offer a comfortable, contemporary contrast to tented Mara camps. The Geoffrey Kent Suite creates a private option for a small group, while the standard lodge retains shared facilities and a sociable central setting.
Distinguish the fourteen main suites from the Geoffrey Kent Suite when comparing room facilities and guiding. National reserve rules shape safari activities, and optional walking or community visits need appropriate arrangements. A river outlook is a feature of the lodge, not a promise of crossings.
Compare the alternatives
Explore the accommodation and setting of each property before choosing your combination.
Maasai Mara
Governors’ Camp is a long-established canvas camp beside the Mara River in the Maasai Mara National Reserve. Its riverside setting near Musiara Marsh, experienced guides and 24 tents offer a classic safari centred on wildlife rather than elaborate lodge architecture.
Explore the property
Maasai Mara
Governors’ Il Moran is a ten-tent camp beneath riverine trees beside the Mara River. Large tents, a raised dining deck and a small guest complement provide an intimate base for game drives within the Maasai Mara National Reserve.
Explore the property
Maasai Mara
Sand River Masai Mara is a sixteen-tent camp beside its namesake river inside the Maasai Mara National Reserve. Two smaller camp sections, traditional safari interiors and a two-bedroom family tent create a classic base in the reserve’s southern landscape.
Explore the propertyMake it part of a journey
Olonana is a useful Mara option for travellers who prefer spacious permanent rooms to canvas accommodation. Allow time for both reserve drives and the riverside setting. Combine it with Laikipia or the coast for contrast, choosing private-suite arrangements only where they add clear value for the party.
These journeys are starting points. We adapt the route, accommodation and length of stay around your plans.
Explore Maasai Mara or read our Kenya seasonal guide.
Your questions
Fourteen contemporary suites overlook the river, with three offering adjoining bedrooms for families. They are permanent, glass-fronted suites rather than safari tents. En-suite bathrooms and private terraces provide comfortable space between outings. The separate Geoffrey Kent Suite has two bedrooms and a private pool, chef and guide, giving a more secluded alternative within the property. Choose this named category when private facilities are a priority.
Game drives into the Maasai Mara form the core programme, with the route shaped by current wildlife activity. Community visits and guided walks can be arranged where permitted, while ballooning offers a sunrise view at additional cost. Swimming and wellness treatments provide time at the lodge. Resident wildlife is a year-round attraction; migration timing and river crossings remain unpredictable and are not guaranteed by the riverside location.
Three of the fourteen suites have adjoining bedrooms for families. The two-bedroom Geoffrey Kent Suite adds a private pool, chef and guide for those seeking more independent arrangements. Room layout and pool supervision should be considered alongside the children’s ages.
Olonana is a useful Mara option for travellers who prefer spacious permanent rooms to canvas accommodation. Allow time for both reserve drives and the riverside setting. Combine it with Laikipia or the coast for contrast, choosing private-suite arrangements only where they add clear value for the party.
Tailor-made Kenya
We will explain how it compares with the alternatives and whether it fits your preferred dates, route and pace.
Start planning