Ol Donyo Lodge

With Mount Kilimanjaro as your back drop, enjoy riding from the savannah plains of the lowlands through thick acacia forests to the Chyulu Hills. The Chyulu Hills are the youngest range of volcanic hills in Africa, the last volcanic activity having occurred only about 600 years ago. Within this area reside elephant, rhino, lion, leopard and buffalo not to mention hundreds of species of birds and a huge variety of plant life.

Ol Donyo Lodge is a great option for those who wish to enjoy a riding safari while staying in a luxurious lodge with private swimming pools, massages, and unbeatable views. You can ride from the lodge either early in the morning or at sunset and also enjoy game drives, bush walks and the many other activities that the lodge has to offer.

Horseback safaris from the lodge suit riders from intermediate rider through to experienced, although always going at the pace of the weakest.

There are a selection of very well-schooled horses which are used to the wildlife and terrain. The horses are normally ridden in lightweight English saddles, however South African trail saddles are available which fit some of the horses.

Your precise itinerary will be tailored to your wishes and ability.

Experienced riders (after an initial riding assessment in the arena) normally join long morning rides of about four hours, perhaps with brunch or sometimes a picnic lunch. There are plenty of opportunities for long canters across the plains and great game viewing opportunities.

More novice riders will be taken by vehicle to meet their horse on the plains away from possible unexpected elephant encounters. These shorter rides are often in the afternoon.

Experienced riders will normally have a long morning ride, then a more relaxing afternoon by the hide at the water hole, or on a game drive; it is not normally possible to ride twice a day.

Ol Donyo Lodge has eight deluxe pool suites and the Sambu suite (with two bedrooms).

All suites have spacious bathrooms with superb views, a shower and a bath, loo and an additional outdoor shower for those who prefer the outdoors.

All the suites have their own plunge pool and rooftop sundowner / "star bed" with spectacular views. Adventurous guests have the option to sleep out on these rooftops to experience a night under the stars.

Lighting and hot water are solar powered and there are power sockets in the rooms for electrical items.

The communal areas of the lodge include a spacious sitting and dining room with an open fireplace. There is also a swimming pool.

Accommodation Gallery

Availability

There are no set arrival or departure days and stays of any length are possible at the lodge. We recommend a stay of at least four nights.
Sample Itinerary for Ol Donyo Lodge

Prices

The following prices are per person for a four night stay and include the low & mid season special offer of one free night if you stay for four nights. This special offer can be doubled to give you two free nights if you stay for eight nights.

INCLUDES Accommodation; full board; drinks; premium wines and spirits; riding; activities at Ol Donyo Lodge including shared game drives, guided walks and mountain biking; use of binoculars and a professional camera set (one per suite); Big Life Conservation Fees; Chyulu Hills airstrip transfers and air transfers from Wilson airport to the Chyulu Hills (must be a minimum of 2 people in the plane).

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT  is normally 50% but outside of high season (15 Jun - 31 Oct) it may be possible to have a single room without a supplement so please do ask if you plan to travel at this time.

CHILD DISCOUNT of 50% for children between 5 and 15 years of age sharing a suite with two adults.

PAYABLE LOCALLY Massage treatments; tips; Masai cultural visits from US$20 per person; day trips to Amboseli National Park.

NEAREST AIRPORT Nairobi.

TRANSFERS Return air transfers by scheduled flight from Nairobi Wilson airport to Chyulu Hills are included in the rate provided you stay a minimum of 2 nights and there are a minimum of 2 guests booked and travelling in the plane. The flight departs from Nairobi early in the morning and so you will need to stay the previous night in Nairobi. Road transfers within Nairobi are an additional cost.

NOT INCLUDED Flying doctor membership (USD 10-USD 15 per person); Overnight in Nairobi; airport transfers and driver in Nairobi if waiting for international flight; exclusive use of vehicle at Ol Donyo Lodge which must be booked for families with children (5-15 years).

Getting There

The transfer from Nairobi Wilson to Ol Donyo Lodge is by Safarilink flight which normally departs from Nairobi Wilson airport at c. 07:15 and arrives at the Tsavo Ol Donyo Lodge airstrip at c. 08:00. The return flight to Nairobi normally departs Ol Donyo Lodge at c. 08:15 and arrives into Nairobi-Wilson airport at c. 09:40.

You are advised to arrive into Nairobi the day before and overnight in Nairobi on arrival, before travelling on to Ol Donyo Lodge the following day.

In The Saddle Gallery

Client Photos

Location

A luxury lodge located in the Chyulu Hills of Southern Kenya, situated between Amboseli and Tsavo East in Southern Kenya, with Mount Kilimanjaro as your backdrop.

Weather & Climate

The weather in Kenya is fine all year round with little seasonal variation. During the day it will get hot  while at night temperatures can drop quite sharply and it can feel cold. The long rains fall in April and May and the short rains in November.