Considering booking Great Plains’ Ol Donyo for your Kenya safari trip? Here is my honest ol Donyo lodge review after visiting for four nights.
In November 2022, Dane and I headed to Kenya once again and added a new lodge to our itinerary. I’m just now getting around to sharing our experience but let me tell you something…it’s worth the wait! Nestled amidst the untamed beauty of Kenya’s Chyulu Hills, Ol Donyo is a true outpost at the intersection of luxury and wilderness. If you’re debating adding Ol Donyo to a Kenya itinerary, today’s post is for you.
Ol Donyo Lodge Review
Ol Donyo Lodge is a luxury safari lodge located in the heart of the Chyulu Hills in southeastern Kenya. It is renowned for its exquisite accommodations, stunning natural surroundings, and immersive wildlife experiences. The lodge is part of the Great Plains Conservation group, known for its commitment to conservation and sustainable tourism practices.
Ol Donyo Lodge offers a range of luxurious accommodations, including spacious suites and villas, each designed to blend harmoniously with the surrounding landscape. Guests can enjoy panoramic views of the plains and Mount Kilimanjaro from their private verandas.
In terms of activities, Ol Donyo Lodge provides guests with the opportunity to embark on guided game drives, bush walks, horseback safaris, and cultural visits to local Maasai communities. The lodge’s expert guides ensure unforgettable wildlife encounters, with opportunities to spot iconic African species such as elephants, lions, giraffes, and more. The lodge also boasts excellent dining options, with talented chefs creating delicious meals using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Guests can enjoy gourmet cuisine in a variety of settings, from elegant dining rooms to al fresco dinners under the stars.
Rooms At Ol Donyo
Upon arrival, we were greeted with warm smiles and a refreshing drink, setting the tone for an unforgettable stay. Our room was a stunning suite overlooking the vast plains and exuded rustic elegance with its handcrafted furnishings and earthy tones. The spacious veranda provided the perfect spot to unwind while soaking in panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. We loved the outdoor pool for relaxing and the living room area for enjoying coffee in the morning and reading a book in the afternoon.
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Rates
While the experience at Ol Donyo Lodge is undeniably luxurious, it comes with a price tag that reflects the exclusivity of the retreat. Rates per night typically start at $1,300 USD, varying depending on the season and choice of accommodation. However, every penny spent is undoubtedly worth it for the unparalleled level of service and the extraordinary safari experience offered.
How to Get There
Reaching Ol Donyo Lodge is about as seamless as it gets. Guests can opt for a one-hour flight from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport to the lodge’s private airstrip, offering breathtaking aerial views of Kenya. This is the route we chose and we flew SafariLink. Alternatively, a scenic drive through the savannah provides an opportunity to soak in the sights and sounds of Africa.
What To Expect
Ol Donyo Lodge offers an array of activities to cater to every guest’s desires. Led by expert guides, game drives provide the opportunity to encounter Africa’s iconic wildlife up close, from majestic elephants to elusive big cats. For those seeking adventure, guided bush walks and horseback safaris offer a deeper immersion into the wilderness. Cultural visits to local Maasai communities provide insight into traditional ways of life, adding a rich cultural dimension to the experience. One thing we thought was such a special experience was the hide built down by the watering hole which offers guests the opportunity to get an on-the-ground look at some of the last great Tuskers.
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Food at Ol Donyo
One of the highlights of our stay at Ol Donyo Lodge was undoubtedly the culinary experience. Each meal was a culinary masterpiece, showcasing the freshest local ingredients and flavors and one night of our stay dedicated to local cuisine, which was so cool. From sumptuous breakfast spreads to indulgent dinners under the stars, every dish was incredible. Also worth noting that the chef catered to dietary preferences, so if you have any allergies or aversions, don’t worry, you’ll be fine!
A Typical Day at Ol Donyo Lodge
A typical day at Ol Donyo Lodge is a true blend of adventure and relaxation. We got up every morning for our AM game drive, and our car (which we didn’t have to share with any other guests) was stocked with blankets, hot water bottles, the camera they give guests to use during their stay, and coffee. After returning to the lodge and eating breakfast, we would typically take a long nap, swim, read, or relax. Evenings included a game drive, complete with sundowners against the backdrop of fiery African sunsets, followed by candlelit dinners. I can honestly say my ideal vacation itinerary!
Is Ol Donyo Lodge Worth The Money?
I can honestly say: yes. From the wildlife sightings and the expert guides, to the chefs and luxe accommodations, Ol Donyo Lodge is worth the spend in my opinion. Things that make this worth the money include the DSLR camera guests can use (they give you the memory card when you go home), the hide to see animals up close, and the intimate feel of the camp overall (smaller and fewer people).
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