Overview
Sanctuary Olonana is an award-winning tented safari camp on a private stretch of the Mara River in the heart of Kenya's most famous game reserve, the Masai Mara.
This small and exclusive camp, the first of Sanctuary's luxury safari properties, was built along sustainable lines which, along with our innovative wetlands and tree-planting projects, have earned Sanctuary Olonana a Gold Award from Ecotourism Kenya. Game drives, cultural visits, bush dinners, sundowners, scenic flights and balloon rides, Olonana makes for a wonderful African safari.
Accommodation
Sanctuary Olonana is a boutique luxury camp nestled in the heart of Kenya's most famous game reserve and commands a dramatic view over the Mara River.
The camp features fourteen spacious and tastefully appointed tents with en-suite bathrooms and river view verandahs where guests can relax and watch the resident hippos wallowing.
Sanctuary Olonana, our award-winning tented camp situated on a private stretch of the Mara River, recently undergone a significant upgrade to the public areas of the lodge as well as a soft refurbishment to the tented rooms and pool area. The interior décor reflects a contemporary design using a combination of light earthy tones and the local Maasai women played an active part in the refurbishment using the same traditional technique used in their own houses to "mud" the interior walls in all of the main areas and curio shop.
From the main viewing deck see and hear the family of noisy hippos who colonise the banks below the camp. Relax with a good book in the library, cool off in the pool or for an extra special treat, experience traditional African remedies and spa treatments in the mini-spa.
Built on the banks of the Mara River, the fourteen canvas tents at Sanctuary Olonana are extremely comfortable and spacious. The en-suite tents all have two double beds with floor to ceiling mosquito netting - making them perfect for families travelling with small children. Each of the private verandas overlook the river and offer the perfect spot where guests can relax and watch the resident hippos wallow in the water. There are also two honeymoon suites, each featuring outdoor showers.
Bedrooms & Bathrooms
Tent
The en-suite tent with two double beds with floor to ceiling mosquito netting with en-suite bathrooms and river view verandah.
Comfort & Amenities
| Children | |||
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 Children's Activities |
| Confort | |||
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Bed linen |
Pool towels |
Toiletries |
Towels |
| Equipments | |||
|---|---|---|---|
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Wet bar |
| High-Tech | |||
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Book Library |
| Outdoor | |||
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Beach chair |
Beach umbrella |
Garden |
Massage bed |
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Outdoor dining |
Outdoor furniture |
Spa |
| Security | |||
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Safe |
| Services | |||
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Activities and excursions |
Laundry services |
Transfers |
Welcome drink |
| Services extra | |||
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Activities and excursions |
Gift shop |
Massages |
Spa treatment |
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Wine card |
| Staff | |||
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Chef |
Concierge |
Gardener |
Maid Service |
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Pool Attendant |
| Staff extra | |||
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Baby sitter |
Masseuse |
Private chauffeur |
Staff & Services
One of the greatest advantages of staying in Olohana is the personalised service provided by dedicated staff.
Olohana staff have been professionally trained and will do their utmost to please with their warm and friendly hospitality.
Manager
Your manager and staff provide you with a dedicated and highly personalised concierge service during your stay.
Housekeeping Staff
A discreet daily housekeeping service is provided at the Camp.
Chef
Sanctuary Olonana prides itself in the personalised service we are able
to offer our guests. Please let us know if you have any special requests
and or dietary requirements.
Head Chef, Big John's favourite dish
is his organic garden salad - freshly picked from the Olonana garden
which is where the majority of vegetables served come from.
*Wine list can be provide.
Pool Attendant
A full-time pool attendant ensure the pool look their best, without ever intruding on guests' privacy.
Location
There are several daily scheduled flights to and from the Mara. In Nairobi, scheduled flights depart from Wilson Airport (approximately 45 minutes.)
There is also a scheduled flight from Samburu to the Mara and scheduled flights from the Mara to the coast. Private charter flights are also available.
Transfer to camp
Flights to Sanctuary Olonana land at the Kichwa Tembo Airstrip where our guide will meet you and drive approximately 15 minutes (more if game viewing on the way) to get to the camp. If travelling by road, the drive to the Mara goes through the Rift Valley and takes approximately six hours from Nairobi.
Activities
Games drives
At Sanctuary Olonana, game viewing starts from the camp. A pod of hippos lives permanently in the river just below camp and many other species come to drink there. Sanctuary's experienced guides take you to all the hidden spots and our customised open safari vehicles offer all-round views, allowing for excellent photography opportunities. The Mara's rich eco-system includes acacia-studded savannah, riparian forest and woodland which attract more than 300 bird species and a stunning variety of animal life all year round.
Cultural visit to Massai village
Get an insight into the vibrant and still traditional way of life of the Maasai. Learn about the medicinal plants that grow here, the importance of cattle and the stages of life through which all Maasai pass, from young boy or girl to respected elder. Accompanied by an experienced Maasai guide you are invited to visit the village which is built along traditional lines; complete with cattle enclosure, outer palisade and mud and cow dung huts. Meet the elders, their wives and families and learn about the social structure of the homestead, the role of women in their society and many more aspects of their daily life. Interaction and discussion is encouraged, so whether the ladies are building a hut, the warriors are dancing or making fire with stones and sticks, guests are free to join in.
Nature walk
Walk with our naturalist and learn about plants, trees and insects and their use in the daily lives of the Maasai tribe. Visit our award-winning wetlands which cleanses wastewater naturally before returning it to the environment. There is an opportunity to plant a tree, leaving a positive mark in Africa. Our naturalist shares his intimate knowledge of the surrounding environment and how many of the trees and plants are used for medicinal purposes. Watch the hippos, learn to identify the birds from their song, stop and learn about insects and even the fascinating system ants have to build and maintain their ant-hills. Your guide will also point out animal signs which are everywhere, but not that easily noticed.
Visit school
More and more popular are the visits organised by our guides to a variety of local schools during school term. These visits are free but we would recommend a donation to the school of anything upward of $15 per person.
Hot hair balloon safari
Your balloon is inflated against the first rays of sunrise and once aloft floats gently over the plains and the plethora of game. The balloon lands around one hour after taking off with breakfast being prepared nearby. The smells of bacon, sausages and eggs drift on the breeze as you begin breakfast with platefuls of exotic Kenyan fruits and homemade pastries and, of course, glasses of bubbly to toast your flight. (Additional cost)
Services included
Rates include
- All meals
- All drinks (excluding premium brands)
- Laundry
- Two daily shared game viewing activities. These include morning and afternoon game drives, nature walk, Maasai village visit, sundowner cocktails and bush meals
- Return transfers to and from Kichwa Tembo Airstrip to the camp
- Premium alcoholic drinks
- Park fees
- Spa treatments from the Olonana mini spa
- Additional activities
- Gratuities to driver / guides and staff
- Any items of a personal nature, telephone calls and curio shop purchases
- Medical insurance
- Private vehicle and guide
Additional Notes
Children
Sanctuary Olonana welcomes families with children of all ages.Our special family tented rooms feature two double beds - making it perfect for families with young children.
Kids' activities
Our expert guides will take children out on special game drives and accompany them to the nearby Masai village where they will learn how to make and shoot a traditional bow and arrow, make a fire, build a hut, herding cattle to name a few. Children will also be able to interact with the local children while playing football together and learning maasai songs and traditional dances. Other activities include going out on a nature trail where they will learn about animal footprint identification or enjoy our bush treasure hunt followed by planting their own tree, making their own pizza is always fun and we have a selection of board games available for the entire family to enjoy.
Child friendly
Child friendly menus available and evening meals can be served earlier than the normal meal times for children.
Children between the ages of 5 and 11 years are permitted to participate on the game drives, at the sole discretion of the lodge manager. Children under 5 require the permission of the lodge manager and is subject to the booking of a private vehicle.
Children below 15 years of age are required to share a room with an adult.
Child policy
We welcome children of all ages at Sanctuary Olonana.
Children aged 2 and younger stay free of charge
Children aged 15 and younger are required to share with their parents.
Private vehicle must be booked for children aged 5 and younger.
Dinning
Sanctuary Olonana prides itself in the personalised service we are able to offer our guests. Please let us know if you have any special requests and or dietary requirements.Head Chef, Big John's favourite dish is his organic garden salad - freshly picked from the Olonana garden which is where the majority of vegetables served come from.
Bush breakfasts, picnics and dinners
You may have decided with your guide to take a picnic breakfast or lunch with you but equally lovely in the evening is to enjoy a bush dinner. A private and secluded clearing is prepared for an elegant dinner in the middle of the African bush. As the sun swiftly sinks, the setting is illuminated by a magnificent log fire. The table setting is as sophisticated and elegant as found in the finest restaurants with wild flower arrangements that grace starched white table linen. Candles flicker in the darkness, throwing golden lights on the table cloth as smiling waiters serve a delicious dinner. After dinner retire to the warmth of the campfire where brandies and liqueurs are served as you absorb the peace and beauty of an African night.
Sundowners
As the afternoon game drive comes to an end, drive to a specially chosen vantage point overlooking the Mara plains. Drinks are served as you take in the beauty of the rapid sunset colouring the acacia dotted plains and transforming the world in a matter of minutes. Enjoy the warmth of the fire and discuss the day's adventures as waiters serve canapés and a selection of drinks, with the spectacular setting sun in the horizon.
Spa
Between activities, why not relax at our mini-spa? Offering a range of treatments from facials to body massages, the spa uses products from the Africology and French marine-based Thalgo range. Choose from a range of treatments such as a full body sweet and savoury scrub, pure collagen velvet mask, an indoceane treatment journey or Africology balancing scalp and foot massage. Africology manicures and copper & hot stone pedicures are also available.With spectacular views over the Mara River and the soothing sound of the river and hippos in the background - you'll have no choice but to relax.
Spa Products
Africology uses healing essences of some of South Africa's indigenous plants;
Rooibos, Aloe Ferox, Marula and African Potato. They are a natural, organic range,
chemical free and allow nature to fragrance their products naturally and select actives that bring balance and harmony to the skin. They practice fair trade and show a great social responsibility to empowering the people of Africa. They are dermatologically tested to EU standards, not tested on animals, nor use any animal products.
THALGO is the prestigious French marine-based spa health and product range by drawing on the remarkable potential of algae, and focusing on natural ingredients that are most adapted to the human body, THALGO is able to offer effective and safe products with exceptional results.
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