
PROPERTY HIGHLIGHTS:
- Sanctuary Olonana is an exceptional safari lodge based on a private stretch of the Mara River in the heart of Kenya’s most famous game reserve, the Masai Mara.
- Comprised of 14 exceptional suites, this lodge flaunts clean lines and organic materials, the perfect blend of modernity and traditional African style.
- Inspired by the Masai Mara’s breath-taking natural wonders, an abundance of wildlife and a dramatic river which runs right past its forest setting; this luxurious lodge provides an exhilarating environment, connecting guests to the extraordinary Kenyan landscape in a truly enriching way.
- During annual Wildebeest Migration, the action happens less than 40 minutes camp’s doorstep.
- Easily accessible, only a 45 minute flight from Nairobi.
- Newly opened Geoffrey Kent Suite featuring 2 ensuite bedrooms, private dining, infinity pool and private vehicle and guide.
- Offers game drives, cultural visits, bush dinners, sundowners, balloon flights and scenic flights.
- Opportunity to visit a traditional Maasai village and school.
- Private vehicles are available with a private guide for guests in search of a more private safari.
- A swimming pool and spa can be found on-site.
EXCLUSIVE LUXE VOYAGER VIP BENEFITS & BEST PRICE
We negotiate rates & benefits for our clients directly with the hotels’ senior management. Our rates match or in many cases are lower than the best online rate for the property. Our clients also enjoy a suite of extra VIP privileges and recognition while staying at a partner hotel.
- Complimentary room upgrade on arrival.
- Daily complimentary buffet breakfast for two.
- Up to $100 dining or spa credit per stay, and or in-house dining / spa discounts.
- Welcome amenities (wine/chocolates/fruit) and card from the GM.
- Complimentary private airport transfers.
- Complimentary roll-away bed if required.
- Early check-in and late check-out.
- Complimentary Wi-Fi.
- Enhanced recognition through VIP status at all touch points in the guest experience.
A complete or partial suite of VIP benefits will be offered, subject to the property T&C, including availability, category of room & length of stay.
ACTIVITIES:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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)

The recently renovated Sanctuary Olonana is situated on the banks of the Mara River, in the heart of Kenya’s Big Game country. This unique setting in the midst of the Maasai Mara National Reserve offers visitors a world of remarkable opportunities for safari adventures and to seasonally witness the Great Migration.The Maasai Mara’s 320 square kilometres of open savannah, woodlands and tree-lined rivers creates an ecosystem which supports a diverse array of bird and wildlife species. Explore this immense area through exciting game drives and bush walks or experience it from above in a unique air balloon safari. In addition to big game viewing, visitors are offered a rare glimpse of the culture and day-to-day lives of traditional Maasai people in the adjacent village.
14 opulent suites offer Mara River views and en-suite bathrooms with large decks. Three of the suites also provide additional space which is an ideal feature for larger groups or families. Sink into the comfortable seating area with a book from the camp’s library lounge and then enjoy a delicious dinner in the dining room, complete with breathtaking views of birdlife right outside. Relish extras like romantic bush dinners and specially packed picnics in the bush as well.
Sanctuary Olonana is an exceptional luxury lodge nestled in the heart of Kenya’s most famous game reserve and commands a dramatic view over the Mara River.Contemporary architecture is juxtaposed with time-tested building practices such as Maasai mudding and stone walls, with soothing organic tones and a variety of textures adding warmth and character.

Classic Masai Mara
The soothing interiors of the main lodge are an extension of the surrounding wilderness — a Kenyan Greenheart tree extends through the centre, floorboards evoke wood bleached by the African sun, while splashes of saturated mustard yellows and cerulean blues conjure the colours of African wildflowers glowing in a ‘golden hour’ light. Ornamentation includes hand-crafted Maasai spears on the walls and patterned prints inspired by these carved wooden weapons once used for lion-hunting ensure an authentic African spirit abounds. Dramatic glass doors open out from the lounge to the terrace. Here, faded indigo rugs and elegant Edison-bulb pendant lights gently illuminate the decking without competing with the natural ambiance and the inviting new boma firepit is encircled by deckchairs, with each seat promising grandstand river views. Dine on the deck of the main lodge and overlook the river’s resident hippos. 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.

Suites And Family Suites
Sanctuary Olonana’s 14 exceptional suites, at least 130 sqm in size, flaunt clean lines and organic materials, and are so comfortable that guests would be forgiven for being tempted to stay in. Floor-to-ceiling glass doors fold open to reveal magnificent Mara River views and the interiors have been sensitively and tastefully finished with elegant nature-inspired furnishings; this creates an ever-present sense of being connected to the great outdoors. Sumptuous king-sized beds, with overhead fans, and a daybed on the deck invite you to relax inside or out, while the sprawling lower lounge area offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Three of the suites at Sanctuary Olonana feature an extra bedroom, which is heaven-sent for families. The unfaltering attention to detail extends to fully stocked mini-fridges, specially commissioned African art and glamorous ensuites. These refined marble- and slate-accented bathrooms have a generous tub, double vanity and a rain shower.

Geoffrey Kent Suite
Now the most luxury travellers can immerse themselves in this wildlife experience, connecting with ancient forces of nature, from the secluded ultra-luxury Geoffrey Kent Suite. The sophisticated free-flowing space contains two private bedrooms, each fully en-suite, and is accessed by private road.
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 & 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.

Bar
This luxury safari lodge is an exclusive hideaway complete with a swimming pool and glass-sided suites, 3 of which feature an extra bedroom, perfect for families. For wildlife lovers, this is one of the best places in East Africa to witness the spectacle that is the wildebeest migration.

Pool
This luxury safari lodge is an exclusive hideaway complete with library and swimming pool.
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.

Kids
Area & Location
Area, Country
Masai Mara, Kenya
Nearest Airport
Nairobi’s Wilson Airport, Nairobi
Local Currency
Kenyan Shilling (KES)
Time Change
GMT +3
Language
Swahili, English
Best time to go
July through February
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