Overview
Endless views and rich culture
ol Donyo Lodge offers you a great combination of activities, fantastic views, impressive bull elephants, rich Maasai culture and contemporary design.
Nestled between Kenya’s Tsavo and Amboseli National Parks in the Chyulu Hills, the lodge was constructed from ancient lava rock that dates back to Mount Kilimanjaro eruptions some 360,000 years ago.
Set on the Maasai-owned Mbirikani Group Ranch, the lodge has been specifically designed so that each room has a window 'to the soul of East Africa', looking out over the plunge pool and plains toward Kilimanjaro.
The eight suites and one two-bedroom family unit all include star beds so that you can sleep beneath the African skies with the sounds of the hyenas and lions for company, swimming pools and verandahs with stunning views of the mountain and waterhole
One of the highlights of your stay is seeing some of Africa’s largest bull elephants. You can also visit local villages with your guide; or explore the property on foot, bicycle or horseback.
Facts
At a glance
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Eight suites and family suite with private plunge pools and star beds
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Lounge area and open-air bar
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Indoor and outdoor dining areas
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Widlife hide
Experiences
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Game drives
The lodge is surrounded by wildlife-rich environs, and while you may spot the usual ‘Big Five’ here, you’re more likely to see cheetahs, fringe-eared oryx, gerenuks and giraffes. Head out on a night drive to discover some of the areas more unusual nocturnal creatures beneath the stars.
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Horse riding
Animals will generally perceive a human on a horse to be different to one on foot or in a vehicle, lending your game viewing excursion a more intimate edge. There are horses and rides for all levels. Helmets are compulsory, and if you want to do a ride above novice level, you will need to take an arena test to see if you fall into the intermediate or advanced category.
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Guided walks
Being outside the national parks, you’re able to enjoy your surroundings on foot without the sound of engines at every turn. The hills are perfect for walking and hiking. You’ll be accompanied by the lodge’s resident tracker and your armed guide who can suggest walks that suit your fitness levels and interests.
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Mountain biking
Combine exercise with adventure and explore the rolling hills on a bicycle.
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Maasai village and school visits
The lodge has a close relationship with the Maasai people of the Mbirikani Group Ranch. You might want to visit one of the villages, getting the chance to learn about their culture and traditions in an authentic, respectful manner.
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Amboseli National Park day trip
Being so close to Amboseli National Park means that visiting for a full-day excursion is easy. You’ll leave the lodge after breakfast and take a leisurely drive across the plains passing a variety of small villages along the way.
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Wildlife hide
Take a stroll down to the impressively-constructed log-pile hide just below the lodge’s main area set by a popular waterhole. An excellent spot for up close photography.
Community & Culture
Mbirikani Group Ranch and the lodge have a partnership which sees the lodge leasing the land from the Maasai, so that they too benefit from the tourism and have an incentive for conservation. Together with its conservation partner, Big Life Foundation, el Donyo keeps working to find innovative community conservation schemes, and your stay contributes to these. Beyond the lease fees, the lodge also contributes to other community projects.
Conservation
Your stay directly helps ol Donyo to continue their collaborative conservation work, and so far they have seen success with lions, cheetahs and the bull elephants which are some of the last of the large tuskers on the continent.
Footprint
The lodge was built using natural materials keeping the environment in mind. Water is recycled and solar energy used.
Example trips
Get inspired
Browse our example trips and get in contact to start planning your very own adventure.
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Example trips
Get inspired
Browse our example trips and get in contact to start planning your very own adventure.
What makes us different
Why Niarra
Niarra Travel is a forward-thinking travel company headquartered in London born out of a passion to do things differently.
In Swahili, a Bantu language spoken by millions in Eastern, Central and Southern Africa, the name Niara means "with utmost purpose" and our team are united by a passion for exploration and a belief that the right kind of travel can make the world a better place.
Our Travel Researchers are here to create incredible trips with a positive impact for you.
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Unforgettable experiences
Creating your trip is entirely collaborative and our Travel Researchers are here for every step.
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Positive impact
Curated sustainable experiences and accommodation that maximize the benefits to local people and place.
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Fairness and transparency
An open, competitive pricing structure that ensures more money goes to where it's needed in the destination.