Mbirikani Maasai Group Ranch - Chyulu Hills National Park
Six pool suites plus 1 two-bedroom family unit offers a harmonious blend of contemporary and rustic accommodation, merging the landscape into each suite. Designed for a wide appeal, the lodge is a perfect getaway for families, honeymooners or multi-generational groups. What makes it a standout is its notable variety of activities – from cultural visits, good quality wildlife viewing, hiking, horseback riding and mountain biking – ol Donyo Lodge is a place to feel Africa, and get out from behind the wheel. Add to this the lodge’s creature comforts of fine dining, massage, infinity pool, star beds and multiple lounges, and it is a place to relax and unwind for days. Wildlife is here, but this semi-arid region does not host the volumes of the Masai Mara area, so the lodge is best paired with our sister properties there, Mara Plains and Mara Expedition Camps. Together, this combination gives guests the most well-rounded and complementary Kenya itinerary. No two of the lodge’s eight rooms is exactly the same, but what is consistent is the view to Mt. Kilimanjaro and
the lodge’s famous waterhole as well as star beds atop each of the suites for sleeping under the night sky. Eight of the lodge’s ten suites have private plunge pools, and two are connected for a ‘villa’ concept, perfect for families or couples traveling together. Constructed of local thatch and gunnite, the suites blend with the environment despite their commanding design. Flashes of bright color interspersed with earthy tones, wildlife photography and local crafts punctuate the open-air layout.
Location
The Chyulu Hills lie 190 km south-east of Nairobi.
Kenya hotels and accommodation
Amongst the wide range of Kenya hotels, some make the ideal Kenya safari destination. Choose a safari lodge, safari hotel, bush camp, luxury lodge, safari camp, tented camp or bush lodge. National park accommodation usually takes the form of a traditional safari lodge or tented camp, but numerous other options exist on the park boundaries. Luxury lodges and luxury camp options are also offered in the private wildlife conservancies.
The Background
The lodge takes its name from the hill that stands behind it, which looks like a spotted cowhide and is known as Ol Donyo Wuas, meaning ‘The spotted hill' by the local Maasai
Accommodation
6 cottages - 3 of which are double units suitable for families - all with open fireplace, verandah with panoramic views, electricity and private bathroom with flush loos and heated showers.
Lodge usually closed mid-April - May and November
The main lodge is large, open and welcoming with comfortable sofas and brightly-coloured rugs, while the huge dining table features zebra skin safari chairs.
Dining and bars
All meals are home-cooked and served to the highest standards (all meals and drinks exclusive of champagne are inclusive).
Child-friendly
Children welcome - babysitting and children's meals
What to see and do
The world's youngest mountains
The narrowly arching, 80 km long, Chyulus are one of the world's newest mountain ranges, the most recent volcanic peak having been formed only 500 years ago. They offer a fascinating mix of volcanic ash cones and barren lava flows, which combine to create a landscape of almost mythical enchantment where neither dragons nor unicorns would seem out of place.
The Park was established to protect not only its unique habitat, but also its vital role as a water catchment area for Kenya's coastal conurbations. The forested ridges create their own rainfall, the porous rock absorbs the water like a sponge and the water percolates down into fast-flowing subterranean rivers. These eventually join with the melt waters of Mount Kilimanjaro and feed 250 million litres of water daily into the lush oasis of Tsavo West's most popular feature, Mzima Springs.
The gently undulating grasslands, interspersed with dense patches of primeval forest and breathtaking views, make this excellent walking country.The Park and its environs offer a wide range of activities to include: horse riding, camping and caving. The Park is ideally situated for visits to the massive expanses of the neighbouring Tsavo West and East National Parks. World-renowned Amboseli National Park is also within easy reach.
Wildlife highlights:
A variety of large mammals includes; buffalo, common eland, bushbuck, mountain reedbuck, steinbok, bush pig, leopard and, at times, elephant. The abundant birdlife features over 300 species.
Activities include:
Days at ol Donyo Lodge are full of options. To have such a vast area to explore, from high-altitude mist forest through lava fields, then woodland to savannah, and ending at the famous kopjes, it’s a paradise of discovery. Each day, it’s possible to pick your mode of transport be it on foot, by vehicle, on horseback or even bike. There is no routine here at all, and experiences are tailor-made for each guest. And if lazing around the pool, indulging in a massage or shopping sounds like a good plan, then please do. Or, let’s meet the local Maasai and visit the school for a closer look at what makes the country of Kenya so colorful and dynamic.
• Game drives (day & night) in five open vehicles of six guests each and stocked with snacks and drinks.
• Horseback riding in a range of terrain, and abilities from novice to advanced, over a range of terrain and often among giraffe;
• Mountain biking across the open savannah to the beautiful rock kopjes;
• Bush walks and hikes (through the lava tube caves or to the top of ol Donyo Wuas);
• Scenic Kilimanjaro flights (extra cost, subject to pre-booking and weather);
• Log-pile hide at waterhole for close-up wildlife encounters;
• Day trips to Amboseli Park (extra cost, subject to pre-booking);
• Visits to Maasai villages ($20 fee pp);
• Learning about the conservation efforts of Big Life Foundation;
• Fly-camping in the Chyulu Hills.
Other attractions
The pleasure of early morning horse rides is enhanced by a huge bush breakfast, cooked under the acacia trees, eaten at a fully laid table and beautifully served.
Ol Donyo Wuas Lodge - Chyulu Hills • Exclusive Lodge • Kenya Hotels, Safari Lodges & Tented Camps
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