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.
WHY VISIT SANCTUARY OLONANA
- Located on a private concession bordering the epic Masai Mara
- During annual Wildebeest Migration, the action happens on the camp’s doorstep
- Easily accessible, only a 45 minute flight from Nairobi
- Offers an array of activities including game drives, cultural visits, bush dinners, sundowners, balloon flights and scenic flights
- Developed conservation and community projects – one of only a handful of properties in Kenya to be Gold Eco-Rated by Ecotourism Kenya and our guides have won multiple awards for responsible tourism
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.
CLASSIC MASAI MARA
Sanctuary Olonana’s main dining room and veranda command views over a dramatic stretch of the Mara River. 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 alongside French marine therapies in the mini-spa. The camp also has a small gift shop.
OVERSIZED SAFARI TENTS
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 parquet floors, four-poster beds with floor to ceiling mosquito netting. Each of the private verandas overlook the river and ofer the perfect spot where guests can relax and watch the resident hippos wallow in the water. There are also two honeymoon suites with each featuring outdoor showers.
Dining
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.
Getting There
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. 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.