Ol Donyo Wuas

Ol Donyo Wuas is a spectacular lodge on 275,000 acres of wild African lands featuring the beautiful Mount Kilimanjaro as a backdrop. This eco-lodge in the Mbirikani Maasai conservation area on the slopes of Chyulu Hills near Amboseli National Park was rebuilt and reopened in July of 2008 on the base of the original lodge, which has attracted visitors for decades. Far away from the main tourist circuit and high above the mosquitoes, Ol Donyo Wuas has served as the inspiration for many bush lodges over the years.

Property Details

Ol Donyo Wuas features seven standalone lodges, some of which are private accommodations and others are set up for families or small groups. There are three one bedroom lodges, the Asali, Mpiya, and the Hide, which is a multi-level cottage located right next to the waterhole. There are four two bedroom lodges. The Sirra, Myati, and El Mau have two bedrooms with private pools that can be used for families or guests that have not met. At certain times of the year when the Maasailand Preservation Trust coordinator is away from the lodge, the Kanga can be used for guests. It has its own dining room, lounge, and waterhole. The Sambu is a four bedroom family lodge with a shared lounge and private swimming pool.

Each bedroom has its own en suite bathrooms with stunning views and flush toilets. All feature indoor showers and baths, with an additional al fresco shower for outdoor lovers. Each room, except for the Hide, has a rooftop sundowner spot that also includes star beds for guests that would like to sleep out under the spectacular night sky. (By June 2009, all rooms should have private pools.)

The menu of game activities is quite large. Over 7,000 individual animals make their home in this area, and guests are invited to explore not only the Big Five but also cheetah, fringe-eared oryx, gerenuk, and giraffe, among others. Where twenty years ago, trackers and guests would have been delighted to see just a few elephant tracks, there are now plenty of elephants wandering about freely, and more game populations are on the rise. The area’s exclusivity becomes apparent on your game activities when you realize that there are no other tourists or fleets of minibuses to disturb your experience.

Enjoy your exploration by vehicle, on horseback, or on foot, always accompanied by an expert guide. Horseback riding is exceptional in the region, and the lodge has also recently begun experimenting with mountain bike safaris. Fly camping can be arranged, and you can choose to reach your campsite by vehicle or on horseback or the traditional way on foot. Day trips can be arranged to Amboseli National Park, or you can visit a traditional Maasai village.

When you need a break from the exciting activities available, the lodge offers comfortable and peaceful space in which to rest and relax. For the few individual lodges that do not have pools, there is a larger pool at the main building. In-room massage services can be arranged for all guests. Delicious food is served both at the main lodge and on your private verandas, and the lodge also enjoys hosting bush breakfasts and dinners, not to mention surprise sundowners or English tea in the magnificent bush.