Sanctuary Olonana Camp

There are 11 Standard Suites featuring a bedroom, lounge area, en suite bathroom and outside deck spreading over at least 130 sqm, all tastefully furnished with elegant nature-inspired furniture and African artwork. Floor-to-ceiling glass doors open to reveal magnificent views of the Mara River, creating an uninterrupted sense of a connection to nature. Each suite comes with a king-size double bed equipped with an overhead fan, a desk, a large sofa, a safe for belongings, a fully-stocked mini fridge, daybeds, complimentary toiletries, bathrobes and a hairdryer.

There are 3 Family Suites, which are just like Standard Suites in terms of style and amenities but come with an extra bedroom area that’s perfect for those travelling with family or in larger groups

This is Sanctuary Olonana’s most lavish accommodation, perfect for couples, intimate groups and those seeking a truly immersive connection with nature. The Geoffrey Kent Suite offers two spacious bedrooms, each with their own private en suite bathroom, which come with all the amenities of Standard Suites, and an additional connecting bedroom ideal for children.

Privacy is the heart of this suite! Guests staying here can go for a game drive in their own safari vehicle with their own exclusive guide, sunbathe on the private decking area, take a dip in the infinity pool overlooking the river, socialise with drinks in the private lounge and enjoy an exquisite meal prepared by their very own in-suite chef.

Sanctuary Olonana prides itself in the personalised service they are able to offer their guests. Bush dining is a great way to take in the beautiful scenery and spend time with others. Whether for breakfast, lunch or dinner, guests can arrange to dine in a quiet and peaceful clearing with all the sophistication and elegance one could find in any choice restaurant.

There’s also the option to drive out in the evenings to a beautiful spot overlooking the Mara plains, where guests can enjoy drinks and conversation in the light of the sunset and a cosy campfire.

At Sanctuary Olonana, the game views begin right on camp. The nearby stretch of the river is home to a group of wallowing hippos, who are frequently joined by other animals enjoying a drink and refreshing cool down by the water. The Mara ecosystem flourishes with huge varieties of trees, birds and animals, and Olonana’s safari guides know all the best spots and hidden nooks so guests will be privy to the very best wildlife sightings.

Take a walk with the expert naturalist and learn all about the local plants, trees, birds, and insects and all their many uses. There’s a chance for you to plant a tree and leave something permanent as mark of your time in the Maasai Mara.

Take a scenic flight as the sun rises over the beautiful plains and see the animal kingdom from a totally new perspective. Upon landing a scrumptious breakfast will be ready and waiting.

Take a trip to the local Maasai village to get the best possible insight into their vibrant and traditional way of life. Guests can learn about all kinds of things from the medicinal properties of plants to how important cattle herds are and the rites of passage in Maasai culture. Families will welcome visitors into their homes and show them the social structure of the home and wider community. Guests can also make visits the local school, which are becoming more and more popular. This is a great chance to make a much appreciated donation to support the school and the children.

A trip to the spa is the perfect way to unwind between other more active excursions. There’s a great variety of treatments to choose from including massages, facials, body scrubs and pedicures. Sanctuary Olonana’s spa uses products from Africology, a natural, fair-trade and organic range that uses healing essences from indigenous African plants, and from Thalgo, a French marine-based range that focuses on using natural ingredients.

Sanctuary Olonana is driven by its corporate environmental policy, committed to responsible and sustainable tourism, nature conservation, as well as improving the wellbeing of local communities, and raising awareness among tourists. The policy also addresses the management of resources such as water, energy, and solid waste.

Sanctuary Olonana is partnered with the Mara Triangle Conservancy on collecting information through wildlife monitoring initiatives and has also leased at least 100 acres specifically for conservation purposes. Guests are encouraged to plant trees upon their stay as part of an indigenous tree planting program that also seeks to raise awareness on environmental conservation. Since 2009, approximately 1649 tree seedlings have been planted.

Sanctuary Olonana’s main source of water is the Mara River. Water is pumped, through solar power, and then filtered and treated before it is stored in 3 reservoirs. A water meter has been installed at various facilities to responsibly monitor usage. Guest suites are fixed with shower heads that specifically reduce excess water use.

Approximately 70% of the staff at Sanctuary Olonana are from the local community, who received training at the camp itself, and wherever possible Sanctuary Olonana buys products from local sources. Local women can sell their beadwork to guests on the camp to supplement their income and Sanctuary Olonana sponsors a local dance group of 20 to entertain visitors at least 4 times a month.

Continuous support has been given to various schools in the region such as Enkereri School, Emurototo primary school, Enkutoto nursery school and Olopiki Ndongoe primary school, and the camp provides local pupils with a daily porridge meal. Sanctuary Olonana also provides medical supplies to the nearby Mara Rianta Clinic.

Water waste from the kitchens, suites and laundry is managed through septic tanks containing bio enzymes for sludge sedimentation and drained into a man-made wetland. The water waste goes through various stages of natural treatment such as solar effects, aerobic/anaerobic treatment, vegetation and polar rock purification, before it is then released into the environment. Bins for solid waste are colour-coded so that waste can be appropriately separated. Organic waste is managed through chamber composting while other waste such plastics, metallic items and glass is further sorted before being sent to recycling companies via Nairobi.

Solar energy provides much of the energy at Sanctuary Olonana with 42 solar panels fitted throughout the facility, and generators for back-up power. Energy-saving bulbs and LED bulbs are used throughout the camp. 19 energy-efficient boilers using charcoal briquettes heat water for the property and the briquettes are made from paper waste from the property. Cooking gas is supplied with Biogas and the local community supplies cow dung to help power facilities. The camp uses a charcoal fridge for storing fruits and vegetables and is fixed with a drip pipe to reduce water used in cooling.