ol Donyo Lodge

Hmmm, where do I begin? The vastness of the property and the isolation make your feel like you are the only humans on earth. And the landscape of rolling hills, Mt Kilimanjaro in the distance and the plains are amazing. ||Ol Donyo has a "hide" right at the water hole and from 6a to 6p you can go down and watch the animals come to the watering hole and drink. It was incredible! One time we saw 6 elephants there, drinking, squirting each other with water and refusing to share the watering hole with the hoards of other animals, all gathered and waiting their turn. And it would be possible to take children there and not be afraid for them. ||The rooms are exquisite and multi-floored. The laundry facility is better than ours in NYC. The service rivaled the best hotels of the world. And everywhere you look, there is something beautiful to see! Past our balcony was another watering hole (but no "hide") and it was like watching a movie of the Animals of Africa, just sitting and watching.

This is my third time staying at ol Donyo, and each time I return I feel like I'm visiting with friends. The management and staff are exceptional in their attentiveness and care, and the property remains a very warm and welcoming atmosphere. Rooms are well appointed, and shared spaces are clean and clutter-free. Driving past the watering hole or sitting in the blind was always an experience, often with plenty of game for photographing up close.

This was just an amazing property! The suite rooms were amazing. The staff, food, safari drives all exceptional! ||The blind was very fun to observe the animals up close. You won’t be disappointed.

Ol Donyo Lodge was a highlight of our trip because of the engaging, kind and accommodating staff and safari guide in addition to the beautiful landscapes (incredible views of Mount Kilimanjaro) and bountiful wildlife. The food was excellent and the lodge with it's stunning views was a perfect place to take in an early morning before breakfast or late evening after an afternoon game drive. Our rooms were spacious and allowed relaxation, but also provided views of wild game in the distance, as well as birds and monkeys passing by the pool side patio. Wonderful experience.

The most amazing experience ever. Guide was wonderful and so up close and personal with the animals So well staffed. Ship was fabulous

This is the most beautiful and serene place in the world. The staff make the experience even more elevated than it already is. From sunrise to sunset, you experience a different level of awe, from the wildlife sightings to the luxury within the walls of the camp. I cannot wait to go back someday.

We were just finishing our 8th trip to Africa so we have done lots of Safaris and in some of the most spectacular and exclusive camps. On this trip we had spent 7 weeks in Central Africa and a lot was roughing it, so we wanted to finish in luxury...and we certainly did at ol Donyo. From pickup to drop-off at the airstrip everything was wonderful. The beautiful main lodge rambles with several totally different areas to dine, and I don't think we did in the same place twice. The bar is well stocked and drinks are included with an excellent and diverse wine list. Peter, the effusive and entertaining bartender, gets our award for best bartender ever. Chef Ben also deserves accolades not just for the delicious meals but for the most imaginative menus and presentation. In fact we had to ask a few times for fewer and smaller portions but they explained that nothing goes to waste. The entire team is so friendly and welcoming. Our villa, #10, was perfect - a bedroom with a wall of glass looking out over the savanna below, a fabulous bathroom with yet another wall of glass, and both had walkouts to the large wraparound deck with a totally private plunge pool and outdoor shower. Upstairs was another viewing deck with an outdoor king size bed with mosquito netting in which we slept two of the four nights we stayed. Our guide, Daniel, was excellent - so knowledgeable and caring. We saw so many animals and up close on the morning and afternoon drives, and at the sunken blind at eye level with the water hole - don't miss this. Words and photos can't adequately capture how special ol Donyo really is so go see it for yourself - a memory you'll treasure all your life. We were recommended to go here by Tracey at African Travel Resource, our favorite African Travel company - thanks Tracey.

My husband and I finished off our 3-lodge safari at Ol Donyo. My travel rep specifically planned Ol Donyo as our last stop because she felt it would be a great way to end our safari and she was absolutely right! So much so we already booked next year. Great Plains really knows what they're doing and so far they are 3 for 3 for us. The dining cannot be faulted at all in any way shape or form. Like most of the safaris we have been on (for the past 20 years) there is typically one morning where you have your made to order breakfast in the bush. This time it was extra special since it was right after our bike ride and the set up was spectacular! Our other breakfasts were out in the wild after a couple hours of game drive where they have a packed breakfast (not hot) that is planned the night before typically at dinner. You spend about 4+ hours in the bush starting the morning @ 6ish and then returning around 10a and lunch around 1 or 2. Back out for an evening game drive at 4p and return around 7ish with dinner around 8p and then repeat the next day. ||Unfortunately we did not have the opportunity to sleep under the stars since it was cloudy during our entire stay. If you are interested in horseback riding you definitely have to have some experience since it is a requirement. Biking was awesome and on e-bikes which can still be quite challenging due to the sandy like roads. When we return next year we will definitely plan on biking 2 of the 4 days. The hide was very cool but a bit warm for our liking. ||The staff as usual of Great Plains staff were so friendly and accommodating and always smiling. A special shout out to Edwin, Jacob, Carol and Guide James who will be requested for our return. ||The airstrip which is specific to Ol Donyo guests is about 15 minutes from the lodge so there was not much of a long game drive to get on property if you wanted to go straight there after you land. ||The lodge is very open and beautiful. We enjoyed sitting in the lobby and looking out on the plains. We celebrated my birthday at Ol Donyo and was seated in the wine room. The staff danced and sang at the end of dinner and presented me with a nice chocolate cake. As other posters have mentioned, they try to seat you in a different room for each night of your stay. We were there for 4 nights and never sat in the same area twice. ||We did not swim in the pool since IMO was too cold nor did we take advantage of the spa. ||You cannot go wrong w/ Great Plains properties.