ol Donyo Lodge

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.

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.

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.

We chose Ol Donyo after a recommendation from a friend, and it was fabulous. The location in Mbirikari ranch is great. Closer to the lodge, there is acacia and other forest, but game viewing is still very good. Farther away from camp, there is open savannah with animals visible from great distances. This is Hemingway's Green Hills country, and it is beautiful.|The facilities are first class, as one would expect from Great Plains. But the heart of the lodge is the truly outstanding staff. One is greeted by a group on arrival - and indeed at every arrival when returning from game drives. Shadrack, the manager, was the ideal host. He ensured that everything went well, and when my wife suffered a bit of travel illness, he was her savior, connecting her to a doctor in South Africa for advice.|Our butler, the cook, our guide, the bartender, the escorts to our room after dark - I cannot say enough about how welcoming, efficient and simply good people they were. We were sad, and my wife had tears in her eyes in leaving our "family" after staying with them four nights.|Last - but not least - the food is exceptional and you will be served more than you can possibly eat. Amazing variety at each meal, really tasty snacks and great liquor for sundowners on game drives and absolutely memorable bush breakfasts, including one special surprise meal that was a highlight of our trip.|The rooms have plunge pools which are soooo nice, the game hide, where one can sip a martini while watching animals, and the extras made this the trip of a lifetime.|One last thought - we visited a Masai village with our guide. It was so memorable. We received an amazing greeting by residents, spent time in a boma asking each other questions, and visited a gracious woman's home. Absolutely recommend this excursion for a sampling of African culture and hospitality.

Ol Donyo was a magical place to spend our honeymoon. We loved every minute of our experience there, and hope to come back in the future. Firstly, our guide, was a spectacular host - tracking animals and curating wonderful adventures for us every day, and sharing all the knowledge he had of all the animals we were seeing. He was a pleasure to hang out with for hours and we enjoyed him very much. The hospitality of the Ol Donyo Lodge staff was incredible. Both from our hands on experiences within the lodge (amazing cocktails, touch points with the manager daily, and asking preferences), but also behind the scenes care (laundry taken and serviced, bed turned down, surprise baths drawn while we're at dinner). It truly was the most luxurious place we've ever stayed, and we can't wait to return one day.

Ol Donyo is top of the line in every respect. The staff are some of the nicest people we have ever met.The lodging & food are truly first class. The blind (they call it a "hide") at the watering hole was a highlight of our trip. ||To experience wildlife in such an intimate environment was truly life changing for us. The way the blind is situated we did not feel like we were intruding on the animals or in any way interfering with them.||||

Our family visited east Africa and stayed at 2 Great Plains lodges. Each experience was unique, each Safari gave us different insights, we saw more animals than we ever.thought possible. We highly recommend this experience

We spent two nights at Ol Donyo during our honeymoon trip. Only thing I could say is that we would have loved to stay there forever. We didnt know what hospitality means until we get there, all the staff made us feel really special and the whole experience was extremely pleasant. Our private guide Seki is super knowledgeable with a sixth sense to spot and track animals. Chyulu hills landscapes are breathtaking particularly in the sunset, the fact that this is a private conservancy make the safari quite exclusive as you rarely see other cars. Villas are top notch with incredible views to mount Kilimanjaro, we loved everything in there particularly the starbed experience which allows you to sleep under the amazing Africa sky. Thanks to Ol Donyo team, we are looking forward to come back