Sanctuary Olonana (Masai Mara | Kenya)

Sanctuary Olonana is a traditional tented safari camp located on a private stretch of the Mara River at the foot of the impressive Siria Escarpment in Kenya, close to where the famous last scene from “Out of Africa” was filmed. The eco-friendly camp is one of the first to incorporate a natural water treatment system and has an organic garden where much of the vegetables served are grown. Working closely with the local tribes, who are as much part of the character and culture of the place as the family of noisy hippos who colonise the banks of the river below, Sanctuary Olonana sets a new standard with its light environmental “footprint”. It is also one of those rare places which is all things to all people. For children it is a wonderful playground of discovery with the local Maasai tribe’s people. For others it’s an idyllic hideaway complete with library, swimming pool, mini spa and the freedom to enjoy a four course dinner wherever the whim dictates: deep in the bush, or on the private river-view terrace of the pavilion. The brand Sanctuary Retreats itself was born with the opening of Sanctuary Olonana in 1999, as its first luxury safari camp.

Accommodation

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 and private verandas overlooking the river where a pod of hippos live permanently. There are two honeymoon suites with outdoor showers.

Activities

The Masai Mara Reserve is legendary for its abundance of wildlife. Fabulous for seeing big cats, their prey and all of the Big Five year-round, the Mara is also the stage for the greatest show on Earth - the wildebeest migration. From around July to October millions of grunting wildebeest and zebra cover the plains, often crossing the Mara river and moving between Tanzania and Kenya, closely followed by crocodile, lion and cheetah.

Preservation of the local culture and surrounding environment is one of Sanctuary Olonana’s key goals and achievements. Guests can visit our award-winning wetlands project, plant a tree and visit the local Maasai village. Accompanied by an experienced Maasai guide, guests are invited to visit the community to gain an insight into the vibrant and still traditional way of life of the Maasai.