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January 2012
Save up to 25% in the Sanctuary Sale
December 2011
We're Listed in the Condé Nast Traveler Gold List
Sanctuary Olonana, Masai Mara
Sanctuary Olonana is an award-winning tented camp on a private stretch of the Mara River, at the foot of the impressive Siria Escarpment close to where the famous last scene from "Out of Africa" was filmed. Located close to the border with Tanzania, the game concentration is high - and during the annual wildebeest migration, the action happens right on the camp's doorstep.
Overview
This small and exclusive camp, the first of Sanctuary's luxury safari properties, was built along sustainable lines which, along with our innovative wetlands and tree-planting projects, have earned Sanctuary Olonana a silver award from Ecotourism Kenya.
The Masai Mara is fabulous for seeing big cats, their prey and all the Big Five. It is also the stage for the greatest show on Earth - the wildebeest migration. From around July to October grunting herds of wildebeest and zebra cover the plains, often crossing the river between Tanzania and Kenya, attended by crocodile, lion and cheetah.
Sanctuary Olonana's main dining room and veranda command views over a dramatic stretch of the Mara River. See, and hear, the family of noisy hippos who colonise the banks below the camp. Experience first hand the sheer scale of the annual wildebeest migration across East Africa. The camp has a library, a pool and even an organic garden where much of the food served in camp is grown. And who could forget the mini-spa where guests can experience traditional African remedies alongside French marine therapies from Thalgo.
The fourteen canvas tents at Sanctuary Olonana are extremely comfortable and spacious. All have parquet floors, four-poster beds and private verandas overlooking the river.
Included Activities
Game Drives
At Sanctuary Olonana game viewing starts from the camp. A pod of hippos lives permanently in the river just below camp and many other species come to drink there. Sanctuary's experienced guides take you to all the hidden spots and our customised open safari vehicles offer all-round views, allowing for excellent photography opportunities. The Mara's rich eco-system includes acacia studded savannah, riparian forest and woodland which attract more than 300 bird species and a stunning variety of animal life all year round.
Cultural visit to Maasai Village
Visitors to the village get an insight into the vibrant and still traditional way of life of the Maasai. Learn about the medicinal plants that grow here, the importance of cattle and the stages of life through which all Maasai pass, from young boy or girl to respected elder. Accompanied by an experienced Maasai guide you are invited to visit the village which is built along traditional lines; complete with cattle enclosure, outer palisade and mud and cow dung huts. Meet the elders, their wives and families and learn about the social structure of the homestead, the role of women in their society and many more aspects of their daily life. Interaction and discussion is encouraged, so whether the ladies are building a hut, the warriors are dancing or making fire with stones and sticks, guests are free to join in.
Nature Walk
Walk with our naturalist and learn about plants, trees and insects and their use in the daily lives of the Maasai tribe. Visit our award-winning wetlands which cleanses wastewater naturally before returning it to the environment. There is an opportunity to plant a tree, leaving a positive mark in Africa. A nature walk will guide you into a complete sense of connection and appreciation for even the smallest things in nature. Our naturalist shares his intimate knowledge of the surrounding environment and how many of the trees and plants are used for medicinal purposes. Watch the hippos, learn to identify the birds from their song, listen for and see small animals as they rustle through the trees, stop and learn about insects and even the fascinating system ants have, to build and maintain their ant-hills. Your guide will also point out animal signs which are everywhere, but not that easily noticed.
Sundowners
As the afternoon game drive comes to an end, drive to a specially chosen vantage point overlooking the Mara plains. Drinks are served as you take in the beauty of the rapid sunset coloring the acacia dotted plains and transforming the world in a matter of minutes. Enjoy the warmth of the fire and discuss the day's adventures as waiters serve canapés and a selection of drinks, with the spectacular setting sun in the horizon .
Bush Breakfasts, Picnics and Dinners
You may have decided with your guide to take a picnic breakfast or lunch with you but equally lovel in the evening is to enjoy a bush dinner. A private and secluded clearing is prepared for an elegant dinner in the middle of the African bush. As the sun swiftly sinks, the setting is illuminated by a magnificent log fire and at full moon the set glows with almost luminescent silver light. The table setting is as sophisticated and elegant as found in the finest restaurants with dainty wild flower arrangements that grace starched white table linen. Candles flicker in the darkness, throwing golden lights on the table cloth as smiling waiters serve a delicious dinner. After dinner retire to the warmth of the campfire where brandies and liqueurs are served as guests relax and absorb the peace and beauty of an African night.
Visit to a School
More and more popular are the visits organised by our guides to a variety of local schools during school term. These visits are free but we would recommend a donation to the school of anything upward of $15 per person.
Rates
| 2012 | |
|---|---|
| 3 January - 31 January, 1 April - 20 June, 1 November - 15 December |
$410 |
| 1 February - 31 March |
$650 |
| 21 June - 31 October, 16 December - 2 January 2013 |
$865 |
Per person per night sharing in USD
Rates include:
- All meals and drinks (excluding champagne & premium brands)
- Return airstrip transfers
- Laundry
- Sundowner cocktails and bush meals, weather permitting
- Shared game drives, Nature walk and Maasai village visit
Rates exclude:
- Park fees
- Additional activities
- Any items of a personal nature
- Medical insurance
- Scheduled or charter flights to/from Sanctuary Olonana
- Intercamp transfers
- Private game drives
More Rates Information
More Rates Information
Child policy:
- Children of all ages are permitted in camp. However, children from 5 to 9 years of age may go on game drives only at the discretion of management and children under 5 will not be permitted on game drives for safety reasons.
- Adults have to share rooms with children should they be below 15 years of age.
- Children below 2 years stay free of charge.
- Children aged 2 - 11 pay 50% of the adult rate, please note the child must share with at least one full paying adult.
- Children 12 years and above are charged the applicable adult rate.
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT:
- 2012: 1 February - 31 March: $260 and 21 June - 31 October, 16 December - 2 January 2013: $346
Getting There & Away
There are several daily scheduled flights to and from the Mara. In Nairobi scheduled flights depart from Wilson Airport (approximately 45 minutes). There is also a scheduled flight from Samburu to the Mara and scheduled flights from the Mara to the coast. Private charter flights are also available.
Flights to Sanctuary Olonana land at the Kichwa Tembo Airstrip where our guide will meet you and drive approximately 15 minutes (more if game viewing on the way) to get to the camp. If travelling by road, the drive to the Mara goes through the Rift Valley and takes approximately six hours from Nairobi.
Additional Activities
mini Spa
In between activities why not relax and revitalise at our mini-spa which offers an enticing range of treatments using worldwide recognised Africology (which uses the healing essences of African indigenous plants) and French marine-based Thalgo spa products (which are found in the finest spas throughout the world). Enjoy luxurious treatments from specialised facial treatments to full body massages in our open design treatment rooms which take advantage of the natural sanctuary around. Menu with prices available at camp on arrival.
Hot Air Balloon Safari
Your balloon is inflated against the first rays of sunrise and once aloft floats gently over the plains and the plethora of game. After around one hour the balloon lands and nearby breakfast is already being prepared. The smells of bacon, sausages and eggs drift on the breeze as you begin breakfast with platefuls of exotic Kenyan fruits and homemade pastries and, of course, glasses of bubbly to toast your flight in a tradition initiated by the Montgolfier brothers.
2012 Prices: $480 per person per ride.
Flying Excursion to Lake Victoria
When in the Maasai Mara, you may fly by light aircraft to Lake Victoria and enjoy a full English breakfast on arrival at the islands of either Mfangano or Rusinga. Try fishing for the legendary giant Nile perch, explore the myriad of tiny islands or stop at a traditional fishing village and see how the villagers live from day to day. Lake Victoria is a spectacular sight, it is Africa's largest lake and the world's second widest freshwater lake. Birdlife is abundant and includes the spectacular fish eagles which can be seen perching high in the treetops or dramatically swooping across the lake as they capture fish in their fiery talons. An experienced and knowledgeable fisherman captains each boat as you head out into the lake in search of the legendary giant Nile perch found in these waters -Nile perch weighing over 150 lb are regularly caught. Stop at a traditional fishing village before returning to the airstrip for your flight back to the Mara.
2012 Prices $496 per person per trip.
Flying excursion in a Vintage Bi-plane
A flight of a lifetime in a bi-plane of the golden era, with all the mod cons, performance and safety requirements of a modern aircraft. This open cock-pit aircraft can carry 2 passengers side-by-side whilst the pilot fly’s from the rear. The hour long flight is a dream ride in the Finch-Hatton tradition. These popular bi-planes were originally manufactured in the 1920’s and 30’s by Weaver Aircraft Company hence the rather odd name Waco. The new Jacobs engine has been given J.A.R approval, and passes the stringent European noise abatement laws. Waco have a beautiful leather interior, the best music intercom system and a 3-way camera system that will enable passengers to take this once-in-a-life-time flying experience home.
Prices on request, based on availability.
Guest Comments
"Olonana is a magical place, nowhere have I travelled where I felt like I am leaving family upon departing. Thank you for all the staff having hearts of gold and taking care of me with such love and sincerity. I wish that I could give the equivalent of what you have given to me." Heather & Wil, USA
"Having worked in film production for the last seven years, I have travelled to some amazing places and worked with some world-class resorts, but none have come close to Sanctuary Olonana. From the moment we stepped off of the airplane, we were greeted and treated like royalty. From the personal attention given by the staff, to those little extra touches one finds at the camp. Though without question the defining element was our driver Abdul. Extremely knowledgeable, his passion for the Masai Mara – its wildlife and the people who inhabit these great planes shone through. We were inspired by his commitment in preserving its rich heritage, and of course, to ensure we had a truly wonderful experience." Jennifer, USA
"I had such a wonderful time with the staff and really enjoyed my stay. Another trip is in order so that my children can also enjoy this experience." Sunny, USA
"Wow what a remarkable experience we have had at Olonana - the animals, the birds, our guide Abdul, the school trip, the excellent care by Laurence & Eunice and our wonderful waiter John. Everyone was so gracious, attentive and friendly. We fell in love with Africa and Olonana… Asante Sana and Salama." Jill, Larry, Sophie and Patrick, Canada
"A wonderful start to our honeymoon, excellent service. Thank you so much!" Julia & Ian, UK
"We came with high expectations but were overwhelmed by the wonderful camp, great game sightings and a very considerate and friendly staff. We highly appreciated the special tent in the private camp and the ballooning." Lenz Family, Germany
"It couldn’t be better, Fantastico!!! Volveremis!!!" Rosa & Erik, Spain
"Breathtaking experience from the rooms to the the meals to the safari itself. Thank you!" Donna, USA
"Great holiday, delicious food, breathtaking views every day, very kind staff… thank you for everything, we hope to come back soon…" Fernandez, Spain
"Wow! Absolutely amazing! This has been an awesome experience and we hope to visit again." Van Rensburg Family, USA
"Thank you for a very special Kenyan experience and for the wonderful hospitality." Neil & Jerry, Australia
Packages
Best of East Africa
Duration: 7 nights
Overnight: Sanctuary Swala, Sanctuary Kusini, Sanctuary Olonana
Experience the best of Tanzania and Kenya in great style. This exceptional wildlife and cultural safari offers a mix of luxurious accommodation with exceptional game viewing in exclusive wildlife locations.
Best of Masai Mara
Duration: 3 nights
Overnight: Sanctuary Olonana
This short package serves as the perfect introduction to safari in Kenya, with a three night stay at the award-winning tented camp Sanctuary Olonana in the heart of the Masai Mara.
Game Viewing & Gorillas
Duration: 7 nights
Overnight: Sanctuary Olonana, overnight in Entebbe, Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp
Want to see big cats and big apes? Why not combine Sanctuary Olonana in Kenya's Masai Mara with Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp, located in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda!
Maasai Wedding Safari
Duration: 3 nights
Overnight: Sanctuary Olonana
Imagine a wedding in the middle of the African wilderness, in a local village, where the tribe makes you part of their village and takes you through a ceremony based on their ancient customs which are still practiced today!
Masai Mara Family Safari
Duration: 3 nights
Overnight: Sanctuary Olonana
The unbeatable location in the Masai Mara combined with the range of activities available at the award-winning Sanctuary Olonana sets the stage for a perfect family safari in Africa. Book now and one child per family will stay absolutely FREE.
Masai Mara Honeymoon
Duration: 3 nights
Overnight: Sanctuary Olonana
Celebrate your honeymoon in style with a safari in Africa, the most romantic of continents, at our award-winning luxury camp Sanctuary Olonana in Kenya’s renowned Masai Mara National Reserve.
Safari & Sand in Kenya
Duration: 9 nights
Overnight: Fairmont Norfolk Hotel (Partner Hotel), Larsens Camp (Partner Camp), Sanctuary Olonana, Kizingo (Partner Hotel)
Combine a stay at our award-winning luxury safari camp, Sanctuary Olonana, in the epic Masai Mara with overnights at our partner hotels in Samburu Game Reserve and Lamu Island. A fantastic combination of exciting game viewing and relaxation.
The Great Migration Safari in Kenya
Duration: 3 nights
Overnight: Sanctuary Olonana
Witness the migration of wildebeest and zebra as they make their way to greener pastures in the Masai Mara. The spectacular Great Migration has been described as 'the greatest wildlife show on earth'.
Philanthropy Projects
Enkereri Biogas, Kenya
Sanctuary Retreats Philanthropy is working together with Enkereri village, close to Sanctuary Olonana, to extend gas piping into the village in...
Enkereri School, Kenya
Enkereri Village, with a population of 200, is located at the foot of the Siria Escarpment close to Sanctuary Olonana. This Maasai village actively...
Maasai Women's Beadwork, Kenya
Sanctuary Olonana supports the local Maasai women’s beadwork group via training in sourcing new and recycled materials; assistance in helping the...
Organic Garden, Kenya
One of the simplest forms of conservation is to grow your own organic vegetables – limiting damage to the environment from chemicals used in more...
Wetlands Project, Kenya
One of the key Sanctuary Retreats Philanthropy projects at Sanctuary Olonana is the innovative wetland system designed to allow enhanced water...
Indigenous Tree Planting, Kenya
In order to combat increasing deforestation and cultivate trees that are indigenous to the Masai Mara, one of the Sanctuary Retreats Philanthropy...
Sanctuary Olonana
Sanctuary Swala
Best of East Africa
Best of Masai Mara
Honeymoon in the Masai Mara
