Activities at Ol Donyo Wuas Lodge

Wildlife viewing

Over 7,000 wild animals find their habitat in and around the Ol Donyo Wuas environs. Not only are the "Big Five" here - rhino, elephant, lion, leopard and buffalo - but also cheetah, Fringe-eared oryx, gerenuk, and giraffe among many others share this diverse landscape. Guests are able to track wildlife by vehicle, foot, or horseback. And night drives are featured for those interested in spotting the more elusive nocturnal species.

The real exclusivity of Ol Donyo Wuas is apparent when out exploring the land. The entire area is reserved exclusively for Ol Donyo Wuas guests – no other tourists, no fleets of mini-buses – it’s private, pure and wild. Each day is different, there is no set routine. It’s there for the making – a safari of the guest’s design.

The “Log-Jam” Hide

Imagine being at eye-level with one of Ol Donyo Wuas’ 100-pound tusker elephants, or looking at the knobby knees of a giraffe, all while sitting peacefully and absorbing the intimacy of this precious moment. It is a privilege.

This is Ol Donyo Wuas’ “log-jam” hide, a mass of heavy logs piled about five feet high and 3 feet thick, where guests are able to safely view wildlife at exceptionally close range at the lodge’s waterhole. After a visit to the hide, guests learn so much about the wildlife, and elephants in particular, as they are able to watch interactions and movements closely. It is almost like briefly being a part of the herd.

The “log-jam” hide, located just a short walk from the lodge’s main area, can be a short activity at mid-day, or it can be a full half-day activity.

Star-beds

Each suite has an outdoor bedroom above the villa. It is accessed via a set of winding stairs, which open to large deck with an outdoor bed, and seating. Guests can, on request, have the upstairs set up for a sleep out under the stars. The bed is appointed with lovely linen, bedside tables with lamps and a romantic mosquito net. The area can also be used as an additional lounge or deck.

Ride Kenya

The Chyulu Hills and its diverse ecosystem lend itself perfectly to horseback safaris. From the mist forests, to the open plains, to the dense woodland, a horse navigates the landscape gracefully. To come along for the ride, and experience wildlife on horseback, is an experience not to be missed. Our team of 20 horses – ranging in size, and for different riders – takes guests safely through the ranch with excellent prowess. Many guests who are familiar with excellent horseback safaris elsewhere in Africa have stated, "This is the best horse riding country in Africa."

We take pride in the training and care of our horses and have safaris for all levels. For guests of the lodge, horseback safaris are a full half-day activity. Guests interested in overnight or multi-day horseback safaris should reference the Ride Kenya website where these safaris are on offer: www.ridekenya.com

Picnics

There is no doubt that al fresco lunches on the verandah and or candlelit dinners in the dining room are wonderful, but we also enjoy hosting breakfasts and dinners under the African sky; or surprise sundowners and classic English tea in the romantic setting of the bush.

Fly Camping

East Africa is the birthplace of the safari, where Burchell and Ayres, Selous and Harris walked its paths and explored its diversity. In the spirit of this history, a night out under canvas with the traditional safari kit is an experience not to be missed. It’s where great tales are told, drinks are shared under the night sky and next to the fire, hyenas trot through camp, and the sounds of the Africa night are clear. We choose our campsites based on the season, so camp may be on the plains, up in the Chyulu Hills, or by the kopjes (Seduction Rock is a famous spot – which lives up to its name, we hear!). Camps are accessibly by horseback, 4x4, or the way of the great explorers - on foot. Pre-booking is essential.

Ol Donyo Wuas Lodge and the Maasai Culture

The Maasai of the Mbirikani Group Ranch are as natural a part of the area as the wildlife. After years as partners on the land, Richard & Tara Bonham have a very unique ‘second home’ with the Maasai. Guests are able to visit the Maasai villages on the ranch, without a sense of voyeurism. It is an authentic experience, giving guests insight into the culture and traditions of the Maasai. It is often a highlight of the stay at Ol Donyo Wuas. The Maasai do charge guests for taking photos.

Massages

We offer an in-room massage service. It is subject to additional cost.

Mountain Biking

This pioneering activity is new to Ol Donyo Wuas. Join us on this exploratory activity on the plains, where guests bike across the savannahs with an armed guide and enjoy the freedom and exhilaration of adventure.

Hiking

In addition to the tracking and walking associated specifically with wildlife viewing, the Mbirikani Group Ranch features an incredible diversity of habitats. Perhaps the most unique is the high-altitude mist forest, where leopard and rhino lurk, and an incredible amount of biodiversity is present. It is a microcosm, unlike any other area of the ranch. A hike to this area, from the lodge, is very rewarding.

Day trips to Amboseli

Our proximity to Amboseli National Park gives the opportunity for full day excursions to the park. Guests depart the lodge after breakfast for a leisurely drive across the plains and through small villages. We usually arrive at the park in the mid-morning and depart in the mid-afternoon. We have selected this time of day as it coincides with the time when the guests from the large lodges are on siesta, and vehicle density is at its lowest. This is also the time when the elephant and plains game congregate around the waterways and marshes in high density.

This excursion can only be guaranteed in advance, please book it at the time of reservation. It is subject to additional cost.