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Great Expectations Article posted in the Robb Report by Bruce Wallin
From the plains of Kenya to the rain forests of Rwanda, Africa's most ambitious Travel company wants to take you on the ultimate safari - and alter the course of extinction in the process.
Of the 11 safari camps we visited in June/July 2009, Ol Donyo Wuas was easily our favorite lodge. The property is stunningly beautiful brand new construction. Each suite has its own plunge pool, large bathroom including tub, indoor and outdoor showers, 24 hour electricity, indoor and outdoor sleeping areas and sweeping views of the plains. The weather is mild year-round, so the main lodge and each suite building is designed with a very open plan. The entire property is electric fenced, so elephants are not a problem on the property, the only water hole in the area is in direct view of the lodge, so you see the animals continuously. Staff is very friendly, efficient, and thoughtful. When they think you are not looking, the staff literally run from building to building to serve the guests.
Ol Donyo Wuas is special not only for the beautiful lodge, there are 24 riding horses available to guests for game rides and lessons. Being on private land, the lodge will readily accommodate bush walks, night drives, and even mountain biking on the plains (a great way to see wildlife). A severe drought during our visit in July 2009 had left the plain exceedingly dry, nevertheless, we were able to see lions, giraffes in large numbers, some of the largest elephants we saw in six weeks in Africa, numerous antelopes of various types, and, one of our real highlights, three cheetahs seen at close distance while we were on horseback. With easy access to Amboseli National Park for day trips, do not miss Ol Donyo Wuas during your visit to southern Kenya.
KR - USA
My husband and I spent July 30th to August 4th 2009 with you at Ol Donyo Wuas. I know you get so many visitors that any set of faces are hard to hold in your mind but I certainly remember you - and will for years to come. I am writing to say thank you for a wonderful, extraordinary and memorable time. Even though we have traveled quite a bit, I have never been anywhere that was more enjoyable or where I felt more instantly at home and welcomed. Thank you so much for that. Emma loaned me her riding boots, Venita arranged a lovely horse for me, Sissa provided a star bed and dinner in our room one night when we were pretty jet lagged (and she did much more). With Anthony and other visitors we had a fascinating dinner conversation about politics in Kenya and beyond. James, our ,was the very best guide in many trips to Africa. He took us on bush walks and to the Maasai village as well as providing many game drives with interesting conversation about the natural and cultural landscape. It was an astonishingly wonderful visit. The place (Ol Donyo Wuas) is becautiful beyond belief - who would expect to find such luxury and comfort near Mt. Kilimanjaro. The food was so very good. The staff was unfailingly kind and the landscape becautiful. I have never visited a Lodge that was nicer in every respect. I am so sorry about the drought. We have returned to California where our climate is somewhat similar to yours and we are still in the grip of drought as well. Still, we have ways to provide water to wild things and so more will survive. I hope that very soon you have rain. On your web-site I see pictures of what the place looks like when it is green and lush and I hope that returns soon. When we return to Africa - and I know we will in the next couple of years - I hope that we will be able to come back to Ol Donyo Wuas. It is a magical place. Thank you so much for your warmth and care and for making our visit so extraordinary.
Warm regards,
A and HQ
"Exceeded expectations in all regards: the accommodation, the scenery and activities, the service and the food. It’s hard to pick a favourite time, but elephants at the waterhole (within 200 yds of the lodge) Giraffes with Kilimanjaro in the background, and dinner on the roof under the stars are high on the list."
D and M S
"We all wanted to visit Africa for a long time and this was the best experience we could have hoped for. Ol Donyo Wuas, the grounds, the scenery, the animals and all the staff were wonderful! Amin is a fantastic guide and such a joy to be with him. He found every animal on our drives and we learned much from him about the environment, the animals and the people. Sundowners were always fun and unique. Everyone made our trip an incredible experience. Many wonderful memories to take home. Thank you!
P.S. The food and meals were very delicious. Your Chef has great recipes!"
D Family
One thing that we got out of this trip that we didn't expect is the cultural immersion our family experienced. Our guide was with us for the whole 6 days and we got very, very close to him. He shared with us his life, his culture, his upbringing...etc...etc...and we shared ours with him. It was completely eye opening to our family, which was great. All of our kids (21, 19, 8) were mesmerized.
They learned so much about a different part of the world. While we expected to get some of this anyway, we didn't expect to have so much of it and it was life changing. The visit to the Maasai village was moving. While it might be hard for our safari planner to really highlight this type of opportunity, it is worth noting that this trip wasn't all about just animals (which were great too), but much more than that. Truly a great vacation for us. Thank you.
RL
"It wasn't until we took a day trip outside of the Ol Donyo Wuas that we realized what made the difference. We saw a lot of animals, but everywhere we went, there were eight other minivans there with us. At Ol Donyo Wuas, everything was very private. We had a very special view of Africa."
“You have created something unfathomable and beyond amazing. This is a gift to be treasured within each lucky person who experiences it. Thank you for creating, sustaining, protecting, nurturing and imagining this heaven. And, most of all, thank you for allowing us to share it with you.”
M M (ER)
“To all at Ol Donyo Wuas, We had the most wonderful time at this fantastic place. The game-drives with Jackson, dinners created by Michelle, rides with Venetia, and night drive with Anton and Atti made our visit special and memories we will have for the rest of our lives. The entire staff have been most accommodating and friendly. We have never felt more at home on holiday. We hope to return someday and find some familiar and friendly faces. We will miss you all. Thank you very much! Asante sana!”
“Wow! What can we say! Everything was fantastic from the rooms, to the food and most especially the staff! We are so sad to be leaving but looking forward to the day we return."
Much love, the G’s
“Simply perfection. So many amazing experiences and a love affair! We really hope to be back. Many thanks and love to you all.”
F and J H
"We’ve left a piece of our heart with you all! Kisses to William!"
H and I B
"One of the most memorable experiences I’ve ever had. Kenya and Ol Donyo Wuas will stay with me forever. Thanks for a wonderful time!"
B E
"ODW was a fabulous experience – truly once in a lifetime – beyond my expectations. The animals, the scenery, the accommodation and staff – outstanding. Thank you."
J D
"Thank you for the most incredible, wonderful days with you. My heart and mind are full of awesome memories!"
A P
"This has been a once in a lifetime experience. The beauty of the people, animals and landscape are a beautiful way to commune."
T H
"I put out my hand and touched the face of GOD here… in the land, in the animals and especially in the people!"
V C K
"This has been my second visit to Ol Donyo Wuas and it has been superb – but I will be back! Many, many thanks to all staff and good luck to the little hyena."
P B
"This has been the PERFECT place to celebrate our 75th wedding anniversary, especially the walks op ODW and across the plains, sharing the pool with 3 warthogs and the sundowner at the Korje: megiul. Thank you to everyone here, especially Jackson and Sisa. We hope our next stay can be longer."
R and F R
"ODW will always be remembered - for our 11th wedding anniversary – Thank you for a wonderful week, filled with special activities like fly-camping, a night at the “Hyde”, and flight to Kilimanjaro – We thrilled at the 3 cheetahs on a warthog kill! Special thanks to Tara for her hospitality. Look forward to meeting Richard.
Fondest Regards"
D and T C
"Moses showed us many, many new birds and he explained the wonders of Kenya so beautifully. We loved everyone’s hospitality. Wow!"
K and J
"Too wonderful to describe only experiences could relay true feelings."
S and E H
"A wonderful place. Congratulations to Emma and Anthony and their great staff – nothing too much trouble –we will certainly return. Thank you!"
V and A A
"What a fantastic place!! “Great Environment”, “Great People”, “Great Game”, and absolutely relaxing. “What a Paradise”. Thanks for everything."
E and M G
"The hospitality as well as the wildlife (including the knowledge of the guide Moses) were as we have expected when we decided to come back to Ol Donyo Wuas. It will be our first choice when Africa calls us again."
L and E F
"ODW does wonderful work for the people and place of Mbirikani. Very well done!"
G M
"Heaven on Earth! Don’t change a thing. Everything was perfect. Service, food, staff!! Thank you."
C B
"Anton and Emma- thank you so much for showing us an awesome time! We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. Amin was an expert guide – very knowledgeable, funny and attentive. In addition, all of the staff was very professional and kind!"
G G
Article posted in the Daily Telegraph by Brian Jackman
Early morning in Maasailand. Kilimanjaro on the horizon and the sound of cowbells in the air as red-robed herdsmen drive their cattle to water across the dusty plains.
Kenya's Mbirikani Group Ranch, a quarter of a million acres of unfenced savannah, is home to 10,000 Masai pastoralists and I have come to meet one of them, a young moran (warrior) whose name is Koikai and whose job is to protect the lions that live here in an uneasy symbiosis with his fellow tribesmen.
“What a onderful hospitable place. The African Dinner last night was beyond special…”
L and R H
“What a fantastic experience! The entire staff made our trip just wonderful. We look forward to out return already”
The J Family
“We have had the most amazing time!! When asking my daughter, Emma, for her favorite bit her reply was ‘How many favorites can I have?!’ I think that sums it up! Thank you for a wonderful experience!"
The B family
“It was hard to believe that one day could be more fabulous than the last, but it happened. You are all so happy, helpful and so much fun to be with. Thank you for an amazing time. We will be talking about it forever."
D N
“This was the trip of a lifetime! We loved everything! The staff, the food and the wild animals. Just a dream come true for both of us! We will be back!”
A & S S
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