Ol Donyo Wuas Game Lodge Hotel lies in the foothills of the Chyulu Range, halfway between Tsavo and Amboseli in a concession area of 300,000 acres, communal Masai owned land, which is also part of the Amboseli eco-system. The open plains, rolling Chyulu Hills and snow-capped peaks of Kilimanjaro invoke images of Africa as it was in the earlier part of the last century; abundant game and Masai herdsmen living as nature determined they should in this unspoilt corner of Kenya.
Based on the foundations of the original, legendary Ol Donyo Wuas, the recently re-built lodges all have stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro, efficient solar powered lighting, and solar heated showers in the ensuite bathrooms, and feature a décor that is modern and luxurious as well as rustic and comfortable in the tradition of the great wilderness lodges. For over 20 years Ol Donyo Wuas Lodge was the Africa cognoscenti’s dream destination. Tucked away in the spectacular Chyulu Hills, above the heat and malaria, and far away from the tourist circuit, Ol Donyo Wuas was a model for many of the ‘bush lodges’ that were to follow.

Ol Donyo Wuas' founder Richard Bonham often flown over this spectacular landscape and one day decided to land his Cessna on the open plains and arranges to meet local Maasai. A pioneering community conservation safari-tourism project was created. To cap it all, Mt Kilimanjaro is only 40 kilometers away to south. On a clear day, not surprisingly for a 19,000 ft mountain, it's difficult to miss, full screen and breathtaking.
After 21 years, Ol Donyo Wuas Hotel was starting to look jaded and the decision was made to rebuild rather than to patch. Towards the end of 2007, the old rooms were torn down and a fresh, new Ol Donyo Wuas reopened in July 2008 to enthusiastic reviews.

Ol Donyo Wuas Hotel Accommodation
Ol Donyo has a total of 22 beds in seven stand alone lodges. Some are two bed lodges, while others are four bed lodges with their own private lounges and swimming pool. These four bed lodges are perfect for families or small groups of friends who prefer that extra privacy. All bedrooms now have spacious ensuite bathrooms with superb views, a shower and bath, twin vanities, a flush loo with an additional outdoor shower for those who prefer the outdoors.
All room (except the Hide) have their own rooftop sundowner / "star-beds" spot where guests enjoy dramatic views over the plains and onto Mount Kilimanjaro. More adventurous guests have the option to sleep out safely on these rooftops to enjoy a night sleeping under the stars.
The lighting is solar powered as is the hot water of the showers, with an emergency back-up system for overcast days.
Ol Donyo Wuas Hotel Activities
As the rooms are so comfortable and the food so delicious (not to mention our extensive wine list) one might be tempted to just laze around the lodge and the swimming pool, our menu of activities is so exciting that you won't want to miss a minute.

Over 7000 wild animals make their home in and around the environs of Ol Donyo Wuas and our guests can search for them in vehicles, on foot, or by horseback. Not only are the "BIG FIVE" here - rhino, elephant, lion, leopard and buffalo - but also cheetah, the rare fringe-eared oryx, the shy gerenuk, and the lordly giraffe among many others share this magical landscape.

It is out on a drive or walks or ride that the exclusivity of Ol Donyo Wuas becomes apparent: you and the few other privileged guests are alone with the animals - no other tourists; no fleets of noisy mini buses are there to disturb the magic of your experiences. Night drives are a feature for those who would like to better opportunity to view the shyer nocturnal wildlife.
Day Safari to Amboseli
We offer a full day's safari to Amboseli National Park. Guests depart Ol Donyo Wuas after breakfast and take a leisurely drive across the plains to the Park. We usually plan to arrive in Amboseli sometime in the mid-morning and aim to leave in the mid-afternoon. This coincides when the lodges are breakfasting and it’s the traditional safari siesta time when the park and the vehicle density are at its lowest. This also is the time of day when the elephants and wildlife densities around the waterways and marshes are generally at their highest. If you want this activity guaranteed, please ensure that you book the excursions when you are making your reservation to stay at Ol Donyo Wuas
Mountain Biking:
This is a new activity that we are experimenting with on the plains around Ol Donyo Wuas. Guests bike across the savannahs with an armed guide and enjoy the freedom and exhilaration of these plains and their wildlife.
We operate where possible on an all-inclusive tariff where everything at the lodge is included. The exceptions to this are the Amboseli excursion and the Amboseli Park entry fees; horse rides and massages. The Maasai villagers will charge individuals for having their photos taken, but the cost of getting there is included in the tariff.
Horse rides with 'RIDE KENYA'
The Chyulu Hills and the surrounding plains are perfect for half-day or full horseback riding. Many of our guests who are have taken some of the other excellent horseback safaris elsewhere in Africa have declared: "This is the best horse riding country in Africa." We take pride in the training and care of our horses and we have mounts suitable for both experienced and occasional riders.