Sanctuary Olonana is exceptional luxury lodge with an impressive showcase of modern design blended with distinct traditional African finishes.
This small and exclusive camp, the first of Sanctuary's luxury safari properties, was built along sustainable lines which, along with the innovative wetlands and tree-planting projects, have earned Sanctuary Olonana a Gold Award from Ecotourism Kenya.
Sanctuary Olonana is set in lush woodland on the banks of the Mara River in the Masai Mara, where the great outdoors is invited indoors with 14 new glass-sided suites.
Famous for soul-warming service and exceptional customer experience, it is already regarded as one of the top safari properties in Africa, having recently been named the best resort in Africa in Condé Nast Traveler’s 2017 Readers’ Choice Awards. Contemporary architecture is juxtaposed with time-tested building practices such as Maasai mudding and stone walls, with soothing organic tones and a variety of textures
adding warmth and character.
Inspired by the Masai Mara’s breath-taking natural wonders, an abundance of wildlife, and a dramatic river which runs right past its forest setting, this luxurious lodge will be an exhilarating environment which connects you to this extraordinary Kenyan landscape in a truly enriching way.
The Masai Mara is the most renowned safari destination in Africa, home to the big five and stage to the great annual wildebeest migration.
Sanctuary Retreats’ experienced guides, who regularly win responsible-tourism accolades, take guests to all the hidden spots in customised open safari vehicles which ensures the best possible photography.
Game drives, cultural visits, bush dinners, sundowners, scenic flights and balloon rides, Olonana makes for a wonderful African safari.
Sanctuary Olonana’s 14 exceptional new suites, at least 130 sqm in size, will flaunt clean lines and organic materials, and are so comfortable that guests would be forgiven for being tempted to stay in.
Floor-to-ceiling glass doors fold open to reveal magnificent Mara River views and the interiors have been sensitively and tastefully finished with elegant nature-inspired furnishings; this creates an ever-present sense of being connected to the great outdoors.
Sumptuous king-sized beds, with overhead fans, and a daybed on the deck invite you to relax inside or out, while the sprawling lower lounge area offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
Three of the new suites at Sanctuary Olonana feature an extra bedroom, which is heaven-sent for families.
The unfaltering attention to detail extends to fully stocked mini-fridges, specially commissioned African art and glamorous ensuites. These refined marble- and slate-accented bathrooms have a generous tub, double vanity and a rain shower.
The soothing interiors of the main lodge are an extension of the surrounding wilderness — a Kenyan Greenheart tree extends through the centre, floorboards evoke wood bleached by the African sun, while splashes of saturated mustard yellows and cerulean blues conjure the colours of African wildflowers glowing in a ‘golden hour’ light.
Ornamentation includes hand-crafted Maasai spears on the walls and patterned prints inspired by these carved wooden weapons once used for lion-hunting ensure an authentic African spirit abounds. Dramatic glass doors open out from the lounge to the terrace.
Here, faded indigo rugs and elegant Edison-bulb pendant lights gently illuminate the decking without competing with the natural ambiance and the inviting new boma firepit is encircled by deckchairs, with each seat promising grandstand river views.
Dine on the deck of the main lodge and overlook the river’s resident hippos. Exotic birdlife is all around since hundreds of species live in this part of the world — falcons and storks to eagles and nightjars in one sitting.
Walk with the naturalist and learn about plants, trees and insects and their use in the daily lives of the Maasai tribe.
SANCTUARY OLONANA
Masai MaraKenyaAfrica