Sanctuary Olonana

After adventurous days tracking lions, riding horses with rhinos or spotting giraffes, elephants, gazelle and zebra in this stunning wildlife retreat, guests can retire to the secluded tented camp for sundowners, relaxation and attentive five-star service. The individually decorated canvas tents have a boutique-meets-bush style that harks back to the golden age, updated with contemporary style, from teak floors to unique touches that reflect the local culture. Inside the spacious and beautifully appointed main tent, inviting sofas and chairs encourage guests to linger. The camp’s colours are inspired by nature, from ‘sun-bleached’ wood and wicker lampshades to intense bursts of colour in the exuberant fabrics, like wildflowers dotted around the landscape. The tented ceiling and soft lighting create a sophisticated ambience.

Each luxury guest tent is large and airy (57sqm), with a private veranda overlooking the grassy plains. Gently billowing white curtains add to the romance, with Masai-inspired art in traditional blue – representing the sky and precious rainwater. Enjoy floor-to-ceiling cinematic views of the landscape from the super king beds. The ensuite boasts a walk-in shower, double basin and sumptuous towels.

Breakfast, lunch, snacks during activities and dinners are all included in your stay. Breakfast is served before the morning game activity. During your morning game viewing activity, coffee, tea and a selection of scones and biscuits will be served out in the bush. Lunch will be enjoyed back at the camp. Afternoon and evening game drives include classic sundowner cocktails and canapés at specially selected spots before returning to the camp for pre-dinner drinks and dinner. Romantic private dinners on the boma deck or by the pool can be arranged upon request. With prior notice, our camps are able to arrange halaal meals, however, please note our kitchens aren’t strictly halaal and our chefs are not trained in halaal foodpreparation. Unfortunately, Sanctuary Olonana is unable to arrange kosher meals.

Meals typically consist of the following:
• Breakfast: Continental and full English Breakfast
• Lunch: Table d’Hote
• Dinner: Table d’Hote, 3 course meal with 2 to 3 choices, one being a vegetarian

• 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 Retreats’ 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.
• Maasai Village Visit: 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.
• Local School Visit: 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.
• 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 about 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 Kenyan fruits and pastries and, of course, glasses of bubbly to toast your flight.
• Spa Treatments: Between activities, relax at our mini-spa which offers a range of treatments from facials to body massages. With spectacular views over the Mara River and the soothing sound of the river and hippos in the background – you’ll have no choice but to relax. Africology uses healing essences of some of South Africa’s indigenous plants, Rooibos, Aloe Ferox, Marula and African Potato. They are dermatologically tested to EU standards, not tested on animals nor use any animal products

Some activities are at an additional cost

Guests celebrating their honeymoon will receive special surprises during their stay. All attempts are made to keep honeymooners separate from other guests.
Sanctuary Olonana honeymoon services include:
• Private meals on boma deck
• A bottle of sparkling wine during dinner
• Traditional Maasai blessing ceremony
• Complimentary 30 minute back massage and spa treatments at reduced rates
• Complimentary private vehicle (subject to availability