Tucked along a quiet stretch of the Mara River, right beside the Maasai Mara National Reserve, Olonana was the brand’s original camp — and a trailblazer in contemporary safari style when it opened in 1999. Now beautifully expanded and completely rebuilt, the lodge showcases elegant, minimalist design enriched with natural materials such as local woods, stone, handcrafted textiles, and African artistry. Each year, the 14 glass-and-adobe suites, along with the impressive Geoffrey Kent Suite, are “mudded” by Maasai women using local clay. These serene spaces offer restful nights accompanied by the soothing sounds of the river.
A heated swimming pool and gym sit within lush grounds that staff and guests have helped rewild over time. The camp’s garden supplies organic produce for fresh farm-to-fork meals, enjoyed in the boma — an airy riverside lounge where hippos linger in the shade of acacia trees and colourful hummingbirds dart over the water. Children can enjoy a dedicated retreat, and spa treatments are available, though the true excitement lies beyond the lodge.
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