Overview
Award-winning luxury safari lodge on the Mara River with 14 glass-sided suites, Great Migration viewing, and eco-certified operations.
Experience Luxury Safari at Sanctuary Olonana
Book your African safari through our travel specialists to unlock exclusive rates, seamless planning support, and insider access unavailable when booking directly. We partner with Kenya's premier luxury lodges to guarantee the best value and personalized service for your dream safari experience.
Our team secures preferred pricing and can customize your stay with added perks, priority room upgrades, and tailored activity packages. Let us handle every detail while you focus on creating unforgettable memories in the Masai Mara.
Where You'll Stay
Sanctuary Olonana is an award-winning luxury safari lodge set on a private stretch of the Mara River in Kenya's most famous game reserve, the Masai Mara National Reserve [1][3]. Located in a private concession near the Mara Triangle, the lodge offers front-row access to the Great Migration and year-round wildlife viewing of the Big Five and diverse African fauna [7][13].
This exceptional property combines opulent comfort with untamed wilderness, creating a sanctuary where guests experience one of nature's most beautiful landscapes while indulging in deluxe surroundings [3]. The lodge is easily accessible—just 45 minutes by light aircraft from Nairobi, making it an ideal destination for international travelers seeking an immersive African safari experience [13].
Sanctuary Olonana is committed to sustainable luxury, holding Gold Eco-Rating certification from Ecotourism Kenya and winning "Africa's Leading Eco-Lodge" at the World Travel Awards 2015 [13]. The property uses solar power, water recycling systems, and sustainable building materials while maintaining strong relationships with local Maasai communities [9].
Rooms & Suites
The lodge features 14 glass-sided suites, each at least 141 square meters in size with floor-to-ceiling glass doors that fold open to reveal magnificent Mara River views [1][7]. Three suites include an extra bedroom, perfect for families, while the newly opened Geoffrey Kent Suite offers the ultimate luxury experience [7][10].
- Luxury Suites: Glass-sided accommodations with en-suite bathrooms, private viewing decks, and direct river views. Perfect for couples seeking intimate safari experiences [7]
- Family Suites: Two-bedroom options with lounge, dining area, and extra amenities for families traveling together [7]
- Geoffrey Kent Suite: Ultra-luxury accommodation featuring two en-suite bedrooms, private dining area, lounge, fully stocked private bar, viewing deck, and infinity pool [7][10]
- Special Features: All suites include modern amenities, temperature control, and premium furnishings designed for maximum comfort in the African wilderness [1]
Dining Experiences
Sanctuary Olonana emphasizes organic, locally-sourced cuisine prepared by expert chefs using ingredients from the lodge's organic garden [13]. Dining experiences range from intimate in-suite meals to communal gatherings celebrating African culinary traditions.
- Main Restaurant: Farm-to-table dining featuring contemporary African cuisine with international influences, offering both indoor and outdoor seating with river views
- Bush Dining: Exclusive bush dinners and sundowner experiences available as special arrangements, allowing guests to dine in the African wilderness [2][13]
- Bar & Lounge: Fully stocked private bars in suites plus a main lodge bar serving premium spirits, wines, and non-alcoholic beverages (excluding premium brands and Champagne in all-inclusive rates) [5][6]
Property Amenities
Sanctuary Olonana offers comprehensive amenities designed for relaxation and wellness in a luxury safari setting [2]. The property combines modern comforts with authentic African experiences.
- Spa & Wellness: Professional spa treatments and massage services available on-site for post-safari relaxation and rejuvenation [2][15]
- Pool & Recreation: Outdoor swimming pool with lounge areas overlooking the Mara River; infinity pool in Geoffrey Kent Suite [2][7]
- Fitness & Sports: Fitness center with gym equipment for guests preferring exercise facilities [2]
- Other Features: WiFi connectivity throughout the property, laundry services, free onsite parking for arriving vehicles, and complimentary private vehicle transfers (subject to availability) [1][2][15]
- Common Areas: Lounge spaces, dining areas, viewing decks, and bar facilities designed for social gathering and wildlife observation [7]
Things to Do
Sanctuary Olonana offers diverse safari and cultural activities designed to maximize wildlife viewing and provide authentic African experiences [2][13]. Most activities are included in all-inclusive rates or available as add-ons.
- Game Drives: Early morning and evening game drives with expert guides searching for the Big Five and diverse wildlife throughout the Masai Mara [2][6][13]
- Great Migration Viewing: Front-row seats to the annual Wildebeest Migration, with action occurring less than 40 minutes from the lodge during peak season [13]
- Hot Air Balloon Safaris: Dawn balloon flights offering panoramic views of the reserve and wildlife from above [2][10]
- Cultural Experiences: Maasai village visits providing opportunities to interact with local Maasai people and learn about their traditions and lifestyle [2][6][13]
- Specialized Activities: Bush walks, night drives, astronomy observations, bird watching, and scenic flights available [2]
At a Glance
- Check-in Time: 2:00 PM [7]
- Check-out Time: 10:00 AM [7]
- Total Rooms: 14 suites [1][7]
- Maximum Guests: 28 (based on 2 adults per suite)
- Star Rating: 5 stars (premium luxury)
- Property Type: Luxury safari lodge [1][2]
- Location: Mara River, Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya [3]
- Best For: Luxury travelers, honeymooners, families, wildlife photographers, and those seeking premium African safari experiences
- Distance to Nairobi: 45 minutes by light aircraft [13]
- Awards: Gold Eco-Rating (Ecotourism Kenya); Africa's Leading Eco-Lodge (World Travel Awards 2015) [13]
Pricing & Booking Information
Sanctuary Olonana offers dynamic pricing based on season, with rates reflecting the exceptional luxury and comprehensive all-inclusive experience [3][5][6]. Prices vary significantly between peak migration season and shoulder seasons.
- Peak Season Rates (High - June-October): From $2,317-$2,450 per person per night sharing [3][5]
- Shoulder Season Rates (January-March, June): From $1,189-$1,190 per person per night sharing [3][5]
- Low Season Rates (April-May, November-December): From $1,020 per person per night sharing [3][5]
- Holiday Rates (December 21-January 2): From $2,317-$2,450 per person per night sharing [3][5]
- Geoffrey Kent Suite: From $4,797 per suite (varies seasonally) [7]
- Villa Rates: From $36,400 per night for private villa accommodations [4]
- What's Included: All meals, select alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages (excluding premium brands and Champagne), game drives, airstrip transfers, laundry, and government taxes [5][6][13]
- Long-Stay Discounts: Reduced rates available for stays of four nights or longer [6]
- Honeymoon Special: 50% discount for celebrating honeymoons, minimum 2-night stay [14]
Why Choose Sanctuary Olonana
This award-winning lodge represents the pinnacle of luxury safari accommodations in Kenya, combining sustainable practices with uncompromising comfort [13]. The private Mara River location provides exclusive wildlife viewing opportunities unavailable at many other properties [1][3].
The property's commitment to community development and environmental stewardship ensures your stay directly benefits local Maasai populations while preserving the ecosystem [13]. With expert guides, personalized service, and comprehensive all-inclusive packages, Sanctuary Olonana delivers an transformative African safari experience.
Ready to book your dream safari? Contact our travel specialists today to secure exclusive rates, customized itineraries, and insider benefits. We'll handle all planning details while you anticipate your adventure in the Masai Mara.
Gallery
Amenities & Features
Activities
Location
Mara Triangle, Maasai Mara, Kenya
Mara River