Ol Donyo Lodge

Ol Donyo Lodge lies within the vast wilderness of the Chyulu Hills, a volcanic landscape stretching between Amboseli National Park and Tsavo West National Park.

Positioned within the privately protected Chyulu Hills Conservancy, the lodge enjoys sweeping views across open plains toward Mount Kilimanjaro. Because the conservancy covers a vast area with very few lodges, the experience here feels remote and exclusive.

Many travellers combine Ol Donyo Lodge with Amboseli, since together they reveal two very different sides of the same ecosystem.

Landscape & Setting

The Chyulu Hills form a striking chain of volcanic mountains rising above ancient lava flows and rolling savannah plains.

From the lodge, the landscape stretches across open wilderness that links the Amboseli ecosystem with the larger Tsavo conservation area. Meanwhile, the green slopes of the Chyulu Hills rise behind the property, creating a dramatic contrast with the dry plains below.

On clear mornings, Mount Kilimanjaro appears across the southern horizon, adding a remarkable backdrop to the surrounding wilderness.

Accommodation

Accommodation at Ol Donyo Lodge consists of spacious suites positioned across the hillside.

Each suite features:

Private plunge pools overlooking the plains
Rooftop star beds for sleeping beneath the night sky
Indoor and outdoor lounge areas
Large ensuite bathrooms with panoramic views
Wide terraces facing the Kilimanjaro landscape

Because the suites are widely spaced, guests enjoy exceptional privacy as well as uninterrupted views across the conservancy.

Safari Experience / Activities

The private conservancy setting allows a much broader safari programme than many national parks.

Activities may include:

• Game drives across the Chyulu Hills Conservancy
• Guided walking safaris through volcanic landscapes
• Horseback safaris across the plains
• Cultural visits to Maasai communities
• Scenic flights over the Chyulu Hills and Kilimanjaro

In addition, the vast conservancy means wildlife encounters often take place without other vehicles nearby.

Wildlife

Wildlife moves freely between the Chyulu Hills, Amboseli and Tsavo ecosystems.

Sightings may include:

• Elephant
• Lion and cheetah
• Giraffe and zebra
• Buffalo
• Numerous plains antelope

Large elephant herds frequently pass through the conservancy, while predators occasionally appear along the open plains.

When to Visit

Ol Donyo Lodge can be visited throughout the year.

June – October
Dry season conditions usually provide the best wildlife viewing.

January – March
Clear skies often produce dramatic Kilimanjaro views.

April – May / November
Seasonal rains create greener landscapes across the Chyulu Hills.

Because of the wide open terrain, wildlife viewing remains strong during most months of the year.

Insider Tips

Clear views of Kilimanjaro most often appear early in the morning before clouds gather around the summit.

Meanwhile, wildlife frequently moves across the plains below the lodge during the cooler hours of the day.

The rooftop star beds offer one of the most memorable experiences in the Chyulu Hills.

Oloi Shorua Must-Do

Spend a night sleeping on the rooftop star bed, where the clear skies of the Chyulu Hills reveal an extraordinary view of the African night sky.

Oloi Shorua Recommendation

We recommend staying at least three nights at Ol Donyo Lodge to fully enjoy the variety of activities offered within the Chyulu Hills Conservancy. The area is particularly suited to walking safaris and horseback riding, which allow travellers to experience the landscape in a way that traditional game drives alone cannot provide.

For travellers interested in photography, early morning drives toward the open plains often provide the clearest views of Kilimanjaro before clouds gather around the summit.

Planning Your Safari

Many journeys include:

You can also explore:

At Oloi Shorua we design bespoke safari journeys that combine the finest lodges across Africa’s most remarkable wildlife landscapes. Speak with us to begin planning your safari.