Ololo Safari Lodge

Ololo Safari Lodge Nairobi National Park offers one of the most unusual safari settings in Africa. The lodge sits on the quiet southern boundary of Nairobi National Park, overlooking the open plains where wildlife moves freely across the savannah.

Unlike city hotels, Ololo Safari Lodge places guests directly beside a national park while remaining only a short drive from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and central Nairobi. Because of this rare location, the lodge provides a seamless transition between the energy of the city and the wilderness of Kenya’s safari landscapes.

For travellers beginning their journey in Kenya, Ololo Safari Lodge Nairobi National Park delivers an immediate sense of safari atmosphere. Wildlife sightings often begin even before guests leave the property, and many visitors find it difficult to believe that such a tranquil environment exists so close to one of Africa’s largest cities.

Landscape & Setting

The setting of Ololo Safari Lodge Nairobi National Park is defined by wide views across the park’s southern plains. From the lodge terraces and gardens, guests can watch wildlife moving through the landscape while the distant skyline of Nairobi rises far beyond the savannah.

The lodge itself sits on the site of a historic Kenyan homestead and farm. Surrounding gardens, open lawns, and a small working farm create a relaxed countryside atmosphere that contrasts beautifully with the wild plains just beyond the park boundary.

Meanwhile, the nearby Mbagathi River and seasonal grasslands attract a variety of wildlife and birdlife throughout the year. Early mornings often bring soft golden light across the plains, while evenings reveal dramatic sunsets behind the acacia-dotted savannah.

Because of this remarkable setting, Ololo Safari Lodge Nairobi National Park feels both intimate and connected to the surrounding wilderness.

Accommodation

Accommodation at Ololo Safari Lodge Nairobi National Park combines rustic charm with comfortable safari-style design. Each room reflects the lodge’s farmhouse heritage while maintaining the elegance expected from a refined safari property.

Rooms and suites are individually decorated, with many featuring antique furnishings, wooden beams, and large windows that frame views of the surrounding landscape.

Accommodation features include:

• Individually styled rooms with private bathrooms
• Spacious family suites for travellers with children
• Private verandas overlooking gardens or plains
• Classic safari décor with handcrafted furnishings

Because the lodge remains relatively small, service is attentive and personalised. Guests quickly feel at home, and the relaxed atmosphere encourages visitors to unwind before or after their safari.

Safari Experience

One of the defining experiences at Ololo Safari Lodge Nairobi National Park is the opportunity to explore a genuine wildlife reserve while staying close to the city.

Game drives inside Nairobi National Park reveal a surprising diversity of wildlife across open grasslands and acacia woodland. The park’s location also means that safari vehicles frequently encounter animals with the skyline of Nairobi visible in the distance — one of the most unusual safari backdrops in Africa.

Activities during a stay may include:

• Game drives in Nairobi National Park
• Guided nature walks around the lodge grounds
• Visits to nearby conservation centres
• Relaxation by the lodge swimming pool
• Farm-to-table dining experiences

In addition, the lodge produces much of its own food from its surrounding farm and gardens, creating a strong connection between the property and the local landscape.

Wildlife

Although located on the edge of the capital city, Nairobi National Park supports a remarkable range of wildlife.

Animals commonly seen during a stay at Ololo Safari Lodge Nairobi National Park include:

• Lion
• Black rhinoceros
• Giraffe
• Zebra
• Buffalo
• Numerous antelope species

The park is also an important sanctuary for endangered black rhino, making wildlife encounters particularly meaningful.

Birdlife is equally impressive, with more than 400 bird species recorded within the park.

When to Visit

Ololo Safari Lodge Nairobi National Park can be visited throughout the year.

June – October
The cooler dry season offers excellent wildlife viewing and clear skies.

January – March
Warm weather and bright mornings create ideal conditions for photography.

April – May / November
Seasonal rains transform the plains into lush green landscapes and attract migratory birdlife.

Because Nairobi sits at an elevation of roughly 1,600 metres, temperatures remain moderate throughout the year.

Insider Tips

• Early morning game drives in Nairobi National Park often produce the best wildlife sightings.
• The lodge’s farm-to-table cuisine is a highlight, with many ingredients grown directly on the property.
• A stay here pairs particularly well with visits to the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust or the Giraffe Centre.

Oloi Shorua Must-Do

Begin your safari with an early morning game drive in Nairobi National Park, where giraffes, rhino, and antelope roam across open plains with the distant skyline of Nairobi on the horizon.

Oloi Shorua Recommendation

For travellers seeking a relaxed start to their Kenyan safari, we often recommend Ololo Safari Lodge Nairobi National Park for the first night in the country. The lodge provides an authentic safari environment while remaining conveniently close to the international airport before continuing onward to destinations such as the Masai Mara, Laikipia, or Amboseli.

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.