Oldonyo Lodge

Ol Donyo is now my second stay at a Great Plains property, and I loved it just as much as the first one. The lodge is really excellent - super charming, fantastic views, and just as with Mara Plains, the staff were all absolutely superb. There is less wildlife to be seen on the drives at Ol Donyo compared to Masai Mara, but it more than makes up for it with the absolutely spectacular landscape, which is both more far more private (Ol Donyo is the only accommodation as far as the eye can see) and, in my opinion, more beautiful. Just like Mara Plains, the attention to detail is outstanding - they'll remember what you like for the drives and make it for you in abundance throughout your stay (in my case, a temporary addiction to watermelon juice), they prepare a lovely star bed for you on the roof of your room to enjoy the unspoilt night sky, and the staff all know your name and seem genuinely interested in how you're doing. They even lay out a nice afternoon tea for you, which, if you're very lucky, will be stolen by monkeys in front of your very eyes, which is even more enjoyable than eating it yourself. Speaking of which, the incredibly mischievous monkeys were a real highlight of my stay. They kept peering into my room, waiting for me to leave so they could stage a robbery, which provided me endless entertainment. Also, the Hide alone is worth the price of the whole stay! You're more or less guaranteed to see tons of amazing wildlife (up close) from it during certain hours of the day, and maybe even the magnificent elephant One Ton (and plenty of his entourage). I honestly could have sat there the entire day. Also, I heard they're upgrading the Hide (and making it open until later at night) which is a really great idea - I'm just sad I arrived too soon to enjoy that. If they made it a little more comfy and cosy (and maybe a little less enticing to insects with some kind of repellent), it would be almost impossible to leave. My only real criticism of the property is the whole orientation process at the start is just way, way too long. After a long travel, quite often with connecting flights, you really just want to get to your room and do things at your own pace. I have no problem being told about the area, but offer me the choice of when I want to hear about it (for example during the first game drive, rather than when I land on the airstrip), and keep the subsequent orientation and the lodge itself no more than 3 minutes max. Currently, the whole process takes quite literally an hour which is insanely frustrating. My guide Dan was excellent. The sunset viewpoint he took me to was one of the highlights of my whole trip. I really can't say enough good things about the staff. I also thought the lady who ran the stables, Laura, seemed like an incredibly warm and good natured person. Don't miss this place!

The accommodations are spectacular as is the food. The watering hole was amazing for seeing animals close up. And our guide was exceptional. Saw numerous lions (resting, enjoying a fresh kill, and roaring during mating season). The visit to the nearby village was really educational and important for our family.