ol Donyo Lodge

Our proximity to Amboseli National Park gives the opportunity for full-day excursions to the park. Guests depart the lodge after breakfast for a leisurely drive across the plains and through small villages. We usually arrive at the park in the mid-morning and depart in the mid-afternoon (with a picnic lunch and a full selection of drinks). We have selected this time of day as it coincides with the time when the guests from the other nearby larger lodges are on siesta, and vehicle density is at its lowest. This is also the time when the elephant and plains game congregate around the waterways and marshes in high density. This excursion can only be guaranteed in advance, please book it at the time of reservation and is subject to additional cost.

This is a good opportunity to exercise but also another way of viewing the landscape and wildlife in the area. We recommend cycling during the cooler hours of the day, either in the early morning or late afternoon. Cycling usually takes place on the plains heading toward the kopje or el Mau.

- Yoga mat, light weights available in each suite;- The lodge features a gym where guests can make use of thefollowing equipment:- Squat rack;- Spinning bikes;- Rowing machine;- Treadmill;- Yoga mats;- Workout benches;- A selection of various weights and dumbbells.- Guests can enjoy a run/walk on the airstrip.

Guided walks can be pre-booked and are led by qualified, licensed walking guides.

Helicopter Excursions and Transfers

Guests can take to the skies from ol Donyo Lodge and experience sweeping 180-degree views on a choice of helicopter excursions. These scenic flight options, to be booked prior to the guest's arrival, include the Chyulu Hills, Amboseli and Mount Kilimanjaro, offering a remarkable aerial perspective of this iconic landscape.

With vast open plains and the dramatic, ancient volcanic soil Chyulu Hills to explore at ol Donyo Lodge this vast region provides a truly unique riding experience. Riding is available all year round at no additional cost.- All riders must have a short assessment in our arena prior to setting out to ensure all guests riding out can control their horse and are comfortable at a short trot. If riders do not havethe required experience, they will be offered a lesson in the arena instead. Plains riders will be given some instruction, a minimum requirement is the ability to do a short trot;- Horse riding is available to guests aged 12 and older with prior experience; no beginners;- All guests are encouraged to complete a short questionnaire determining their riding experience and preferences prior to arrival.

Guests can enjoy up-close encounters with wildlife without departing from the lodge. The open-air log-pile hide and the sunken hide at the waterhole, both situated directly in front of the camp, provide a perfect vantage point for such experiences.

Early morning and late afternoon / evening safari drives take place in some of the most luxurious wildlife-viewing vehicles. Each Toyota Land Cruiser safari vehicle is open-sided, canopiedand customised for photographers (fold-down screens, raised roofs, photographic bars, multi-plug inverters). Each vehicle is also stocked with a fridge with drinks and snacks, ready forlonger days out if the wildlife viewing is exciting and just too hard to leave. Every day on safari brings a unique and distinct experience. Safari drives typically start at sunrise, returning for lunch and depart again in the mid-afternoon before returning just after sunset.Guests can enjoy up-close encounters with wildlife without departing from the lodge. The open-air log-pile hide and the sunken hide at the waterhole, both situated directly in front ofthe camp, provide a perfect vantage point for such experiences. Our schedule is flexible, and guests are encouraged to create their own itinerary according to their interests with guidance and recommendations from our professional guides.Enjoy wildlife viewing from this property on our online HD hidecam 24-hours a day. Visit greatplainsconservation.com/liveafrican-wildlife-webcam/#ol-donyo for more information.

Young Explorers Program

Great Plains Young Explorers Kids' programme is available – thoughtfully designed to explore various experiences and topics from birding to cooking to art to tracking wildlife.