Mara Conservancies, Kenya
Sanctuary Olonana Camp
Boutique and luxurious camp by the Mara River
Olonana is located on a private section of the Mara River, offering you spectacular views of the animals as they wander down the banks each day. What makes this camp extra special is its relationship with local communities and its efforts to be as environmentally responsible as possible.
Fourteen canvas pavilions are dotted along the river, each one extremely spacious with parquet flooring and four poster beds. With a modern spin this lodge has a library that you can enjoy and it even has a pool for an afternoon dip. And, if you feel like you need some extra pampering, you could wander down to the mini spa for some traditional African treatments with the bush as your soundtrack.
Besides the usual fantastic game drives where you can see the big five and more than 300 bird species, you will also have the chance to enjoy a nature work outside the reserve. These are hugely educational and your guides will point out the most remarkable things, from animal tracks and spoor to sights where lions have marked their territory. As the lands are not only home to game, you can also visit a Maasai village for some cultural insight into the traditional lives that these remarkable people lead.
This is a fabulous camp for families as there is a kids club and a range of special activities. Expert guides will take children out on game drives and accompany them to the nearby Maasai village where they will learn how to make and shoot a traditional bow and arrow, make a fire, build a hut, herding cattle to name a few. Kids will also be able to interact with the local children while playing football together, learn Maasai songs and traditional dances. Other activities include going out on a nature trail where they will learn about animal footprint identification or enjoy a bush treasure hunt followed by planting their own tree.
Highlights
4x4 morning and afternoon game rrives
Guided bush walks
Cultural excursions
Massages and treatments
14 canvas pavilions
Swimming pool
Organic gardens
Library
Mini spa
Kids club
Trip Inspiration
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Places to combine Sanctuary Olonana Camp with
Rwanda
Wilderness Magashi Peninsula is the sister property of Wilderness Magashi Camp, an exclusive retreat in the heart of Akagera National Park in Rwanda that offers an immersive safari experience. Set within a private concession on the shores of Lake Rwanyakazinga, with the Mutumba Mountains rising in the distance, this eight-bed camp is designed for those seeking unparalleled privacy and connection to nature. Here, the vast landscapes of open plains, acacia woodlands, shimmering lakes and rolling grasslands form the backdrop to extraordinary wildlife encounters. Akagera is a conservation success story, home to one of Africa’s most diverse ecosystems. Over 500 bird species fill the air with their calls, while elephants wade in the lake and hippos bask along its banks.
The camp comprises a stunning four-bed villa and two twin suites, each elevated to maximise the panoramic views over the lake. Private plunge pools invite moments of quiet reflection and the villa’s multi-purpose room is adaptable as a gym, office or family space. Personalised in-villa dining and a dedicated private guide transform each stay into a deeply personal journey, allowing you to explore the wilderness at your own pace. Embark on a morning game drive, glide silently through the waterways on a boating safari or set out on a guided nature walk.
Rooted in sustainability and inspired by Rwanda’s rich culinary heritage, the menu features fresh, local ingredients. Start the day with a signature ‘rolex’ breakfast wrap, a beloved Rwandan street food specialty, and end it with a Kugisha dinner, a communal feast accompanied by traditional storytelling and song.
As with all Wilderness camps, conservation and community engagement are at the heart of Magashi Peninsula. In partnership with the Akagera Management Company, Wilderness supports vital initiatives such as predator monitoring, invasive plant management and educational programs designed to inspire the next generation of conservationists. Magashi Peninsula builds upon this legacy, ensuring that both wildlife and local communities thrive side by side.
Namibia
Anderssons at Ongava offers an unforgettable Namibian safari experience imbued with Afro-Mediterranean elegance. This extraordinary lodge invites you to explore nature with unparalleled comfort and style. From the moment sunlight filters through the mopane bush, awakening the landscape, Anderssons promises a seamless blend of relaxation and adventure.
The lodge’s nine suites serve as a harmonious extension of the surrounding environment. Constructed with natural stone and warm wood elements, each suite is a sanctuary of tranquility, featuring climate-controlled interiors and expansive glass frontages that frame the wilderness. Step onto your private viewing deck, where a sweeping 180-degree panorama immerses you in the sights and sounds of Ongava Game Reserve. Wildlife viewing becomes a part of your daily routine as the animals roam freely here, often within view of your suite.
Central to the lodge is a bar and relaxation area that seamlessly integrates with the landscape, overlooking a vibrant waterhole. Here, you can gather in convivial surroundings, sipping cocktails while observing wildlife. Nearby, the Ongava Research Centre invites you to delve into the cutting-edge efforts that drive conservation and expands understanding of African ecology.
Begin a day here with an early morning game drive in an open 4×4 vehicle. For a different perspective, venture into the underground photographic hide, where you can capture intimate moments of wildlife at eye level. Back at the lodge, the infinity-edge pool is a serene oasis that is perfect for cooling off under the African sun. Relax in the library, taking in the tranquil ambiance and panoramic waterhole views.
