Ol Donyo Lodge - Chyulu Hills National Park
Ol Donyo Lodge is a hotel near Chyulu Hills National Park.
- Location
- Chyulu Hills National Park, Tsavo & Amboseli Ecosystem, Kenya, East Africa
- Type
- boutique_lodge
- Coordinates
- -2.502133, 37.753582
- Elevation
- 1,216m
- Price range
- ultra-luxury
- Phone
- +27 (0)87 354 6591
- [email protected]
- Website
- https://greatplainsconservation.com/ol-donyo-lodge/
- Activities
- Walking Safari, Bush Walk, Horseback Safari, Horse Safari, Spa, Wellnes, Massage
- Amenities
- Swimming Pool, Pool, Plunge Pool, Spa, Massage, Wellness, Airstrip, Dining, Bar, Lounge, Laundry, Laundry Service, Library
PlnrScore: 57/100
Community
maasai; masai; school; education
Wildlife Near This Lodge
209 species observed within 20 km, 36 mammals, 91 birds.
- Flap-necked Chameleon (Reptilia, 38 observations)
- Maasai Giraffe (Mammalia, 9 observations)
- Yellow Baboon (Mammalia, 8 observations)
- Southern Bushbuck (Mammalia, 8 observations)
- Hartebeest (Mammalia, 7 observations)
- Kori Bustard (Aves, 6 observations)
- Augur Buzzard (Aves, 6 observations)
- Long-billed Pipit (Aves, 5 observations)
- fever tree (Plantae, 5 observations)
- African Stonechat (Aves, 4 observations)
Monthly Climate
| Month | High | Low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 26.3C | 17.1C | 80.9mm |
| Feb | 27.7C | 17.4C | 48.4mm |
| Mar | 28.2C | 17.6C | 70.7mm |
| Apr | 26.4C | 17.5C | 149.5mm |
| May | 26.1C | 16.5C | 48.5mm |
| Jun | 25.4C | 15.3C | 9.5mm |
| Jul | 25C | 14.7C | 5.4mm |
| Aug | 26C | 14.6C | 5.8mm |
| Sep | 27.4C | 15C | 12.8mm |
| Oct | 28.5C | 16.1C | 28mm |
| Nov | 26.1C | 16.9C | 164.3mm |
| Dec | 25.1C | 16.9C | 95.6mm |
Best Time to Visit Ol Donyo Lodge
The best months to visit Ol Donyo Lodge are February, March, June, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.
Month-by-Month Safari Conditions
- January: Good, temperature 17.35°C, rainfall 85mm, sunshine 10.9 hrs, humidity 72.1%
- February: Great, temperature 18.23°C, rainfall 69.2mm, sunshine 10.8 hrs, humidity 68.2%
- March: Great, temperature 18.51°C, rainfall 76.9mm, sunshine 10.9 hrs, humidity 69.4%
- April: Poor, temperature 17.28°C, rainfall 174.2mm, sunshine 10 hrs, humidity 79.4%
- May: Good, temperature 16.71°C, rainfall 45.8mm, sunshine 10 hrs, humidity 73.7%
- June: Great, temperature 15.71°C, rainfall 7.9mm, sunshine 9.9 hrs, humidity 68%
- July: Great, temperature 15.23°C, rainfall 4.9mm, sunshine 9.8 hrs, humidity 66.2%
- August: Great, temperature 15.68°C, rainfall 4.9mm, sunshine 9.7 hrs, humidity 65.5%
- September: Great, temperature 16.63°C, rainfall 11.3mm, sunshine 10.3 hrs, humidity 64.9%
- October: Great, temperature 17.78°C, rainfall 33.2mm, sunshine 11.1 hrs, humidity 64.8%
- November: Good, temperature 16.99°C, rainfall 189.5mm, sunshine 10.1 hrs, humidity 78.2%
- December: Good, temperature 16.71°C, rainfall 103.1mm, sunshine 10.8 hrs, humidity 79.2%
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Ol Donyo Lodge stand out from other ultra-luxury lodges in Kenya?
We love Ol Donyo Lodge for its incredible sense of privacy and the sheer scale of its private conservancy. Unlike many lodges, you're not just visiting a park; you're experiencing a vast, exclusive wilderness. The lodge itself feels luxurious and timeless, with each suite offering its own private plunge pool and breathtaking views of Kilimanjaro.
We're keen on horseback riding safaris. How good is the riding at Ol Donyo Lodge?
The horseback riding at Ol Donyo Lodge is truly exceptional, and we highly recommend it for experienced riders. The conservancy offers miles of open plains and rolling hills, perfect for cantering. Riding alongside zebras and wildebeest, with Kilimanjaro as your backdrop, is an unforgettable experience we cherish.
Beyond the typical game drives, what unique activities can we do at Ol Donyo Lodge?
Ol Donyo Lodge excels at offering diverse experiences. We particularly recommend their guided bush walks, which offer an intimate connection with the landscape and smaller details often missed from a vehicle. For ultimate relaxation, their spa treatments, set against the stunning Chyulu Hills backdrop, are pure indulgence.
What wildlife can we realistically expect to see on a safari from Ol Donyo Lodge?
While the Chyulu Hills are known for their dramatic scenery, the conservancy teems with wildlife. We've consistently seen elephants, giraffes, zebras, and various antelope species. While predators are present, sightings are less predictable than in some other parks, making each encounter feel special and earned.
Considering the ultra-luxury price point, what's the best time of year to visit Ol Donyo Lodge for optimal weather and wildlife viewing?
We find the shoulder seasons, from June to September and December to March, offer a fantastic balance. The weather is generally dry and pleasant, making game viewing and activities like horseback riding more comfortable. The sunsets during these periods are sensational, painting the sky with vibrant colors over the plains.