OVERVIEW:
Olerai House is listed in the Elephant Watch Portfolio, which includes Elephant Watch Camp. The portfolio was established by native Kenyan Oria Douglas-Hamilton, who has a real passion for Africa! The main 1930s art deco family manor house on the site was designed by Oria’s own parents as the family’s home. Oria took over what was then the farm in 1993, and built Olerai House, a beautiful lodge that has received superb reviews. Accommodation is booked on a full-board basis, including all meals, a selection of alcoholic and soft drinks, and a laundry service. Both the Studio and the Old Dairy are available on a self-catering basis, but guests are welcome to dine at Olerai House, or it can even be arranged for you to have your own private chef! The property is open all year round, and children of all ages are welcome.
ACCESS & LOCATION:
Olerai House is situated in the heart of the private wildlife sanctuary hosting over 500 wild animals! The property has its own airstrip and guests can also use Safarilink air services, which land daily at the Loldia airstrip nearby.
ACCOMMODATION & FACILITIES AT OLERAI HOUSE:
Olerai House offers country-style accommodation across three categories, as follows:
The farmhouse
This option contains six comfortable suites. These are individually styled, with palettes ranging from earth tones to almost a full rainbow of colours! The suites typically include a double bed or twin beds, bedside tables and lighting, a separate seating area, and a medley of little artistic touches resulting in a very homely feel. En-suite facilities comprise flush toilet, washbasin, shower, and bathtub.
The Studio
This is a two-bedroom self-catering cottage, and the former studio of Oria’s mother Giselle, a sculptress who studied under Auguste Rodin! Exquisitely presented, the studio has one double bedroom, one twin bedroom, a shared bathroom, a lounge, a dining area, a kitchen, a veranda, and a private garden – and it can sleep 4–6 guests.
The Old Dairy
Thirdly, there’s The Old Dairy, a beautiful pink-brick barn-like house. Another private property, it has three en-suite bedrooms and overlooks the green fields of the sanctuary dotted with wildlife.
Sirocco House
Finally, larger groups could consider the glamorous three-storey private art deco villa, Sirocco House, which will soon be renovated and available for weekly rents. Constructed in the 1930s, this has a feature library, large yet intimate banqueting hall, five bedrooms, wide verandas, garden, and swimming pool! Perfect for up to 10 guests, it also has its own organic vegetable garden and is a fabulous events venue.
All properties are set in gorgeous grounds, and guests can choose to eat and drink al fresco. The food at Olerai House is renowned for its farm-table freshness, achieved using homegrown produce. You will be spoilt from the moment you wake, with fresh fruit juices and platters of local fruit, warm scones, freshly baked brioche and hot pancakes. All this will set you up for a wonderful day in this Garden of Eden! Lawns surround the attractive buildings, extending into fields that meet the shores of Lake Naivasha with hundreds of wild animals and birds that call the sanctuary home.
ACTIVITIES AT OLERAI HOUSE:
A fine assortment of activities is offered here, as follows:
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Wildlife watching
- Wildlife can be seen all around the property, from colobus monkeys playing in the trees to the giraffes, zebras, and gazelles roaming in the fields. There’s also a lot of birdlife. Head down to the lake, and you can look out for hippos and a wealth of waterbirds! -
Walks
- The site is ideal for gentle strolls, in the company of knowledgeable and experienced guides. Alternatively, very enjoyable walking in the back hills, safaris in Hell’s Gate National Park, and rambles in Eburru Forest can also be organised. -
Hiking
- The region is fairly hilly, so any guests wishing to stretch their legs are well accommodated here. If you’re looking for a challenge, you could climb Mount Longonot, a stratovolcano situated south-east of the lake. -
Biking
- Hell’s Gate is a great destination for bike rides. There are some intriguing sights here, such as a gorge, two volcanic plugs, and boiling hot springs! -
Boat rides
- These can also be arranged, so guests can marvel at the birdlife and hefty hippopotamus! -
Flower farm visits
- This is a must-do for keen gardeners! You can take a tour of a local farm and purchase flowers in support of the workers. -
Golf
- The Great Rift Valley Golf Club and Golf Resort is located not far from Olerai, and it’s considered one of the most spectacular courses in Kenya! There are 18 holes and amazing vistas of the Great Rift Valley.