Ololo Lodge

COLONIAL-STYLE FARMHOUSE HOTEL ON THE SOUTHERN BORDER OF NAIROBI NATIONAL PARK
RANGE OF GUEST ACCOMMODATION, INCLUDING OPTIONS SUITABLE FOR A GROUP OR FAMILY
LOVELY LOUNGE, RESTAURANT, LIBRARY, OUTDOOR DINING, SWIMMING POOL
GAME DRIVES IN NAIROBI NATIONAL PARK, BIRDING, LOCAL VISITS, TRIPS INTO NAIROBI, FARM VISITS, WORKSHOP VISITS

When To Visit Nairobi:

"We really liked this owner-run farmhouse turned guesthouse when we stayed, but being close to the JKI Airport flight path makes for a noisy stay especially if you are a light sleeper."

OVERVIEW:

We reckon Ololo is really lovely, though sadly we cannot quite get over the noise of airplanes that fly overhead and so we do not suggest it to our travellers very often. But a heavy sleeper who could overlook this feature, will find a really stunning place to stay. Airplanes aside, it’s a great base for accessing all areas of Nairobi!

Ololo Safari Lodge is family owned and hosted so has a lovely personal feel with really attentive service. The food is always fresh, usually using ingredients from their own garden. While the rooms are all beautifully designed and the views of Nairobi National Park are absolutely lovely. Accommodation is usually booked on a B&B basis, and the lodge is open throughout the year.

ACCESS & LOCATION:

The lodge has a fabulous location on the southern border of Nairobi National Park. Well away from the hustle and bustle of the city, it’s just 45 minutes’ drive from both Jomo Kenyatta International and Wilson airports.

ACCOMMODATION & FACILITIES AT OLOLO SAFARI LODGE:

Guest accommodation consists of a number of options. Those who appreciate supersize will love The Terrace Suite, which boasts its own living area featuring a traditional fireplace and a very opulent marble bathroom with a classic roll-top bath. The Tower Room, situated within the property’s characterful tower, has a more modern feel to its furnishings and has its own balcony as well as a staircase to a private rooftop terrace! Stable Cottage, in the stable building, is also styled in a contemporary manner and contains three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a fully equipped kitchenette, with a delightful terrace for enjoying views of the park. Seven Stable Rooms have a queen-size bed apiece and ample charm! Ololo’s Tented Cottages are constructed from canvas and thatch, offering an authentic safari feel. And there’s a comfy and stylish Family Wing – this has one double bedroom and one triple bedroom, both with en-suite facilities.

The main lodge building comprises a traditional colonial farmhouse, restored by its Australian owners and extended to provide additional accommodation. It’s set within over eight hectares of gorgeous gardens and boasts views of the national park and the majestic Ngong Hills from its elegant terraces. The communal areas include a large lounge with comfortable seating and an open fireplace, a restaurant overlooking the parkland, a cosy library, plenty of spaces for outdoor dining, and a swimming pool flanked by sunloungers – ideal for relaxing in between activities. For further details, please contact a member of our team.

ACTIVITIES AT OLOLO SAFARI LODGE:

The lodge is very well positioned to provide a range of exciting activities, as follows:

Game drives – These take place in Nairobi National Park, the only N.P. worldwide that has a city location. With its open plains and riverine forests, the park is home to a wealth of wildlife – all Big Five, plus cheetah, giraffe, zebra, gazelle, eland, impala, hartebeest, hippo, jackal, baboon, and many more. It is a small park, so won’t compare to other wildlife experiences in Kenya. But it is a good way to spend an afternoon if you have time between connections.
Birding – The birdlife in Nairobi N.P. is brilliant too, with over 500 resident and migrant species!
Local visits – We can also organise all sorts of excursions to Nairobi’s well known sites. These include the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, the Giraffe Centre, the Karen Blixen Museum, Kitengela glass recycling, and the glass-blowing studio at Anselm.
Trips into Nairobi – You can enjoy shopping trips in the city too, as well as an amazing assortment of eateries and bars.
Farm visits – Ololo has a fully operational working farm on site. Situated just 5 minutes’ stroll from the lodge, it features dairy cows, laying chickens, mushroom crops, and various other vegetables. It’s particularly popular with children, who are invited to collect their own fresh eggs for breakfast!
Workshop visits – A lot of the lodge’s furniture is designed by Joanna Chapman, a member of the Ololo family. It’s constructed on site by three local craftsmen, known as fundis. Guests are welcome to visit the workshop and browse items for sale.

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4.6 / 5 • 11 reviews

Marie Kirkwood, 13 July

The staff at Ololo Lodge were so kind and understanding. When I arrived I forgot to set my watch ahead, so I ended up being late by an hour for every meal and activity the first day until my waiter and organizer, Lemmy saw that my watch was off. What got me was that no one ever mentioned a word about me being late that first day. That is how gracious the staff at Ololo Lodge is. Also, the accommodations and food were top notch!