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Ol Malo Lodge is a family-owned and -run Kenyan ranch in a private conservation area in Kenya’s northern Laikipia Plateau region. This rugged landscape spans 5000 acres (2023 hectares) of hills and valleys overlooking Mount Kenya, and has been rehabilitated from overgrazed cattle farmland back to its original wild state. The lodge itself consists of four thatch-and-stone private cottages along an escarpment, with glorious views across the valleys and mountains beyond. Ideal for a romantic getaway, Ol Malo also offers guests a unique opportunity to experience day-to-day life on a working Kenyan ranch.
From $1,090 person/night
The variety of ways in which to see the wildlife. Explore on foot, take a seat in a comfortable safari vehicle, sway through the bush on the back of a camel, or mount one of the lodge's horses.
Spending a night in the leopard blind in the hope of catching a glimpse of the elusive big cat. It's an experience for the extremely adventurous.
Romantic clifftop cottages and the stunning main lodge area, with fabulous views over the game-rich valleys below.
Ol Malo Lodge's main guest area is a striking blend of natural stone, olive wood and thatch set into the escarpment, which drops away steeply into the densely wooded valleys below. The huge lounge, bar and dining area faces the shaded sun terrace and infinity pool flanked by lush lawns and indigenous gardens. The atmosphere is homely and relaxed, with colourful Samburu artefacts throughout. Below is a waterhole that's visited by leopard, elephant and everything else with four legs.
Stone pathways wind from the main lodge to the four rock-and-olive wood cottages along the edge of the hillside. Each is completely private, with glorious views from the veranda and the huge picture windows facing Mount Kenya. These romantic cottages, which are roofed with thatch, are furnished with vast cedarwood beds, original hand-carved Samburu artefacts, rich natural textures, plenty of space and a truly authentic African feel. The en-suite bathrooms feature unique free-form stone baths.
Beautifully appointed cottages in a magnificent elevated setting on a working ranch. Plenty of activities are offered, including the rather unique opportunity to head out into the bush on a camel trek.
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The emphasis at Ol Malo is on relaxing and having fun, and activities include guided game drives and bush walks, horseriding, camel trekking, fishing, picnics and swimming in the Ewaso Ng'iro River. Cultural visits to local Samburu settlements are easily arranged. Spend a night out in the bush at the secluded hide, or lend a hand with the daily farm routine for something different. Mountain biking, and trail running led by a Samburu warrior as the pace-setter, are also offered.
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The greatest conservation success of the region remains with the black rhino, almost half of Kenya's entire population can be found in this area. Laikipia is a real up-and-comer on the African safari circuit, with an impressive diversity of unique species, not to mention home to the famous Big 5. Encounter elephants, big cats (often collared for research purposes), buffalo, Grevy's zebra, numerous antelope and more recently, an increasing wild dog population. Laikipia consist of a mix of high altitude grassland, dotted with rocky outcrops, low lying bush and patches of riverine forest.
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