Plan a trip That defies description

The beauty of Olarro is that it is a holiday destination offering magic all year round. July to October is when Olarro and the surrounding Masai Mara floods with life in the form of both the savannah’s flora and the Great Migration. Witness the deluge of wildebeest, zebra and gazelle as they head into Kenya from Tanzania and catch the amazing spectacle of the thousands of beast crossing the Mara River.

January to March is generally the dry season, when animals gather in large numbers around the remaining waterholes, making them easier to see. Then we go into the rainy season from April to June, where the Mara plunges into its beautiful emerald phase.   The rivers flow wild, and the plains teem with babies as this is when the calving season is in full flow.

Whichever month you choose to visit Kenya, Olarro is a hive of activity season in season out and each experience will be an individual one.

Olarro is rich with experiences, both wild and luxurious, so there’s no limit to how long you could spend here. Every day’s different, and each one opens eyes to something new.

However, to make sure you don’t miss out on the very essential spectacles – indulgent and untamed – we recommend a stay of three to four nights to get the most out of your trip with us.

A quick wild kit list

• Long-sleeved shirts that offer protection from the sun and insects
• T-shirts
• Shorts or a light skirt
• Jeans or safari trousers for evenings and cooler days
• Jackets and sweaters for early morning and late afternoon game drives
• A lightweight waterproof jacket in case of rain
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, insect repellent, moisturiser and lip salve
• Binoculars and camera equipment

When it comes to packing, remember that the maximum luggage allowance on small and internal flights is usually only 15kg inclusive of hand baggage. Please pack accordingly and take full advantage of our  laundry service, which takes only 24 hours to get your clothes turned around which really helps with this restricted weight limit.

Inside Olarro’s walls

From the second you step into Olarro, you’ll notice its relaxed ambience. So drop formalities and pack for comfort. Essentials should include a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent and binoculars. Nights here are cold, so make sure you have something warm to wear in the evenings.

Out on safari

Comfortable, casual clothes that are easily washed – that’s our recommendation for safari. Choose muted colours – khaki, green, beige or another neutral tone. The subtler the colour, the better your game viewing chances.

Our game drives tend to take place early in the morning or late in the afternoon. This can be get pretty chilly. However, temperatures will rise throughout the day. Layering will help you stay comfortable.

By helicopter – a transfer that’s both beautifully scenic and luxuriously comfy.

This is not just a transfer but an aerial safari – arrive at Olarro having gained a bird’s eye view of its surroundings.

The helicopter journey departs from Nairobi and takes you directly to our helipads at Olarro Lodge so you walk straight into your room, no onward journey required other than a short drive through our conservancy if Olarro Plains is your choice of accommodation. The flight lasts approximately one hour, but this transfer is as much an experience as it is a means of getting here. Take this opportunity to see the savannah’s sights before touching down at Olarro.

By air – the most comfortable way to arrive.

From Nairobi’s Wilson airport, take a 50-minute charter or scheduled flight to Siana airstrip, where you will be met by one of our private drivers who will take you on to Olarro. This is when your safari experience really begins: a 1 hour drive through stunning scenes, taking in breathtaking views like no other, and becoming familiar with your new surroundings.

Charter flights can also depart from and land at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).

By road – a breathtakingly scenic arrival.

The drive from Nairobi to Olarro takes 4 hours, approximately. Though long, it does take in some arresting vistas, heading out from the city along the Great Rift Valley escarpment, down across the valley floor, before climbing up into the Loita foothills. Signage is limited, so GPS is essential.

For an additional cost, we can arrange the following on your behalf:

• Transfers within Nairobi
• Transfer from Olarro to Nairobi by car
• Transfer from Nairobi to Olarro by car
• Domestic Flights
• Charter Flights
• Helicopter Flights.

If there’s anything you’d like us to book, please get in touch with any necessary details and we’ll take care of everything for you.

We can also provide meet and greet services at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) to help with the following:

• Personal assistance to/from the gates
• Assistance from respective departure unit/drop off point
• Assisting passengers from/connecting to private charter planes
• Assistance with airport formalities (immigration, customs etc.)
• Pre-boarding assistance
• Group/family check-in
• Assistance with baggage handling.

Again, this is an extra service with an additional charge. Contact us with details of your stay and anything you’d like us to organise for you.

To ensure that your relaxation is total, our escapes are all inclusive. A bite to eat, something to drink – it’s all part of your package. But as well as the essentials, you’re also free to indulge in two Olarro experiences* every day.

Here are the details of what’s included:

• Accommodation on a full board basis
• Beverages (including tea, coffee, bottled water, soft drinks, local beers, house wines and select spirits)
• Activities each day within the Olarro Conservancy from the following list:
  • Guided day game drive
  • Guided night game drive
  • Quad biking for guests 16 years old and above
  • Cultural visit to the Masai Village (excluding entrance fees)
  • Bush dining, sundowner and picnic excursions
• Transfers to and from Siana Airstrip (approximately 60 minutes each way)
• Laundry service

And here are the details of what’s excluded:

• Olarro Conservancy Fees (Adult: USD 47 / Child: USD 24 per person per night)
• Game drives and all park fees in the Maasai Mara National Reserve
• Entry fee to Maasai Village
• Premium alcoholic drinks (champagne, luxury spirits and special wines)
• Hot air balloon safari and helicopter flight
• Guaranteed exclusive use of the vehicle
• Babysitting services
• Spa treatments
• Gratuities

As of January 2024 Kenya has now implemented a visa-free regime.   All travellers are now required to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before entering the Republic of Kenya. It is mandatory to use the Government’s official website http://www.etakenya.go.ke  to submit your application. Applications submitted via third party websites will be automatically denied.

Please be sensitive when photographing people. Kenyans are renowned for being friendly, however it is courteous to ask permission before snapping away, especially with the Maasai people.

The use of drones in Kenya is highly restricted and does require a license.  Please do check on the legalities of travelling with a drone before arrival.

Life is wild and unpredictable here, so the best itineraries are those that are flexible.

Rather than plan every second of your day, first familiarise yourself with the experiences we offer. Decide what you’d like to do. Then leave your Olarro manager to arrange everything; we will ensure that you see and do it all at exactly the right time.

• Day-time game drives
• Night-time game drives
• Full day on the Mara
• Quad biking
• Bush dining
• Village visits to meet local tribes
• Spa and wellbeing treats
• Helicopter flights
• Balloon safaris

Secure fencing surrounds both Olarro Lodge and Olarro Plains. Each compound’s protective barrier keeps you safe from wildlife, but never interrupts or intrudes on your view.

We also have a full security team and ranger force. They patrol our properties day and night and escort guests when required.

To ensure complete safety, it is essential that guests adhere to our policies and any potential warnings given during your stay.

For general health advice, information about medicines and vaccinations for Kenya, visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/kenya/health

Situated in amongst hills, Olarro Lodge and Olarro Plains both sit at too high an altitude for mosquitoes to be a problem. This means cases of malaria are incredibly rare here. However, you may still want to protect yourself, should your journey take you into areas where malaria and mosquitoes do occur. We recommend discussing this further with your doctor.

From Maasai Mara themed activities, designed to keep active imaginations entertained Kenyan-style, to babysitting services, an Olarro safari is an incredibly child-friendly experience.

Both our retreats are surrounded by secure fencing – keeping the wildlife out and the children in.

All children’s activities, including nature walks, take place within the protected perimeters of Olarro Lodge and Olarro Plains, and under the ever-watchful eyes of our specially trained guides.

For their own safety, we do not allow children under the age of 16 on our quad bike safaris, which take place outside the protected confines of the Olarro retreat compounds.