Masai Mara, Kenya
The Masai Mara is commonly considered to be the best game
viewing in the world and is fabulous for seeing big cats, their
prey and all the Big Five. It is also the stage for the greatest
show on Earth - the wildebeest migration. From around July to
October grunting herds of wildebeest and zebra cover the plains,
often crossing the river between Tanzania and Kenya, attended by
crocodile, lion and cheetah.
Sanctuary Olonana's main dining room and veranda command views
over a dramatic stretch of the Mara River. See, and hear, the
family of noisy hippos who colonize the banks below the camp.
Experience firsthand the sheer scale of the annual wildebeest
migration across East Africa. The camp has a library, a pool and
even an organic garden where much of the food served in camp is
grown.
Additional Activities
- Mini-Spa - In between activities why not relax
and revitalize at our mini-spa which offers an enticing range of
treatments using worldwide recognized Africology (which uses the
healing essences of African indigenous plants) and French
marine-based Thalgo spa products (which are found in the finest
spas throughout the world). Enjoy luxurious treatments from
specialized facial treatments to full body massages in our open
design treatment rooms which take advantage of the natural
sanctuary around. Hot Air Balloon Safari - Your balloon is inflated
against the first rays of sunrise and once aloft floats gently over
the plains and the plethora of game. After around one hour
the balloon lands and nearby breakfast is already being prepared.
The smells of bacon, sausages and eggs drift on the breeze as you
begin breakfast with platefuls of exotic Kenyan fruits and
homemade pastries and, of course, glasses of bubbly to toast your
flight in a tradition initiated by the Montgolfier
brothers.
- Flying Excursion to Lake Victoria - When in
the Maasai Mara, you may fly by light aircraft to Lake Victoria and
enjoy a full English breakfast on arrival at the islands of either
Mfangano or Rusinga. Try fishing for the legendary giant Nile
perch, explore the myriad of tiny islands or stop at a traditional
fishing village and see how the villagers live from day to day.
Lake Victoria is a spectacular sight, it is Africa's largest lake
and the world's second widest freshwater lake. Birdlife is abundant
and includes the spectacular fish eagles which can be seen perching
high in the treetops or dramatically swooping across the lake as
they capture fish in their fiery talons. An experienced and
knowledgeable fisherman captains each boat as you head out into the
lake in search of the legendary giant Nile perch found in these
waters -Nile perch weighing over 150 lb are regularly caught.
Stop at a traditional fishing village before returning to the
airstrip for your flight back to the Mara.
- Flying excursion in a Vintage Bi-plane - A
flight of a lifetime in a bi-plane of the golden era. with all the
mod cons, performance and safety requirements of a modern aircraft.
This open cock-pit aircraft can carry 2 passengers side-by-side
whilst the pilot fly's from the rear. The hour long flight is a
dream ride in the Finch-Hatton tradition. These popular
bi-planes were originally manufactured in the 1920's and 30's by
Weaver Aircraft Company hence the rather odd name Waco. The new
Jacobs engine has been given J.A.R approval, and passes the
stringent European noise abatement laws. Waco have a beautiful
leather interior, the best music intercom system and a 3-way camera
system that will enable passengers to take this once-in-a-life-time
flying experience home.
Rooms
Sanctuary Olonana is a small luxury camp with 14 spacious tents.
Each tent has floor to ceiling mosquito netting, en-suite bathrooms
with hot showers, flush lavatories, solar lighting and large, river
view verandas.