If you’ve have always wanted to watch 1.7 million wildebeests thunder across the Masai Mara, this is the year to realize your wildest dream. And Sanctuary Retreat’s recently refurbished flagship property, Sanctuary Olonana in Kenya is just the place to do it.
Since opening its doors in 1999, Sanctuary Retreats’ first African property has always been something of a trailblazer, wining numerous awards and accolades throughout its almost 20-year history, and it’s not hard to see why.
Just one hour by plane from Nairobi, the luxurious camp is set in lush woodland on the banks of the Mara River in Kenya’s Masai Mara, its fourteen spacious suites designed especially to maximise the wilderness experience for guests. Each one boasts over 130 sqm of floor space, with floor-to-ceiling glass folding doors providing panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and the Mara River across the private decking.
And come March these complemented by a new accommodation offering – the new über luxurious Geoffrey Kent Suite, which will include two private ensuite bedrooms, a dining area, lounge and private decking area. The Suite’s stylish contemporary interiors, furnished with bespoke plush king-sized beds and elegant nature-inspired furnishings, along with its coolly elegant slate and marble ensuite bathrooms equipped with rain showers and generous freestanding bathtubs, are expected to deliver the ultimate in effortless safari chic.
Ranked number 1 amongst Africa’s top resorts in the 2017 Conde Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards, the luxury camp is already renowned for its exceptional customer experience and individual service, and this reputation has only been further reinforced with its latest incarnation, which blends an innovative, modern design with environmental best practice – all of it presented in a very distinct traditional African style.
But of course, the game viewing on offer at Sanctuary Olonana is the other aspect which makes a stay here truly memorable. Experienced guides are expert at finding the perfect hidden spots from which to view the extensive wildlife on show in the Masai Mara, supported by special touches ranging from private picnic breakfasts and lunches to magical bush suppers under the stars.
As well as providing front row seats to the Great Wildebeest Migration, game drives out from the camp reward guests with plenty of ‘Big Five’ encounters, including a pod of hippos who live permanently in the river just below the Camp, and after-dark drives also allow for exclusive sightings of nocturnal creatures.
Best time to go? September, after the crowds have gone but while the migration is still crossing the Mara. January and February also rank high as the best times to spot new born wildlife.
Prices at for Suites at Sanctuary Olonana start from USD510 per person per night, twin share, for 1 – 3 nights, for 1 – 3 nights, including all meals and drinks (excluding premium brands) and transfers to and from the airstrip to the Camp plus a choice of two daily shared game viewing activities. The new Geoffrey Kent Suite is available from USD5,500 per night for 1 – 3, and can accommodate a maximum of 4 people.
Terms and conditions apply.
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