A Safari at Ol Donyo | Kenya’s Crown Jewel of Conservation, Luxury, and Wild Majesty

Nestled within the rolling foothills of Kenya’s Chyulu Hills, framed by vast stretches of untouched wilderness and the distant silhouette of Mount Kilimanjaro, Ol Donyo stands as one of the most extraordinary safari destinations in the world. Owned and operated by the visionary Great Plains Conservation, this intimate and ultra-luxurious property offers an experience so extraordinary, so emotionally powerful, and so deeply transformative that words struggle to capture its full magnitude. I was invited, along with my team at Inspired Citizen, to immerse ourselves in the magic of this place—and what unfolded was nothing short of breathtaking. It is no exaggeration to say that Ol Donyo delivered one of the greatest safari experiences of my life.

From the moment we landed on the dirt airstrip just 15 minutes from camp, it was clear that Ol Donyo is not merely a safari, but a masterpiece where architecture, nature, and conservation merge in perfect harmony. Its small size is one of its greatest luxuries. With only a handful of suites and villas, the camp feels like a private sanctuary designed exclusively for guests seeking unparalleled privacy and world-class comfort. The suites are stunning: vast open spaces with clean lines, handcrafted materials, and floor-to-ceiling views across endless plains. Each room is a work of art, complete with private plunge pools, outdoor showers, recessed lounges, sculptural minimalism, and rooftop star beds where nights unfold beneath galaxies of sparkling constellations. These are not rooms; they are sanctuaries—state-of-the-art spaces that blend contemporary design with natural textures and tones, creating an aesthetic that is simultaneously raw, refined, and breathtaking.

The luxury, however, extends far beyond the physical structures. What truly sets Ol Donyo apart is the incredible wildlife that surrounds the camp—so close, so ever-present, and so majestic that it almost feels surreal. Nowhere else in Africa have I experienced such proximity to big cats and iconic Big Tusker elephants. The Chyulu Hills region is home to some of the last remaining super tuskers—elephants whose enormous tusks nearly touch the ground—and encountering these giants is nothing short of life-altering. We saw them daily. Standing just meters away from a Tusker, listening to the deep rumble of its breath and feeling its presence vibrate through the earth, is an emotional experience that stays with you forever. To witness such rare creatures in such close proximity is a privilege few will ever know.

Our time in the bush delivered countless unforgettable moments. At sunrise, we followed a coalition of cheetahs as they stretched awake, scanning the horizon for opportunity. In the golden afternoon light, we watched a pride of lions sharing a recent kill in the tall grass, cubs tumbling over their mothers’ paws to get a bite, the adults looking on with regal calm. With the expertise of our Great Plains guide, we found ourselves consistently positioned in the perfect spot—close enough to feel a connection, but respectful enough to preserve the natural behavior of the animals we were privileged to witness. There were no crowds, no noise, no competition. Just us and the wild, in perfect harmony.

The proximity between the camp and the wildlife is one of the most extraordinary features of Ol Donyo. Zebras, giraffes, antelopes, and elephants frequently wander across the open plains just in front of the suites—sometimes so close that you can hear their footsteps or see the texture of their skin from your private deck. It is a continuous reminder that you are living within the heart of nature, not observing it from afar. This effortless immersion is precisely what makes Ol Donyo so magical: the wilderness is not something you seek out; it comes to you.

But while the wildlife encounters are awe-inspiring, the human element at Ol Donyo is equally exceptional. The staff radiate warmth, authenticity, and heartfelt hospitality. From the moment we arrived, we were treated with a kindness that felt genuine, personal, and deeply appreciated. Every member of the team—from our guides to the chefs, from the housekeeping staff to the management—anticipated our needs with such grace that the service felt more like being cared for by family than by a hospitality team. Meals were exquisite, each plate crafted with creativity and intention, drawing on local ingredients and global inspiration. Whether we were dining beneath the open sky, enjoying a vibrant lunch beside our private pool, or savoring a starlit dinner prepared just for us, the culinary experience was consistently exceptional.

What elevates Ol Donyo to another level entirely is the powerful conservation mission at its core. Great Plains Conservation, founded by renowned filmmakers and conservationists Dereck and Beverly Joubert, is one of the most impactful environmental organizations in Africa. Their goal is not simply to operate luxury safari camps, but to protect threatened habitats, empower local communities, and defend endangered species—particularly the iconic Big Tuskers, lions, cheetahs, and rhinos. Their model is visionary: using high-end, low-impact tourism to fund real, measurable conservation efforts on the ground. Every guest at Ol Donyo becomes part of this movement, contributing directly to the preservation of fragile ecosystems and the protection of wildlife populations that would otherwise face extinction. The Great Plains Foundation supports anti-poaching units, community outreach initiatives, environmental education programs, and land restoration projects that are reshaping the future of conservation in East and Southern Africa.

This integration of luxury and purpose is one of the defining characteristics of Great Plains. Staying at Ol Donyo is not only an indulgence—it is a contribution to something meaningful and lasting. It is an opportunity to play a small part in the protection of Africa’s most vulnerable species and landscapes, simply by choosing to experience them with a brand that has conservation woven into every aspect of its DNA.

As a luxury traveler who has explored more than 100 countries and stayed in some of the finest properties around the world, I can say with complete confidence that Ol Donyo stands at the top. It is not simply a safari lodge; it is a gateway into the soul of Africa.

It offers everything the discerning traveler seeks: extraordinary wildlife in unparalleled proximity, exquisite design and comfort, heartfelt service, profound privacy, and the reassurance that each moment spent here contributes to a greater purpose.

This is a safari destination that transforms perspectives and stays imprinted on the heart long after the journey ends.

For those seeking the ultimate African experience—a place where lions stretch in the morning sun just steps from your vehicle, where Big Tusker elephants wander across the plains at sunset, where architecture and wilderness merge seamlessly, and where your presence actively supports conservation—Ol Donyo is a destination that simply cannot be missed. It is exceptional, rare, and unforgettable. You can even take part in a safari on horseback - a true rarity amongst safari experiences.

My time at Ol Donyo—an invitation graciously extended by Great Plains Conservation—was one of the most extraordinary experiences I have ever had. It redefined luxury, reawakened my sense of wonder, and reaffirmed the importance of protecting the wild spaces that make our world so beautiful.