February 2024…// Great Plains, the conservation tourism organization founded by National Geographic filmmaker-explorers Dereck and Beverly Joubert, is delighted to unveil a ‘wildly romantic’ selection of experiences at ol Donyo Lodge, Kenya.
From nights spent under the stars on their very own star bed, to champagne by the watering hole, bush breakfasts via horseback and wedding blessings and vow renewal ceremonies by the Maasai, there’s something for every couple at ol Donyo. Available exclusively at the luxurious Great Plains camp, these bucket-list-in-the-bush experiences will see guests fall in love all over again.
Ol Donyo Lodge is nestled within the Maasai-owned Mbirikani Group Ranch, comprising of 275,000 acres of wilderness between Amboseli and Tsavo National Parks and bordering Chyulu Hills National Park. Accommodating up to 20 guests in eight Deluxe Pool Suites – no two of which are the same – and one Two-Bedroom Family Suite, the camp is very remote, offering extreme privacy overlooked only by the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro.
Wildly Romantic Experiences at ol Donyo Lodge
Guests can expect an unparalleled romantic experience at ol Donyo Lodge. One of only three Relais & Châteaux properties in Kenya, the camp offers out-of-this-world dining experiences including candlelit tasting menus for two on the private terrace of the couple’s suite, while listening to the distant roar of lions. Active adventurers will revel in the opportunity to ride at dawn on horseback through the prairie to their very own bush breakfast, or enjoy a spot of champagne and canapés by the watering hole.
Back at their private pool suite, spa lovers can unwind post-safari with a massage à deux by Great Plains’ expert on-site massage therapists. Healing Earth products and essential oils help guests unwind and loosen any tension, while the sounds of nature all around soothe the soul, providing a truly grounding experience. Later, they can enjoy a ‘double bubble’ candlelit champagne and sensory soak, before retreating to their very own star bed under the stars on the roof terrace, drifting away to the sounds of the African bush, which comes alive at night.
Magical Maasai Wedding Blessings & Vow Renewals
Those in search of a truly authentic Kenyan romantic experience can opt for a wedding blessing or vow renewal ceremony lead by Maasai warriors. This deeply symbolic ceremony will see couples bonded for a lifetime while enshrining the country of Kenya and its people in their hearts forever.
Taking place beneath the shade of a beautiful acacia tree on the savannah at sunset, couples will receive a special wedding blessing from Maasai elders, while Maasai warriors sing and dance alongside. Couples can even choose to dress in traditional Maasai wedding attire while a photographer captures the moment. A bespoke bridal bouquet can also be arranged per the couple’s wishes by Great Plains. As their guide translates, elders will dip a bundle of grass blades in milk, sprinkling the couple’s feet, heads and hands as is Maasai tradition. Afterwards, bride, groom and guests can join in the singing and dancing as they are guided up to the small ridge behind the ceremony site for a sundowner, before continuing the celebration back at the lodge with a traditional campfire dinner. Here, the ol Donyo Lodge team will sing and dance as the newlyweds cut their cake.
What’s New at ol Donyo for 2024
A new fire deck under the stars off the main area allows for that stargazing evening moment, outside dining and the warmth of sharing your day with fellow safari adventurers. The new sunken hide is now double the size, allowing guests to enjoy this spacious and comfortable place to relax and photograph the steady parade of wildlife. The wildlife experience in ol Donyo feels like it too has undergone an upgrade with some of the finest sightings in the group coming from this area, and a live webcam gives travelers a snapshot of what can be seen.
Executive Chef Benjamin Kipkemoi Maritim and team manage and create the exceptional cuisine at ol Donyo Lodge. It is located on the Maasai-owned Mbirikani Group Ranch, comprising of 275,000 acres of wilderness between Amboseli and Tsavo National Parks and bordering Chyulu Hills National Park. The camp offers a vast amount of activities to choose from – morning and evening game drives, mountain biking, bush breakfast and boma dinners, guided bushwalks, tracking, conservation and community outreach programs and sleep-out star-bed experiences.
Nightly rates at ol Donyo Lodge from $1,210 per person sharing per night on an all-inclusive basis. For more information or to contact, visit https://greatplainsconservation.com/safari/ol-donyo-lodge-kenya-safari/
For more information or to book, visit www.greatplainsconservation.com
