About The Sanctuary at Ol Lentille
Perched on one of the highest peaks in Laikipia, The Sanctuary at Ol Lentille (renamed simply Ol Lentille ...
... in 2022) is an exclusive lodge of four villas owned by the Laikipiak Maasai community. It's located on the Ol Lentille Conservation Area, which covers an area of 174km² (43,000 acres) of north central Laikipia, with the Samburu National Reserve to the east and the ranches and conservancies of western Laikipia to the west. Each of Ol Lentille's villas is booked exclusively and managed as a separate unit, and each has its own staff. All the diverse activities here are also privately conducted.
The Sanctuary at Ol Lentille is all about the community. Yes, some of the rooms and relaxation areas of the four villas could be better arranged and more comfortably furnished. And there’s an inconsistency of design and finish that is surprising in a lodge with Ol Lentille’s reputation. However, the huge benefits to the local Laikipiak Maasai and Samburu communities are undeniable. And there are many things to like here: we loved the panoramic views, the very wide range of included activities, the excellent food, and the warm and attentive staff. We thought with some cosmetic improvements, Ol Lentille could be a real knock-out, and we understand a comprehensive refurb took place in 2022. We look forward to returning.
Our view
The Sanctuary at Ol Lentille is all about the community. Yes, some of the rooms and relaxation areas of the four villas could be better arranged and more comfortably furnished. And there’s an inconsistency of design and finish that is surprising in a lodge with Ol Lentille’s reputation. However, the huge benefits to the local Laikipiak Maasai and Samburu communities are undeniable. And there are many things to like here: we loved the panoramic views, the very wide range of included activities, the excellent food, and the warm and attentive staff. We thought with some cosmetic improvements, Ol Lentille could be a real knock-out, and we understand a comprehensive refurb took place in 2022. We look forward to returning.
Kenya expert
Accommodation
Four private villas
Children
Good for children
Open
All year
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Cultural excursion
Guided walking safari
Horse-riding
Private activities
Quad-biking
Expert Africa's gallery
When we travel we take lots of photos ourselves to give you a real and un-edited view of the safaris. See our 57 pictures and 1 videos of Sanctuary at Ol Lentille to get the candid view.
View galleryThe Sanctuary at Ol Lentille: Our full report
Perched on one of the highest peaks in Laikipia, The Sanctuary at Ol Lentille (renamed simply Ol Lentille ...
... in 2022) is an exclusive lodge of four villas owned by the Laikipiak Maasai community. It's located on the Ol Lentille Conservation Area, which covers an area of 174km² (43,000 acres) of north central Laikipia, with the Samburu National Reserve to the east and the ranches and conservancies of western Laikipia to the west. Each of Ol Lentille's villas is booked exclusively and managed as a separate unit, and each has its own staff. All the diverse activities here are also privately conducted.
Arriving by road from Nanyuki airport or at the end of the long road journey from Nairobi, you pass the security barrier into the area immediately round the lodge and snake up the hillside to arrive finally at the lodge's reception area and a small gift shop. The reception faces west across the plains near the spine of a high, north-south ridge. Located at an altitude of 1,860m (6,100ft), this rocky ridge feels somewhat windswept and bare. The library is located at the the very highest point of the ridge and is the only communal area at Ol Lentille apart from the swimming pool, which is situated just to the west and slightly downhill. Walking to and from reception, the pool and the villas, you'll be giving your legs some good exercise: Ol Lentille has lots of steps and the various parts are linked together by sandy paths.
The villas
The four villas are ranged far apart from each other along the east side of the ridge. While each villa is quite separate, so you are not likely to interact with other guests except when using the library or swimming pool, they are all quite different in style. The Eyrie has panoramic views: the other villas all face east.The Eyrie (renamed "Carissa" in 2022). One bedroom, one bathroom, closest to reception, with a plunge pool.
Sultan's Villa (renamed "Villa Acacia" in 2022). Two bedrooms, two bathrooms, near the spa/massage room. Please note: this villa is not suitable for children under six because of large gaps and drop-offs on the decks.
Chief's Villa (renamed "Boscia House" in 2022). Three bedrooms, in three separate cottages, each with a bathroom. Two of the cottages are effectively joined and the other is separated by a 30-second walk. This villa has a plunge pool.
Colonel's Villa (renamed "Villa Aloe" in 2022). Three bedrooms in a single building, each with an inside bathroom and an open-air shower. Again, this villa has a plunge pool. Please note: this villa is not suitable for children under six because of large gaps and drop-offs on the decks.
Ol Lentille doesn't have a no-smoking policy. If that concerns you, please put in a request in advance for a villa that has not had smokers occupying it recently.
Activities
An extensive range of activities is possible at Ol Lentille, all included in the rates, including: game drives in the conservancy; quad-biking; camel-rides; horse-riding*; mountain-biking; community** visits and visits to weekly livestock and vegetable markets; yoga sessions; and unlimited spa treatments. You can also visit a local habituated baboon troop.* There are only two horses, meaning you will go out with a guide on your own, and you need to be an experienced rider.
** Guests at Ol Lentille have donated a remarkable US$5 million to the Ol Lentille charity since the lodge opened, enabling them to build: a hospital (Kimanjo Hospital); three primary schools, a secondary school; numerous nurseries; classrooms at eight other schools; and water and sanitation projects.
Geographics
- Location
- Laikipia, Kenya
- Ideal length of stay
- Most guests stay at least 3-4 nights.
- Directions
- The Sanctuary at Ol Lentille is about a 6-hour drive from JKI Airport, Nairobi, or roughly 2 hours drive from Nanyuki airport. If you're arriving by private charter flight, it takes about 15 minutes to drive from the lodge's own airstrip to the lodge reception.
- Accessible by
- Fly-and-Transfer
Food & drink
- Usual board basis
- Full Board & Activities
- Food quality
- The standards of cooking and the variety of ingredients we found to be very good indeed when we stayed in 2017. And they know how to make a good pot of tea and a nice jug of coffee – which is surprisingly rare in Kenya. Meals are largely prepared in the main kitchen and then finished in your own villa's kitchen by your butler and valet. And you eat whenever you choose, usually specifying at breakfast time for the rest of the day.
Breakfast is a joy: a platter of fruit with eight different varieties, cereals, muesli, good toast, jams and marmalade, eggs and bacon or more or less whatever you like. Plus every morning there's a breakfast special - we sampled poached eggs with crushed chilli-avocado on the side, and pancakes with spiced toffee apple.
Lunch is served on your deck or outside dining area and consists of a main dish, with salads (for example French beans and macadamia nuts, or potato salad) plus a green salad and fresh bread. Our grilled chicken was a bit dry on one occasion, but not disastrous. There's always a light dessert to finish with.
Dinner is served course by course, usually in your villa's dining room. One night we had spring rolls, followed by a main course where Morocco and Greece met India, with a good, rich lamb tajine with tzatziki and chapattis. Another night we had melon balls and feta accompanied by zingy Chenin blanc then steak served with a peppery garlic sauce and plenty of veg, followed by a very more-ish chocolate mousse. We tried the house Pinot Noir as well - delicious Alpatagua Reserva from Chile. - Dining style
- Individual Tables
- Dining locations
- Indoor and Outdoor Dining
- Drinks included
- All water, tea, coffee and house drinks (soft drinks, house wines, Kenyan beers and house spirits) are included. There's a limited range of premium wines and spirits available at extra cost.
Special interests
- Photography holidays
- The Sanctuary at Ol Lentille is a great location for keen photographers. Combining wildlife, adventure and cultural activities, the range of subjects is wide, and that's before you take account of the wonderful landscapes in the area. And the fact that all stays here are private, means you will never have to compromise over your photography time - except with other members of your own party!
- See ideas for Photography holidays in Kenya
- Cultural Experiences
- This lodge is in the heartland of the Laikipiak Maasai - the northern branch of the Maasai people. Local village, school and market visits can be organised as part of your activities. Ideally, it's best to book these excursions in advance.
- See ideas for Cultural Experiences in Kenya
Children
- Attitude towards children
- Children are welcome and often stay.
- Property’s age restrictions
- None.
- Special activities & services
- There are no specific children's activities. All the female staff are mothers, so babysitting or child-minding can always be arranged.
- Equipment
- They have one babycot but no high chairs.
- Generally recommended for children
- We think Ol Lentille is fine for children, though there are not that many specifically child-friendly activities. Little ones will need very close supervision around some of the steep flights of steps and deck drop-offs. We don't book Villa Aloe and Villa Acacia for young families for those reasons.
- Notes
- Under 5s stay free, children aged 5-15 stay for half-price.
Communications
- Power supply notes
- They use mostly solar power and the electricity is on in the villas 24/7. There are plenty of UK-style three-pin sockets so you can easily charge your batteries. There's also a backup generator.
- Communications
- There is some cellphone reception. Wi-fi is restricted to the reception area, which requires a stiff climb from three of the four villas.
- TV & radio
- There is no TV available to guests and guests have apparently never asked to watch the staff TV. However there is a very good library of Africa-themed DVDs.
- Water supply
- Other
- Water supply notes
- We thought the water pressure, considering the hilltop location, was very good. They source their water from a large rain capture apparatus, a sub-surface sand dam and a borehole.
Health & safety
- Malarial protection recommended
- Yes
- Medical care
- Eight of the lodge's rangers have first-aid training and there are first aid kits around the property, including very simple ones in each villa's kitchen. The nearby Kimanjo Hospital (a 20-minute drive away) was built with funds donated by Ol Lentille. It has 2 doctors and 4 nurses and is one of the best hospitals in Laikipia.
- Dangerous animals
- High Risk
- Security measures
- Ol Lentille has plenty of rangers, some of them armed.
- Fire safety
- There are fire extinguishers scattered around the property and fire-training of staff is carried out by the supplier twice a year.
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Cultural excursion
Guided walking safari
Horse-riding
Private activities
Quad-biking
Extras
- Disabled access
- On Request
- Laundry facilities
- Laundry is taken care of without any instructions required on either side. Leave your clothes in the basket and they come back neatly pressed a few hours later. We wouldn't put precious or delicate items through this system, but all other clothes are fine, including ladies' underwear that many lodges will not wash.
- Money
- There are lockup boxes in the rooms, but not the digital safes that might be expected.
- Accepted payment on location
- The usual currencies are accepted in payment for any extras, in cash. Or credit cards can be taken with a 5% surcharge.
Plan and book your trip with Expert Africa
All of our trips are tailor-made, so we'll always adapt them to suit you. Talk to an Expert and let us plan and arrange your perfect trip.
Talk to an Expert
Call or email us now! We’ll match you with the Specialist in our team who is best suited to help you. Then together we can start planning your trip.
Set up your itinerary
Based on our experience and your ideas, your specialist will create a detailed, costed itinerary. We’ll refine it together, until we have a trip that you’re perfectly happy with.
Prepare for your trip
The same Specialist will make the seamless arrangements for your trip, send you detailed travel documents, and be available to answer any questions before you depart.
Travel with peace of mind
After you set off, you’ll be cared for by our partners in Africa, most of whom have worked with Expert Africa for decades. And if you ever need us urgently, we’re available 24/7.
When you return
We love to learn about your trip, and so will always be grateful if you’ve the time to give feedback to your Specialist when you return.
The Sanctuary at Ol Lentille's location
Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Sanctuary at Ol Lentille.
Other lodges in Laikipia
Alternative places to stay in this same area.
Kicheche Laikipia
Kicheche Laikipia is the most luxurious tented camp of the handful of places to stay in the Ol Pejeta Conservancy in central Laikipia.
Laikipia Wilderness
Laikipia Wilderness is a rustic owner-managed bush camp, in excellent wild dog territory, offering outstanding guiding.
Lewa Safari Camp
Lewa Safari Camp is a comfortable and homely tented lodge, located in the Lewa Conservancy and offering a relatively exclusive safari away from mass tourism.
Lewa Wilderness
Lewa Wilderness is a comfortable, fenced safari lodge with nine cottages, great views and a huge range of activities.
El Karama Lodge
El Karama is a comfortably rustic, very personal, riverside eco-lodge on a game-rich private ranch in Laikipia, an hour’s drive north of Nanyuki airport.
Sosian
Sosian Lodge is a distinctive, estancia-style ranch house on a former cattle ranch, with great opportunities for riding, relaxing and seeing wild dogs and other savannah wildlife.
Il Ngwesi Eco-Lodge
The community-owned Il Ngwesi Eco-Lodge sits atop a small hill in the remote Il Ngwesi Group Ranch, a two-hour drive north of Lewa Conservancy in north-eastern Laikipia.
Ol Pejeta Bush Camp
Ol Pejeta Bush Camp is a simple camp, with comfortable tents, delivering an authentic wilderness experience backed up by good food and guiding.
Porini Rhino Camp
Porini Rhino Camp is a small, simple, well established tented camp, with a keen focus on sustainable and low-impact tourism.
Borana
Borana is a comfortable and striking lodge on the Borana Conservancy in eastern Laikipia, offering pleasant accommodation with good food and service and a very wide range of activities.
Sirikoi
Sirikoi is a small, very high-quality safari camp with excellent service and food and a wide selection of activities.
Kifaru House
Kifaru House is a small, stylish safari lodge in the Lewa Conservancy, with beautiful views across the landscape.
Lewa House
Lewa House is a very comfortable, boutique safari lodge located on the Lewa Conservancy, north of Mount Kenya.
Solio Lodge
Solio Lodge is an exclusive and luxurious bush lodge set in the private Solio Game Ranch in southern Laikipia.
Loisaba Tented Camp
Loisaba Tented Camp is a luxury safari base of tented rooms, ranged along a ridge in the Loisaba Conservancy, facing Mount Kenya. The camp was completely rebuilt in 2016.
Tassia Lodge
Tassia offers a unique wilderness experience in a remote location: come here for cultural interaction, stunning views and something a bit different.
Loisaba Star Beds
Loisaba Starbeds is a simple camp of 4 rooms with pull-out, open-air 'star beds', located near a dam in the Loisaba Conservancy, in northwestern Laikipia.
Sweetwaters Serena
Sweetwaters Serena is a large, older tented camp – the largest camp in the Laikipia region – in the eastern part of the Ol Pejeta Conservancy.
Karisia Walking Safaris
Karisia Walking Safaris operates camel assisted, multi-day walking safaris from its main camp, Tumaren, set in a remote part of Laikipia.
Sandai
Sandai is a pretty, owner-run homestay, set between the Aberdare Range and Mount Kenya, offering a range of activities at extra cost.
Lodo Springs
Lodo Springs is a spectacularly located luxury lodge in a remote spot in the Loisaba Conservancy, sister lodge to Loisaba Tented Camp and Loisaba Star Beds.
Governors' Mugie House
Governors' Mugie House – a substantial, luxury safari lodge – is one of only two properties in the Mugie Conservancy in northwestern Laikipia.
Thomsons Falls Lodge
Thomsons Falls Lodge is a simple hotel dating back to the colonial era, located above the falls of the same name, near the western Laikipia town of Nyahururu.
Ekorian's Mugie Camp
Ekorian's Mugie Camp is a pleasant, family-friendly safari camp in a remote location in northwestern Laikipia.
When to go to Laikipia
Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Sanctuary at Ol Lentille in Laikipia
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Laikipia in January
Clear, warm days and mild nights make this a popular time for safaris in Laikipia. It's excellent for game viewing in all the conservancies, where water sources attract diverse wildlife. The dry conditions make it easier to spot black rhinos, lions and leopards. Star bed sleep-out options at a number of lodges are particularly magical under the clear night skies.
After the New Year period, many camps and lodges treat January as mid-season, offering good value. The landscape retains some greenery, enhancing photography.
- Clear days ideal for safaris
- Excellent visibility for wildlife viewing
- Dry riverbeds attract wildlife to water sources
- Calving season for wildebeest and antelopes
- Palearctic migrant birds abundant
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in January
Laikipia in February
With the short dry season well established in Laikipia, wildlife gathers close to water points, making it an excellent time for safaris. Ol Pejeta and Lewa Wildlife Conservancies offer prime viewing opportunities for endangered species like black rhinos and Grevy's zebras. Solio Rhino Conservancy provides exceptional black rhino sightings during this period. The grass is grazed down, improving visibility across the region.
February is ideal for walking safaris, where you can appreciate the smaller details of the ecosystem. The clear skies make stargazing from star beds an unforgettable experience. Cultural visits to local communities are particularly rewarding, as the pleasant weather encourages outdoor activities and interactions.
- Prime time for wildlife gathering near water
- Ideal conditions for walking safaris
- Palearctic migrant birds still present
- Low rainfall makes game drives rewarding
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in February
Laikipia in March
As March progresses in Laikipia, the weather becomes increasingly hot and humid with more rain likely later in the month. Through most of the month, conditions are still good for game drives in most districts. As the month advances, the buildup to the rainy season becomes apparent.
This period can offer unique photographic opportunities as animals congregate around diminishing water sources. Accommodation costs decrease as the low season approaches.
- Early month offers great wildlife viewing
- Hot weather transitions to occasional rains
- Lower visitor numbers
- Lush vegetation begins to appear
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in March
Laikipia in April
April usually sees established, serious rainfall in much of Laikipia, transforming the landscape. The southeast monsoon wind brings cooler temperatures and frequent downpours. While game viewing can be challenging due to lush vegetation, the green season offers unique experiences, with new-born animals visible among the verdant scenery.
The landscape bursts into life with vibrant colours, ideal for photography. Birdwatching is excellent with many species breeding. This is a quieter time for tourism, with lower accommodation rates at many places allowing for a more exclusive safari experience for great levels of service.
- Long rains begin, transforming landscapes
- Green season offers unique photo opportunities
- Lower rates at Laikipia's luxury lodges
- Buffalo and zebra calving season commences
- Birdwatching excellent
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in April
Laikipia in May
May in Laikipia is characterised by ongoing rains and lush vegetation. While game viewing can be trickier, the vibrant landscapes offer spectacular photographic opportunities with very little dust. The landscapes are a sea of green, with diverse and thriving flora.
This is an excellent time for birdwatching across the region as breeding season continues. The Ewaso Nyiro river swells impressively. Despite potential challenges, patient visitors may witness dramatic scenes of predators hunting in the thick vegetation.
- Lush vegetation makes wildlife spotting trickier
- Great for landscape and nature photography
- Rutting season for wildebeest and impalas
- Frog breeding season in Laikipia's wetlands
- Mount Kenya views improve with clearer air
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in May
Laikipia in June
As June progresses in Laikipia, the rains give way to slightly cooler, cloudy weather. This transition marks the beginning of a long, generally dry, high season for visitors. Game viewing improves as vegetation starts to thin, and conditions are comfortable.
The Ewaso Nyiro river, still full from the rains, attracts diverse wildlife. Accommodation rates begin to rise, reflecting the start of peak season.
- Rains subside, ushering in cooler weather
- High season begins with increased visitors
- Comfortable conditions game viewing
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in June
Laikipia in July
July in Laikipia brings cooler temperatures and ideal conditions for safaris. Animals concentrate around water sources on the conservancies, providing excellent game viewing opportunities.
July marks the peak of the high season, with higher accommodation rates and visitor numbers. The dry conditions make it easier to spot elusive species like leopards and black rhinos.
- Cool weather perfect for walking and riding
- Wildlife concentrates around water sources
- Excellent conditions for photography tours
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in July
Laikipia in August
August in Laikipia offers mild, dry weather, perfect for safaris. The conservancies teem with wildlife, including endangered species like black rhinos and Grevy's zebras. The landscapes offer stunning vistas and excellent conditions for game drives and walking safaris. The dry conditions make it easier to spot big cats across the region. This is peak season, so expect higher visitor numbers and accommodation rates.
You might consider combining your Laikipia safari with a stay at the nearby Samburu National Reserve, known for its “northern five” species – Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, beisa oryx, gerenuk and Somali ostrich.
- Peak season for wildlife viewing in Laikipia
- Mild weather ideal for outdoor activities
- Busy period requires advance bookings
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in August
Laikipia in September
As September progresses in Laikipia, the weather typically remains dry with clearing skies, signalling excellent safari conditions. Early September can be busy, but visitor numbers decrease later in the month. In the conservancies, game viewing is exceptional as animals congregate around limited water sources.
September generally offers excellent conditions for photography.
- Hot, dry weather with good visibility
- Quieter period for more exclusive safaris
- Natural bush fires flush out insects and small animals for predators
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in September
Laikipia in October
October in Laikipia brings generally hot and mostly dry conditions, ideal for safaris. It's a favourite month for many visitors due to the good weather and fewer visitors. The conservancies offer excellent game viewing, with animals concentrated around water sources. The Solio Rhino Conservancy provides exceptional rhino sightings in the dry conditions.
Birdwatching is rewarding as Palearctic migrants begin to arrive. Cultural visits to Maasai communities remain a highlight. Consider combining your Laikipia safari with a trip to the nearby Samburu National Reserve for a diverse wildlife experience.
- Warm or hot and mostly dry conditions for safaris
- Migratory birds start arriving
- Perfect for photography
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in October
Laikipia in November
November in Laikipia marks the beginning of the short rains, usually in the latter half of the month. This transition brings about dramatic changes in the landscape. Early November can still offer good game viewing before the rains intensify. Then the bush begins to green, creating beautiful scenery.
As the low season begins, accommodation rates decrease, and visitor numbers drop too, allowing for a more exclusive safari experience. Birdwatching becomes excellent with the arrival of many migratory species. November is ideal for photographers capturing the changing landscapes and dramatic skies, with low dust and clear air. Cultural visits to Maasai communities offer insights into how local life adapts to the changing seasons.
- Short rains begin, transforming landscapes
- Low season offers better rates and privacy
- Excellent time for birdwatching in Laikipia
- Lush scenery provides stunning backdrops
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in November
Laikipia in December
In a typical December, Laikipia sees the short rains finish by mid-month, leaving the landscape at its most beautiful. Clear blue skies return, heralding the start of the second peak visitor season from around 20 December onwards. The conservancies offer excellent game viewing with lush backdrops.
Christmas can occasionally be wet, but most years see perfect safari conditions by the festive season. This is an ideal time to combine wildlife viewing with cultural experiences, such as visiting Maasai communities.
- Rains typically end, leaving landscapes lush
- Peak tourist season begins mid-month
- Christmas safaris popular in conservancies
- Night sky clarity ideal for stargazing
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in December
Looking for inspiration on where to travel next?
Visit our trip chooser to explore your options and find inspiration for your perfect African adventure
Inspire me