Sanctuary at Ol Lentille: Information from the owner

Acacia house

Acacia is a two-bedroom thatched roof house, built into the mountainside, with large rocks blending spectacularly into the house.

Its decor is inspired by the acacia tree, with accents of gold and blue gracing its plush interiors.

Aloe house

Aloe is a large villa built on two floors, with two large bedrooms on the upper floor, and dining and living areas on the ground floor, with a fireplace. Each of the bedrooms has a large private terrace, accessed through double glass doors and also features a dressing room, sunken bath, and a roofless shower room.

The ground floor terrace has a shaded outdoor dining area and plunge pool.

Boscia house

The largest of Ol Lentille's houses, Boscia is a huge three bedroom villa with multiple common areas for people to congregate in, including a large living room with a fireplace.

Named after the boscia (shepherd's) tree, its decor is luxurious but minimalist, with black and white tones dominating.

Carissa house

Carissa is hidden on the property's highest point, with breathtaking 280 degree views of Laikipia's rugged landscape. The bedroom comes with a round bed and floor to ceiling windows. There is a sunken outdoor bathtub in the rocks, often with eagles flying above you, a lounge with a fireplace, a dining room, and a large wrap-around terrace.

The villa's gorgeous interiors are inspired by the carissa tree, and feature pops of green and blue.

a 40,000 acre "restaurant"

At Ol Lentille we pride ourselves on never serving you a meal twice in the same location. You can enjoy meals in the privacy of your villa, on the pool deck, in the Gallery or on the rooftop. We arrange bush breakfasts, picnic lunches and bush dinners in a number of spectacular locations. And our sundowners are truly memorable!

Baboon walk

Visit Africa's only habituated baboon colony, a 30mn drive from Ol Lentille lodge. The field researchers will talk you through the behaviour and organization of that large group of baboons (numbering up to 100 individuals), as they slowly make their way to a rocky outcrop to roost for the night. That activity usually ends with a sundowner nearby, as you watch the baboons settling in for the night.

Boma dinner

Around a roaring fire at the lodge's "boma", the warriors appear unexpectedly out of the darkness, singing rhythmically and dancing like dervishes. Their vertical jumps, a way of demonstrating their athletic prowess to the young women who accompany them. Almost unconsciously, our Ol Lentille staff get dragged into the dancing circle, and then our guests.

That signature Ol Lentille activity is an exhilarating evening, that culminates in a traditional Kenyan meal served under the stars.

Camel safaris

A camel safari through the African bush, led by Maasai warriors, and ending at the bend of a river for a tranquil picnic lunch under a fig tree, and perhaps a refreshing swim in the river.

Maasai and Samburu culture and traditions

Be invited to a wedding, where the bride and groom go through elaborate rituals before departing for their new home, with the event culminating in a joyful celebration of their new life together which all the in the area are invited to join.

Or maybe attend a women's blessing ceremony, a young man's circumcision day or the initiation of a new age set of warriors.

Those unique moments are always fascinating, moving and memorable.

Quad biking

Go for an exciting quad biking adventure around the community lands, or down the rugged trails of the conservancy (16 years and above),

Singing wells

A tradition unique to northern Kenya, the "singing wells" are dug in dry river beds by warriors to find water for their cows. The warriors form a human pyramid in the 10-12ft wells to bring buckets of water to the surface, while singing individual songs to each of their cows. The songs, reverberating in the valley, and heard well before you see the wells are a magical and haunting experience.

Spa

Enjoy a relaxing spa treatment in the comfort of our secluded spa, followed by herbal tea served on the spa deck

Visit a Maasai or Samburu village (manyatta)

Experience authentic Maasai and Samburu culture, by visiting a traditional homestead, having a cup of smoky milk tea with a mama or a drink of honey mead with the Wazee (Elders). Learn about the social structure of the homestead, and the joys and challenges of everyday life. This is a very natural and authentic experience where you are treated as a guest, not a tourist.

For the more adventurous, we will set up dinner at the manyatta. Chef David will barbecue a goat and we will have dinner under the stars inside the manyatta, sharing for a moment, the life of our Maasai and Samburu neighbours.

Walking and hiking

With 40,000 acres of unspoilt and dramatic wilderness, Ol Lentille is ideal for walking adventures, from a gentle walk down a dry river bed that reveals spectacular "lost world" views to a vigorous climb up Ol Lentille peak, Laikipia's tallest, or a full day adventure hiking in hidden valleys

Wildlife and game drives

The 40,000 acres of the private Ol Lentille Conservancy are a vital wildlife migration corridor and as such, remain unfenced. It is home to large herds of elephant, painted wolves, leopards, hyenas, greater kudus, elands, as well as many species of smaller antelopes. Rare northern species such as the Grevy's zebra and gerenuk are also found here. Ol Lentille is also a paradise for bird watching, with many rare species making their home here. This is Africa at its most wild and original. Without fences, the animals move in and out of the conservancy following ancient migration routes and are not habituated to humans.