Olarro Plains

We had the most incredible time at Olarro Plains. From the food to the activities, everything was impeccable. The chef went out of her way to accommodate our vegetarian diet! And the experiences like quad biking, bush dining and bush walk were also so unique and fun! At first we were worried about being far from the Masai Mara National Park but Olarro has their own conservancy which is even better - it’s private so it’s not overcrowded and you can plenty of sightings there as well! Would 100% go back!

A friend + I stayed at Olarro Plains for four days in end of July. We spent a long time researching different all-inclusive safari options and were hoping to see the Great Migration in the Mara. We had a wonderful stay at Olarro & wanted to share some more info of what to expect: Lodging: - Benjamin + his staff are all incredibly welcoming, & our guide Dominic was very knowledgable. You'll be assigned a guide once you arrive at the Conservatory; if you're a smaller group, you will likely share one (we shared a guide + car with a Canadian couple for 3 of the days). - The view of the Plains is stunning from the common area - There is no heating at night (we were there during Kenyan winter), so definitely pack down jacket + a couple of sweaters / hoodies. At night, they provide hot water bottles to sleep with. I ended up wearing either my down jacket or rain jacket most of the days, since the game drives are early morning and night. - Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner is all-included and you choose before each meal from a prix fixe menu. The chef is really good & it's mostly Western options. - The rooms are nice, eco-lodge style; we had no bugs or cleanliness issues. There is also no AC (which was not a problem for us b/c it was usually cool / chilly). Safari Vehicles: - The safari vehicles are basically modified Land Cruisers. They can fit 8 px maximum; the first four seats are the best. There are no side windows; the sides are fully exposed (open-air), which is great for animal viewing. However, there is no sunroof (you cannot stand up and look through the roof). There are also no doors, so you have to climb into the vehicle each time. Safari: - Conservancy: We spent most of our days here; there are lots of giraffes, zebras, wildebeasts, gazelles, etc. a couple of lions, and one elusive cheetah. There are elephants (but we didn't see any). Important FYI: You cannot see the Great Migration at the Conservancy (we didn't know this when we booked), it's only in the Mara. - Maasai Mara: Olarro is about 1.5 hours away from the park; we did a full day trip at the Mara., would definitely recommend. - The Mara is significantly more crowded; at Olarro, it's a private conservancy so you will (1) usually see no other vehicles, (2) can go off-road and get out of the vehicle, (3) do a walking safari / ATVs. At the Mara, there will be a bunch of cars crowded around the same lion / elephant / etc. taking pictures + you will seldom be alone. Also - there's no guarantee of seeing a river crossing or large part of the Great Migration (we saw a bunch of wildebeasts running, but no crossing. We also met folks who'd been staying at the Mara for 3+ days and didn't see the Migration). Overall: It was a great experience and we really appreciated the privacy and amazing views. If I were to go again during the Great Migration, I'd probably spend a couple of days at the Mara itself first before going to a conservancy, but definitely recommend Olarro as that choice!

This is a special and luxurious resort set in one of the most beautiful landscapes you can imagine. If you have the opportunity, you should absolutely stay here. I booked directly with Olarro Plains, and they arranged my plane flight from Nairobi and car transfer to the hotel. They made it all very easy. From the Siana air strip, it's about an hour over very bumpy roads to Olarro Plains. From the first moment, it was such an adventure; everything I saw out the window was captivating. Once settled at Olarro Plains, the staff continued to make things feel easy. Three meals a day were served in various locations overlooking the Olarro Conservancy. The multi-course meals were indulgent and delicious. Service is top notch. Unlike my previous safari experiences, meals here are not served to all guests together. You'll be seated with just your own party. In my case that was just me, which was totally fine, but I did slightly miss the big communal meal vibe and getting to know other guests. There was an opportunity to chat with others on the daily drive through Olarro Conservancy, and at the bush dinner on my final night, though. During my stay, I mostly interacted with the staff, who are absolutely phenomenal. Special mention goes to Dominic, the most excellent guide, Fred and Benjamin, who made meal times so lovely, and Nora, the chef who created absolutely delicious dishes. My room was spacious and very comfortable, with stunning views over the conservancy. It was so quiet and peaceful, and such a joy to watch the giraffe and wildebeest wandering around the landscape. When at Olarro Plains, I really recommend doing the day trip to Maasai Mara National Reserve. You will see a lot of animals on the drives that are included in the conservancy, but the Maasai Mara National Reserve is absolutely worth taking the whole day to experience. I also highly recommend the trip to the Maasai village. This was actually the most impactful experience I had while in the area, and I enjoyed learning about the Maasai people and their traditions and current challenges. The bush dinner is also very memorable. Basically, do everything that you can while you are here. They are extraordinary experiences. The pool is lovely but was cold when I was there, at a cooler time of year. If you have your heart set on swimming, ask Olarro Plains what time of year the sun might heat the pool enough to be comfortable. An important thing to know before arriving is that you should bring a good amount of cash. You'll be asked to tip three groups of staff at the end of your stay: your guide, the dining room team, and the rest of the resort team. And believe me, you'll want to tip them well, they do such good work. I wished I'd brought more cash to recognize them generously, and once you're at Olarro Plains there is no way to get additional cash. Overall, I had an incredible experience at Olarro Plains and can't recommend it enough. Thank you to the entire team at Olarro Plains!

What an amazing location - waking up to see giraffes, wildebeest and other native animals crossing the plains every day. A truly special place approximately 1 hour from the Masai Mara National Park. The food was exceptional and the staff made you feel so special. Nothing was too much trouble and it was evident that you could have whatever you wanted, whenever your wanted it. Early morning game drives in private vehicles, quad-biking and swimming in the infinity pool were all highlights of a wonderful 4 night stay. A day trip to the Masai Mara was definitely worth the commute, and we also had an incredible hot air balloon trip which was absolutely worth the 3.30m alarm call. It was possibly too quiet when we were there, but the knowledge of the safari guides and the warmth of welcome from the hosting team were exceptional. Highly recommend.

Only 4 hours drive from Nairobi, it is a small conservancy, where you're likely to be the only guests You can do off roading and night game drives! But you do need a 4x4 to get here, the road is very uneven - they can organize a landcruizer escort, to and from the nearest village Timothy our guide was knowledgeable & excellent. No big cats seen - we were unlucky - other reviewers have had better luck. There is a lot of footfall from locals, and the closest main mara entry gate is more than 1 hour drive away. I wish that a day trip into the mara would be included in the price, not as an additional cost, it would make the stay and price paid worthwhile! However, quad biking is included, and it's a must do! We felt the safari cars need upgrading - comparing them to other lodges at the same level, they were just average Nora the chef is amazing and super accommodating! The food was 5* Fred & Simon the waiters are key in the smooth running of this lodge Rooms are private, large, and the deco is on point. Pairs of rooms are adjoined, which is perfect for families Small amounts of laundry is done for free which is nice if you have kids! The pool and lounge area is lovely, cold pool, but good enough for a quick dip! They do offer massages at the sister lodge, we were keen, and a big group, but unfortunately the price was just too much for us. Had it been more affordable, we could have each got one Lastly, carry cash for tips Guides get a separate envelope.. which is a little unfair, should be a common tip equally shared by all the staff I hope these comments and suggestions are taken on board, the manager and our friend, can add her personal touch to make it even more magical!

We booked 4 nights at Olarro Plains in our first trip to the Masai Mara and Kenya. The past reviews were helpful and correct. This is one of the most magical places you will ever visit! From the first greeting of “Welcome Home” we felt relaxed. We were offered a king suite with beautiful views of the savannah and personal service from the housekeeping head that was unprecedented compared to our stays at other 5 star hotels over the years. The room was spotless and it had the most incredible view from our private patio. The laundry service that was included was extremely helpful to just bring a few sets of clothes that could be cleaned any time we needed them. What a treat! We found ourselves relaxing on the patio often to watch the animal varieties daily. We saw several giraffes, zebra, warthogs and wildebeasts come to the watering hole from the infinity pool and from our patio. We were also assigned our own guide, Alex, who was very helpful in our daily safari rides in the conservancy and the Masai Mara. He had excellent knowledge. We cannot say enough about the daily meals during our stay. The chef provided menu choices that were outstanding and imaginative. We felt like we were eating at a high end Paris restaurant each day. Absolutely delicious food in an open air setting. And it is included in the price! We took advantage of the options to experience the area, a morning hot air balloon ride on the Mara, followed by an all day safari. We walked through the conservancy one morning with our guide and were treated to a journey of giraffes on the move, The massage therapist is excellent! We booked two massages each during our stay. Finally, if you want a truly relaxing vacation where the customer service is at the highest level, this is the place. Each member of the staff will take great care of you. Olarro is a great value for the high level of excellence! We felt thoroughly rejuvenated at the end of our stay. This was a life changing, magical place!