Oversized safari tents, perfect for families
This small and exclusive eco-camp is the first of Sanctuary's luxury safari properties
Location: Sanctuary Olonana enjoys a beautiful setting on a private stretch of the Mara River, right on the edge of Kenya’s world-famous Masai Mara National Reserve. Surrounded by lush riverine forest, the lodge is a haven of calm, yet it's close enough to deliver front-row seats to some of the most thrilling wildlife encounters in Africa. Whether you're visiting for the Great Migration or the year-round resident wildlife, the location offers a perfect balance of privacy, access, and scenery.
Rooms: Olonana’s 14 glass-fronted suites are contemporary and elegant, with wide decks that spill out towards the river - perfect for spotting hippos from the comfort of your room. Each suite is spacious and beautifully styled, blending clean lines with natural materials and earthy tones that reflect the landscape. Expect floor-to-ceiling windows, freestanding bathtubs, and plush beds facing the view. For those seeking added seclusion, the Geoffrey Kent Suite offers two bedrooms, a private infinity pool, personal chef, and dedicated guide - ideal for families or small groups.
Amenities: The main areas are beautifully designed, combining open-plan architecture with high-end comfort. There's a relaxed lounge, a riverside dining deck, and a small spa offering treatments with views of the Mara River. The food is a real highlight - fresh, seasonal, and often tailored to your preferences. Service is warm and attentive, delivered with quiet confidence by a long-standing local team. Every element feels carefully considered, without being overdone.
Activities: Game drives into the Masai Mara are the focus here, with superb guiding and flexible timings to suit your rhythm. This is big cat country, and the density of wildlife in the area rarely disappoints. You can also enjoy cultural visits to a nearby Maasai village supported by the lodge, guided bush walks on the private concession, or simply take time to unwind by the river with binoculars in hand. For something truly special, hot air balloon safaris can also be arranged.
Sustainability: Sanctuary Olonana is deeply rooted in sustainability, with a clear commitment to low-impact tourism and meaningful community support. The lodge was one of the first in Kenya to achieve Gold Eco-Rated status from Eco Tourism Kenya. It’s built with locally sourced materials, runs on solar power, and has a strong greywater recycling system. Guests are encouraged to visit local schools and community projects funded through Sanctuary Retreats’ philanthropic arm, making it easy to see how your stay directly benefits the people and land of the Masai Mara.
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Best places to stay in Masai Mara
Masai Mara Trip Inspiration
When to go to Kenya
Find out the best time to visit Kenya with our month by month guide.
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
January
January is a great time for wildlife viewing. The landscapes are lush and green after the 'short rains' and newborn animals can been seen. It is hot, but brief afternoon or evening showers cool things down, without compromising your safari. Over on the coast the sea is clear, making it ideal for diving and snorkelling, and the days are warm and bright.
February
February is an ideal time to visit Kenya, and great for game viewing. The landscapes are green and thriving thanks to the short rains, and newborn animals will be hopping around the plains. There maybe a few afternoon showers which are welcome in the heat, and don't impact on wildlife viewing. Water clarify is excellent at the moment, which is good news for watersports enthusiasts. And if you want to spot a whale shark, now is the time to try.
March
Still a good option for wildlife viewing and diving, although with the 'long rains' just around the corner, expect wetter and hotter weather.
April
April brings the start of the 'long rains' which means game reserves and national parks become muddy and harder to drive around. Over on the coast it's hot and wet, so it isn't the best time of year to travel. Some camps and lodges close during this period.
May
The 'long rains' continue into May, making park tracks difficult to navigate in the mud, and the coast very warm and wet. There will be less accommodation choice at this time as several lodges and camps during this period.
June
June is a beautiful time of year to visit Kenya, with the rains receding to just light showers, and the long dry season not far ahead. The high grasses can sometimes make it more of a challenge to spot game, but the landscapes are lush and some animals may begin arriving early for the migration. At altitude nights can be cool, but elsewhere the temperature is pleasant.
July
July marks the beginning of the great migration into the Masai Mara, and with warm and generally dry weather, this is a great time of year to visit. Days are sunny, skies are blue and there isn't too much dust around, so it's a great time for photography.
August
The migration is now in full swing in the Masai Mara, with lots of river crossing action, so if you want to see those massive herds of wildebeest and zebra, now is the time to come. Game viewing in general is excellent and it's one of the most popular times of year to visit, so some of the main parks do become crowded. Temperatures are warm and dry.
September
Game viewing continues to be excellent, and the weather is generally dry so this is another ideal month to visit Kenya's parks. The bush is less dense and as animals gather around waterholes and rivers it makes wildlife spotting much easier.
October
October is a great time if you want to avoid the crowds and don't mind the temperature slowly starting to rise. There may be a few short showers, but game viewing remains excellent with the end of the migration, and it's a good time to holiday anywhere in Kenya.
November
November heralds the start of the 'short rains' and with hotter temperatures some camps are closed. The Mara however is still open, and despite sometimes stormy skies, game viewing is still good. Fewer crowds and lower prices make this an attractive month to visit. Over on the coast water clarify is good for snorkelling and diving.
December
The 'short rains' are bringing the landscapes back to life, and as the plains start to become green again, wildlife viewing remains good, and it's a great time for birding. Some camps are closed (mainly in the north of Kenya) but many others remain open. The showers tend to fall in the afternoons and don't impact greatly on a safari. Take advantage of reduced visitor numbers and lower prices.
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