3-Day Sanctuary Olonana Riverfront Flying Retreat
Overview of 3-Day Sanctuary Olonana Riverfront Flying Retreat
Experience the contemporary glass-walled suites of Sanctuary Olonana. Located on a private stretch of the Mara River, this safari offers unmatched intimacy with nature.
Highlights of this Tour
Itinerary and Where to Stay
Day 1: Flight To Kichwa Tembo Airstrip
Your trip begins at Wilson Airport in Nairobi for a morning flight toward the western Masai Mara. The flight takes about forty-five minutes, crossing over the Rift Valley before you land at the Kichwa Tembo airstrip. A guide from the lodge will meet you at the plane and take you on the short drive to Sanctuary Olonana. After getting settled and having lunch overlooking the river, you’ll have some time to watch the hippos from the lodge's main deck. In the afternoon, you’ll head out for your first game drive in an open-sided 4x4. Your guide will explore the tracks near the Oloololo Escarpment and the riverbanks, looking for elephants and the local lion prides that stay in the shade of the trees. You’ll return to the lodge as the light begins to fade for dinner and a quiet evening by the river.
Meals Day 1: Lunch, Dinner
Destination: Masai Mara National Reserve
Where you sleep
Sanctuary Olonana
LuxuryDay 2: Full Day exploration of the Mara Triangle and the River
The second day is for a full exploration of the Mara Triangle. You’ll head out early in the morning when the air is crisp and the predators are most likely to be moving. This area is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including the rare black rhino and large numbers of buffalo and plains game. You can choose to take a breakfast box with you to eat out in the bush or head back to the lodge for a mid-morning meal. Since the lodge is right on the river, you might spend part of the day watching the crocodiles and hippos that gather in the water nearby. In the afternoon, you’ll venture out for another drive to see what else you can find, perhaps tracking a leopard in the thickets or watching a cheetah on the open grasslands. You’ll finish the day with a meal at the lodge.
Meals Day 2: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Destination: Masai Mara National Reserve
Where you sleep
Sanctuary Olonana
LuxuryDay 3: Final River View & Departure
On the final day, you’ll have a relaxed breakfast at the lodge and take some time to enjoy the sounds of the river from your room before you pack your bags. After checking out, your guide will drive you back to the Kichwa Tembo airstrip for your return flight to Nairobi. The flight gives you a final look at the winding Mara River and the escarpment before you land back at Wilson Airport in the afternoon. From there, you’ll be picked up and taken to your hotel or the international airport for your flight home, making for a quick and easy end to your time in the Mara
Meals Day 3: Breakfast
What's Included
- Wilson-Mara return flights
- Geoffrey Kent Suite upgrades (subject to availability)
- All meals
- Game drives
- Masai village visit.
What's Not Included
- Tips
- Insurance
- Specialized spa treatments.
Places You will Visit
Book This Package
Quick Info
- Duration: 3 Days / 2 Nights
- Difficulty: Easy
- Starts: Nairobi (Wilson)
- Ends: Nairobi (Wilson)
Sanctuary Olonana is an award-winning boutique camp nestled on a private stretch of the Mara River. Its architecture is a marriage of modern design and sustainable luxury.
Important Information for the Flying Retreat
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Luggage Limits: Small aircraft have very strict weight limits, usually 15kg (33lbs) per person. You must use soft-sided bags, as hard suitcases often won't fit into the small cargo space of the plane.
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The Environment: Because the lodge is built right on the river, you will hear the hippos throughout the day and night. It’s a natural part of the experience, but something to be aware of if you aren't used to the sounds of the bush.
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Open-Sided Vehicles: The lodge uses open 4x4 vehicles, which are excellent for seeing the animals and taking photos. You should bring a hat and sunscreen for the sun, and a warm jacket for the early morning and late evening drives.
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Park Fees: Your stay usually covers your meals and game drives, but it is important to check if your package includes the daily park conservation fees, which are required for each person for every night spent in the reserve.
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The Airstrip: landing at Kichwa Tembo makes the transition to the lodge very fast, meaning you spend less time traveling and more time by the river or out on game drives.
