The hype
Travelers adore the homey, family-run vibe and the incredible food, often calling it a 'soft landing' into Africa.
Ololo Safari Lodge
$330-540/ night
Book this if You want a gentle, farm-to-table safari introduction where you arrive via a suspension bridge over the river rather than a concrete lobby.
Why People Love It
- The magical arrival: crossing a rope bridge over the Mbagathi River to enter the lodge
- Genuine paddock-to-plate dining with ingredients harvested daily from the on-site organic farm
- Avoiding Nairobi's legendary traffic by driving through the National Park to get there
Quick Take: It’s a charming, family-run farmhouse that feels like a world away from the city, provided you can sleep through the jets landing at JKIA overhead.
Reviewed by @wherenextfamily: I stayed in the Palm Deck room and it was magical. The open-air design meant I fell asleep to the sound of the breeze, and the view of the creek from my balcony was the perfect way to start every morning.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The airplane noise is the single most consistent complaint, with light sleepers struggling to rest without earplugs.
- You appreciate a rustic, boutique farmhouse aesthetic over polished corporate luxury
- You want to start your safari the moment you land (the transfer is a game drive)
- You care about food provenance—the mushroom house and chicken coops are open for tours
Cleanliness & Maintenance
9
- Housekeeping: Twice-daily service, generally praised as thorough and attentive.
- Bathroom hygiene: Mostly spotless, though some 'Standard' rooms have reports of small bathrooms and isolated mentions of rust/wear.
- Maintenance: Well-maintained grounds, though the rustic nature of the converted buildings means occasional creaky floors or drafty windows.
- Linens & towels: Fresh and high quality, often accompanied by hot water bottles in the beds at night.
- Odors & scents: Fresh farm air and woodsmoke from the fireplace; no chemical masking scents detected.
Sleepability™
6MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Low-flying commercial jets on approach to JKIA
- Occasional noise from other guests in the communal garden areas
Before you book
Good to know
- The lodge is located on the south border of the park; access is via a 45-minute game drive through the park from the airport.
- You are effectively 'captive' at the lodge unless you arrange a transfer, though you can walk to the glass studio next door.
- The lodge is malaria-free due to altitude, but mosquito nets are provided and recommended.
What to pack
- High-quality earplugs (essential for the planes)
- A warm fleece or jacket (Nairobi nights get surprisingly chilly, especially June-August)
- Swimwear (for the pool, if you're brave enough)
Room Genie
Best picks
- The Tower Room: Best for romance, features a private rooftop terrace and balcony (warning: no AC, can get warm)
- Tented Cottages: Best for the 'safari feel' with canvas walls and makuti thatch roofs
- Terrace Suite: Best for space, features a fireplace and a roll-top bath
Rooms to avoid
- Stable Rooms if you need reliable Wi-Fi (signal struggles to penetrate the stone walls)
- Standard Rooms if you are tall or have lots of luggage (bathrooms can be cramped)
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I'd love to request a room away from the main path for privacy. If booking a Stable Room, please prioritize one with the strongest possible Wi-Fi signal as I know the stone walls can be an issue.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is the airport transfer included?
Yes, for most packages. The transfer is a game drive through Nairobi National Park, avoiding city traffic.
Can I hear the animals at night?
Yes, you will often hear lions roaring and hyenas whooping from the park across the river (and planes overhead).
Is there air conditioning?
No. Rooms have fans, which are usually sufficient given Nairobi's temperate climate, but the Tower Room can get warm.
Is the park fee included in the rate?
No. You must pay the KWS daily conservation fee (~$84 per adult) separately for every 24 hours you are there.
Is there a gym?
No. Your exercise will be walking the farm, swimming in the unheated pool, or doing yoga on your terrace.
Is the water safe to drink?
No. Do not drink tap water. Filtered water is provided in jugs in the rooms and restaurant.
Insider Tips
- ✨
Ask for a tour of the mushroom house and chicken coops—it's not just a marketing gimmick, it's a serious operation.
- ✨
You can walk to the Anselm Kitengela Hot Glass studio from the lodge; it's a world-class workshop and a great way to spend a morning without a car.
- ✨
Lunch at 'The Kitchen at Ololo' is open to non-guests (booking required), making it a great stop if you have a long layover but aren't staying overnight.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'bridge crossing' arrival is charming but can be wobbly for those with mobility issues.
💡The pool is beautiful but unheated—essentially an ice bath during the cool dry season (July/Aug).
💡You might spot a rhino from your breakfast table; the lodge overlooks the park's southern border.
💡The 'Stable Rooms' are converted horse stables—charming, but dark and thick-walled (hence the bad Wi-Fi).
💡It is one of the few places in Nairobi where you can avoid the Mombasa Road traffic entirely by cutting through the park.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Ololo Safari Lodge is located and what's nearby.