Ol Malo Laikipia, Kenya
Situated on the northern edge of the Laikipia plateau, Ol Malo is nestled into a rugged escarpment looking out across the time-honoured lands of Kenya’s Northern Frontier District. An ancient land inhabited by wildlife and peoples of a time long ago, undisturbed and living by the rhythm of nature, there, as part of this untamed and beautiful landscape is Ol Malo – Place of the Greater Kudu. Ol Malo is owned and hosted by Colin and Rocky Francombe and their son, Andrew.
Accommodation
Four exclusive cottages with luxurious ensuite bathrooms and private verandas.
Lighting is by a 240V generator, run morning and evening hours.
Hair dryers can be used in rooms with prior warning to management.
Phone and camera batteries can be charged in rooms.
Lodge Amenities
• Large sitting room with fireplace
• Horizon swimming pool with superb views
• Laundry services provided
• Gift shop
• Guests can request internet access
• Mobile phone networks are intermittent
• Credit card facilities –Mastercard and Visa
Meal Plan
Full board accommodation, house-wines, beers & soft drinks.
Special dietary requirements can be accommodated with prior notice.
Included Activities
• Shared game drives in open 4×4 vehicles with knowledgeable guides,
both during the day and at night
• Game walks with an experienced guide
• Horse riding for both experienced riders and novices
• Camel rides across the plains
• Mountain biking on the hilly terrain
• Cultural visits with local communities
• Overnight in the Look Out by a water-hole which is visited by a variety of wildlife
• Swimming
Optional Extras
• Masseuse – can be arranged but need prior notice
Access
• Daily scheduled flight to Loisaba departing from Wilson Airport.
Transfer to Ol Malo is 40 minutes away and is included.
• Daily scheduled flight to Nanyuki departing from Wilson Airport.
Connect with private charter to Ol Malo airstrip.
• By private charter flight, directly Ol Malo airstrip
Seasons
Ol Malo will be closed in April, May and November.
Riding Information
Ol Malo has 15 horses – 8 rideable and the rest young horses coming on. Small, Somali type horses/ponies – strong and good for trekking. Horses are schooled to trail riding. All level of riders are provided for and children can be accommodated. Horses are used to going amongst the wildlife. Game seen on rides include giraffe, zebra, gazelles, eland, oryx, occasional cat and elephant at certain times of year. No polo or show jumping offered.
Type of saddles – mainly Argentinean saddles, some English.
Equipment at the Lodge – Riding hats, riding jodhpurs or chaps, riding boots/shoes
A Typical day at Ol Malo
The day starts with a wake up call – steaming hot coffee, or tea with freshly baked cookies arrives on your ‘ veranda’ to allow you to watch the sun rise over the wild and spectacular land in front of your cottage, with Mt. Kenya looming majestically in the background. If you are lucky you may spot the elusive leopard as he slinks off under the shade of a tree to nap through the day, or maybe a herd of elephant coming in to drink at the water pool below your cottage.
An early morning game drive to spot the first giraffe, eland, buffalo or maybe a skulking cat is a great activity, returning for a late breakfast. Some people prefer to go on a nature walk in the cool of the morning, accompanied by camels, with our excellent and informative guides and will be surprised by a delicious breakfast served under the shade of an acacia tree, just at the right moment. Or a horse ride will take you into the midst of the game.
As the tropical sun climbs higher in the sky, guests return from various activities to the lodge to relax by the beautiful, infinity swimming pool.
A visit to the Samburu workshop, run by Julia, the Francombes daughter, is a popular and interesting activity. Colourful Samburu women, sing while they use their beading skills to create wonderful objects to Julia’s designs. Groups of chatting Samburu children, paint delightful pictures of their world around them in bright colours. This ‘Development Through Art’ workshop is designed to help the local people help themselves and puts money in the Ol Malo Trust to help with education and medical.
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Ice cold drinks and Lunch, al fresco, is served at the pool and is a very informal affair. Followed by an afternoon by the pool, relaxing or a visit to the Ol Malo shop and very soon it is time for an evening activity.
A visit to the local Samburu homestead ‘Manyatta’ is a wonderful experience. Totally unspoilt by western cultures, these friendly people welcome our guests into their home and share their lifestyle. Colourful warriors dancing with the exquisitely beautiful young girls present a scene of an unspoilt and ancient culture. A great photo opportunity and a far cry from the civilized world.
Horse riding, camel riding, nature walks, night drives, picnic breakfasts, lunches, river walks, sundowners on the rocks, barbeques in the bush, the use of a helicopter to get a birds eye view offers guests an experience of a life time.
And to return in the evening to steaming hot showers and baths before cocktails in front of the fire in the Francombes sitting room, followed by a delicious candlelit dinner, regaling tales of the days activities or listening to Colin telling stories from the past is a wonderful way to end the day.
At Ol Malo you are an honoured guest at a friendly table.
