Built, owned and managed by Colin and Rocky Francombe, with the help of the Samburu people, Ol Malo has established a reputation in the world of eco-tourism that far exceeds its modest size. It is a 5000 acres of privately-owned game sanctuary on the banks of the Uaso Nyiro River in Kenya’s wild and beautiful North Eastern Province of spectacular bush country overlooked by Mount Kenya and teeming with the elusive antelope from which the land takes its name. A dream destination for the privileged few who seek a glimpse into the true heart of Africa.
Ol Malo is a striking building in an outstanding location – natural local materials sculpted into a warm and hospitable lodge set among the curves of a rocky hillside surveying one of the great views of the world.
Comfortable and accommodating sitting and dining rooms provide shady terraces for protection from the sun – and open fireplaces for the cooler evenings. Smooth lawns and carefully tended shrubberies sweep down to a cliff edge, providing a vantage point for activity at the watering hole and salt lick below. A maze of slated pathways wind down to four rock and olive wood cottages.
Each double room has its own veranda and complete privacy. Large picture windows frame a wild, constantly changing landscape – clouds scud across the sky, stately eagles wheel and glide on thermals above the plains. An infinity pool adds to the beauty as well as the amenity of this place.
The new building on the property – Ol Malo House – is exclusive to one group of guests, able to accommodate 12 guests with ease. Built in rock, olive wood and with a thatched roof, it continues the hand-crafted tradition established by Colin – but Ol Malo House is designed and created by the whole Francombe family: Colin and Rocky, with Andrew, their son, and daughters Anne and Julia.
The hub of the house is a large and beautiful sitting and dining room – with open fireplaces – encircled by three en-suite double bedrooms. Separate cottages create a further three double bedrooms: each private and comfortable cottage has arch windows and doors, en-suite bathrooms, and decor inspired by the area’s wild landscape, local flora and the life and culture of the Samburu people. Lighting is handmade by the Samburu women creates a warm ambience and welcoming atmosphere. A flagstone path leads to a large open area overlooking the infinity pool and this incredible land’s wide-open vistas – perfect for al fresco dining. A barbecue area creates a wonderful place in which to end the day under a star-studded African sky.
4 cottages with luxurious en suite bathrooms and private verandahs (2 adults and 1 child).
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Wine with lunch and dinner
- Laundry services
