A very warm welcome to Ololo Lodge
Ololo Safari lodge is where our African story all started. It was 2008 when the Chapman family uprooted their lives in Australia and took the ambitious leap to purchase a farm and old homestead, located on the edge of Nairobi National Park, with the dream of converting it into one of Kenya’s most beautiful and sustainable lodges. Five years later, the lodge was finally opened, and has since become one of Kenya’s most iconic destinations for eco-tourism, wildlife safaris and food fresh from the Ololo regenerative farm.
When we first bought the the property back in 2008 as an old homestead, it was already named Ololo. When we enquired about the meaning of the name, we discovered it to be of Maasai origin, as the owner had moved from the Masai Mara, and brought the name with him.
As we dug deeper and asked local Masai, we were given a few different meanings. Some say it means to meander and bend like a river, which is quite fitting considering our location on the edge of the Mbgathi river. Another Masai said it meant the ‘meeting place’ as his elders would once gather to Oloololo ridge in the Mara, many years ago.
Anyway, we loved the name and had no reason to change it!
Wildlife is right on our doorstep and all can enjoy breathtaking views over the national park, to the famed Ngong Hills in the west, sundowner in hand.
Or you may like to wile the hours away at the lodge by the pool, adventure on a safari into the park, take a tour of the Ololo Farm or perhaps an excursion with us into historic Karen.
Ololo’s rooms are unique and diverse, each tastefully appointed with attention to historical detail.
The accommodation at Ololo ranges from the farm’s old converted stables, our tented cottages under makuti thatch and to the original suites in the main house of the lodge and our two family cottages.
In the cooler months, guests may sit by the fire-pit in the garden or cosy up to our blazing fireplace in the inviting living room. Our stone clad cellar and small library close at hand. Whatever time of the year you visit, it’s easy to enjoy the serenity and home-style comfort that Ololo offers.
