When Geoffrey Kent launched the first luxury tented photographic safaris in his home country of Kenya in 1962, it’s unlikely he foresaw how that initial foray into experiential travel would serve as a foundation for the decades-long success of his tour-operator company Abercrombie & Kent.
Over 50 years later, with the Sanctuary Retreats line of upmarket safari camps now firmly part of A&K’s expansive portfolio, the recent renovation of Sanctuary Olonana Camp in Kenya has provided the perfect opportunity to reference its founder’s origins and celebrate his enduring legacy in the country.
Since opening its doors in 1999, Sanctuary Olonana has always been something of a trailblazer, wining numerous awards and accolades throughout its 20-year history. Ranked number 1 amongst Africa’s top resorts in the 2017 Conde Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards, the luxury camp has long been renowned for its exceptional customer experience and individual service, and this reputation has only been further reinforced with a recent – and comprehensive renovation mid-way through last year, which blends an innovative, modern design with environmental best practice – all of it presented in a very distinct traditional African style.
Set in lush woodland on the banks of the Mara River in Kenya’s Masai Mara, a key staging point for Africa’s annual Great Migration, Sanctuary Olonana brings the outdoors inside, almost literally, with fourteen spacious glass-sided suites designed especially to maximise the wilderness experience for guests and providing panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and the Mara River.
But for an uber-luxe experience, the exclusive-use two-bedroom Geoffrey Kent Suite is set apart from the other suites and is far and away Olonana’s most extravagant accommodation option. With its clean lines and sleek modernist silhouette, stylish, contemporary interiors finished with locally quarried stone and Kenyan wood are furnished with bespoke furniture including plush king-sized beds and elegant nature-inspired furnishings. Each bedroom comes with its own coolly elegant slate and marble ensuite bathroom equipped with a rain shower and a generous freestanding bathtub so bathers can take in the sun or watch the stars from the water. Even better, the lodge is bordered by floor-to-ceiling windows that face towards the river below, as well as a wraparound deck incorporating its own raised infinity pool – the perfect spot to relax and unwind after a long day of game viewing.
Sanctuary Olonana can also arrange activities like hot air balloon safaris, school visits, nature walks, and cultural excursions, while back at the Camp guests can also unwind at the spa, which offers treatments using products by Africology and the French marine-based Thalgo line.
For an extraordinary virtual experience of Sanctuary Olonana, watch Sanctuary Retreats’ new video which takes you on an intimate tour of this sublime lodge– including the Geoffrey Kent Suite. Just visit the following link and be inspired to book your Kenyan safari in 2020.
https://www.sanctuaryretreats.com/blog-2019-olonana-new-video?utm_source=Consumer+newsletter&utm_campaign=361a225110-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2019_06_25_01_09_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_3cd74749c2-361a225110-224313237
Prices for Sanctuary Olonana start from USD535 per night per person twin share for 1 – 3 nights, with the Geoffrey Kent Suite priced from USD6,050 per night (for up to four people), for 1 – 3 nights, including all meals and drinks (excluding premium brands) and transfers to and from the airstrip.
But for even better savings, take advantage of Sanctuary Retreats’ extended stay offer, when you stay at one or more of its camps and lodges including Sanctuary Olonana depending on your season of travel.
Stay 4 – 6 nights and save up to 30%.
Stay 7+ nights and save up to 40%.
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