The Amazing Ololo Safari Lodge

Nairobi, Kenya’s largest city and the capital since 1963, sits at an altitude of 1,795 metres above sea level.  My home for the first few days was Ololo Safari Lodge, located on the southern edge of the Nairobi National Park.

I arrived after dark so the first night was basically dinner then bed.  After a pretty good sleep I woke up in the morning (to the sound of monkeys playing on the roof) and went down to breakfast to find these little guys watching me…

And this view…

This is the bridge that had to be crossed every time we left or returned to the lodge, it leads directly to the National Park, and yes, it bounced a lot!

I chose one of their Stable Rooms, which are actually rooms in the old stables on the property.

My room – #1!

I spotted this fellow one morning while waiting for my driver – it’s a green milkweed grasshopper – and it’s huge.  It was probably at least 3 inches long!

And this is Bob, the cat on the property.  He is the sweetest, friendliest and most un-cat like cat ever.  Always looking for cuddles and purring away, he’s a favourite with the guests.

The lodge has their own farm, with a cow for milk, laying and fryer chickens, produce and herbs.  The result is amazingly fresh and delicious meals.  I didn’t make it back to the farm, but the herbs were planted just outside the kitchen.

The lodge was amazing and the staff were wonderful.  It was the perfect place to relax prior to my very busy safari.  I was there for 4 nights and I could have easily stayed longer.  I felt bad for all the people who were only there for 1 or 2 nights.

The lodge provides morning and afternoon safaris in the Park and I thought this would be a great way to “warm up” for the Mara.  It was so much more – the Nairobi National Park was the biggest surprise of my trip – stay tuned for my next post!