Both luxurious and homely, Ol Malo is a family-operated ranch in an outstanding location with a wealth of charisma and bespoke activities. Built from natural, local materials, the property sits comfortably within its surroundings high on a ridge and overlooking the wild below. Andrew and Chyulu who run the lodge, have a close relationship with the local Samburu people and even started the Samburu Trust. Perfect for guests seeking a small and intimate stay in a remote location, close to wilderness and on the edge of civilisation.
Awarded: Bronze
Location
Ol Malo is settled on the cliffs of the Laikipia Plateau on a 5000 acre ranch and game sanctuary. Due to its remote location, guests must schedule a private air charter to Ol Malo’s private airstrip or take a daily scheduled flight to Loisaba where you will be picked up and driven the 40 minutes back to the ranch.
Rooms
There are ten rooms split across the lodge and house, all remarkably spacious and rich in rustic wooden furnishings and some very unique features. Each room has a large, cosy bed, hand woven rugs and huge windows giving panoramic views of the plateau below and Mount Kenya, ideal for spying giraffes and elephant from the comfort of your bed. The bathrooms are equally impressive with big tubs shaped like different African animals.
Communal Areas
The main area has a big, cosy sitting room with fireplaces, a dining room with shady terraces and a cliff side infinity pool offering incredible views of the valley.
Activities
Guests can take day or night drives, guided game walks and enjoy breakfast and lunch in the bush. Horse riding and camel riding is available as well as insightful and fun visits to the neighbouring tribe, the Samburu. A hide is set up by the busy waterhole below the lodge for some secret wildlife spotting with bunk beds set up for the adventurous few willing to spend the night to catch a glimpse of an elusive leopard. Once guests arrive to the lodge, they can also arrange a night camping by the river underneath the stars. Andrew also runs Kenyan Choppers so for an extra costs, guests can fly high above the plains in a helicopter.
Fully inclusive
When to go
Find out when is best to visit
- Excellent
- Good
- Poor
DRY SEASON
Migratory birds will also be present, offering great bird watching opportunities. A brief drier interlude before the more intense long rains arrive in late March.
After the ‘short rains’ wildlife tends to be less concentrated, and the vegetation will be thicker – making game viewing sightings trickier. On the other hand, the colours of the park are a lot more impressive after the rains, and the large volume of insets draw in migratory birds who will be in their full breeding colours.
Its location so close to the equator means that Laikipia has very consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the high altitude (1,748 to 2,033m or 5,735 to 6,670ft) moderate these to a surprisingly cool average midday high of 25°C/77°F throughout the year. The mornings can be quite chilly, so be sure to bring a fleece.
There are two wet seasons in Kenya. In Laikipia the first known as the long rains take place between April and May, the second wet season is known as the short rains which also tend to be a little less intense, these take place between October and November.
DRY SEASON
Migratory birds will also be present, offering great bird watching opportunities. A brief drier interlude before the more intense long rains arrive in late March.
After the ‘short rains’ wildlife tends to be less concentrated, and the vegetation will be thicker – making game viewing sightings trickier. On the other hand, the colours of the park are a lot more impressive after the rains, and the large volume of insets draw in migratory birds who will be in their full breeding colours.
Its location so close to the equator means that Laikipia has very consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the high altitude (1,748 to 2,033m or 5,735 to 6,670ft) moderate these to a surprisingly cool average midday high of 25°C/77°F throughout the year. The mornings can be quite chilly, so be sure to bring a fleece.
There are two wet seasons in Kenya. In Laikipia the first known as the long rains take place between April and May, the second wet season is known as the short rains which also tend to be a little less intense, these take place between October and November.
WET SEASON
The exact start and end of the rains are always a little uncertain, but generally, this period is the wettest time of the year. This wet season is also often characterised by overcast skies and consecutive days of rain. As a consequence of the rainfall roads can be hard to navigate and wildlife a little harder to spot. On the plus side rates are at their cheapest and visitor numbers to the park are incredibly low, offering a more private safari experience for those who don’t mind taking their chances. Many lodges do however close during this period; please contact for more details.
Its location so close to the equator means that Laikipia has very consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the high altitude (1,748 to 2,033m or 5,735 to 6,670ft) moderate these to a surprisingly cool average midday high of 25°C/77°F throughout the year. The mornings can be quite chilly, so be sure to bring a fleece.
There are two wet seasons in Kenya. In Laikipia the first known as the long rains take place between April and May, the second wet season is known as the short rains which also tend to be a little less intense, these take place between October and November.
WET SEASON
The exact start and end of the rains are always a little uncertain, but generally, this period is the wettest time of the year. This wet season is also often characterised by overcast skies and consecutive days of rain. As a consequence of the rainfall roads can be hard to navigate and wildlife a little harder to spot. On the plus side rates are at their cheapest and visitor numbers to the park are incredibly low, offering a more private safari experience for those who don’t mind taking their chances. Many lodges do however close during this period; please contact for more details.
Its location so close to the equator means that Laikipia has very consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the high altitude (1,748 to 2,033m or 5,735 to 6,670ft) moderate these to a surprisingly cool average midday high of 25°C/77°F throughout the year. The mornings can be quite chilly, so be sure to bring a fleece.
There are two wet seasons in Kenya. In Laikipia the first known as the long rains take place between April and May, the second wet season is known as the short rains which also tend to be a little less intense, these take place between October and November.
WET SEASON
The exact start and end of the rains are always a little uncertain, but generally, this period is the wettest time of the year. This wet season is also often characterised by overcast skies and consecutive days of rain. As a consequence of the rainfall roads can be hard to navigate and wildlife a little harder to spot. On the plus side rates are at their cheapest and visitor numbers to the park are incredibly low, offering a more private safari experience for those who don’t mind taking their chances. Many lodges do however close during this period; please contact for more details.
Its location so close to the equator means that Laikipia has very consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the high altitude (1,748 to 2,033m or 5,735 to 6,670ft) moderate these to a surprisingly cool average midday high of 25°C/77°F throughout the year. The mornings can be quite chilly, so be sure to bring a fleece.
There are two wet seasons in Kenya. In Laikipia the first known as the long rains take place between April and May, the second wet season is known as the short rains which also tend to be a little less intense, these take place between October and November.
DRY SEASON
A more stable and predictable time of the year, usually with clear skies. Also, one of the cooler periods, which makes midday temperatures a little more pleasant. The rains earlier in the year should also have cleared a lot of dust in the sky, making the long distant views outstanding.
As the land begins to dry up the wildlife will become more concentrated around remaining water sources, making it that bit easier to spot!
Its location so close to the equator means that Laikipia has very consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the high altitude (1,748 to 2,033m or 5,735 to 6,670ft) moderate these to a surprisingly cool average midday high of 25°C/77°F throughout the year. The mornings can be quite chilly, so be sure to bring a fleece.
There are two wet seasons in Kenya. In Laikipia the first known as the long rains take place between April and May, the second wet season is known as the short rains which also tend to be a little less intense, these take place between October and November.
DRY SEASON
A more stable and predictable time of the year, usually with clear skies. Also, one of the cooler periods, which makes midday temperatures a little more pleasant. The rains earlier in the year should also have cleared a lot of dust in the sky, making the long distant views outstanding.
As the land begins to dry up the wildlife will become more concentrated around remaining water sources, making it that bit easier to spot!
Its location so close to the equator means that Laikipia has very consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the high altitude (1,748 to 2,033m or 5,735 to 6,670ft) moderate these to a surprisingly cool average midday high of 25°C/77°F throughout the year. The mornings can be quite chilly, so be sure to bring a fleece.
There are two wet seasons in Kenya. In Laikipia the first known as the long rains take place between April and May, the second wet season is known as the short rains which also tend to be a little less intense, these take place between October and November.
DRY SEASON
A more stable and predictable time of the year, usually with clear skies. Temperatures will be on the rise until the ‘short rains’ arrive in October.
As the land continues to dry the wildlife will become more concentrated around remaining water sources, significantly improving the odds of good sightings. Vegetation will also be much thinner towards the end of the dry season, which will again improve the odds of having some great sightings!
Its location so close to the equator means that Laikipia has very consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the high altitude (1,748 to 2,033m or 5,735 to 6,670ft) moderate these to a surprisingly cool average midday high of 25°C/77°F throughout the year. The mornings can be quite chilly, so be sure to bring a fleece.
There are two wet seasons in Kenya. In Laikipia the first known as the long rains take place between April and May, the second wet season is known as the short rains which also tend to be a little less intense, these take place between October and November.
DRY SEASON
A more stable and predictable time of the year, usually with clear skies. Temperatures will be on the rise until the ‘short rains’ arrive in October.
As the land continues to dry the wildlife will become more concentrated around remaining water sources, significantly improving the odds of good sightings. Vegetation will also be much thinner towards the end of the dry season, which will again improve the odds of having some great sightings!
Its location so close to the equator means that Laikipia has very consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the high altitude (1,748 to 2,033m or 5,735 to 6,670ft) moderate these to a surprisingly cool average midday high of 25°C/77°F throughout the year. The mornings can be quite chilly, so be sure to bring a fleece.
There are two wet seasons in Kenya. In Laikipia the first known as the long rains take place between April and May, the second wet season is known as the short rains which also tend to be a little less intense, these take place between October and November.
DRY SEASON
A more stable and predictable time of the year, usually with clear skies. Temperatures will be on the rise until the ‘short rains’ arrive in October.
As the land continues to dry the wildlife will become more concentrated around remaining water sources, significantly improving the odds of good sightings. Vegetation will also be much thinner towards the end of the dry season, which will again improve the odds of having some great sightings!
Its location so close to the equator means that Laikipia has very consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the high altitude (1,748 to 2,033m or 5,735 to 6,670ft) moderate these to a surprisingly cool average midday high of 25°C/77°F throughout the year. The mornings can be quite chilly, so be sure to bring a fleece.
There are two wet seasons in Kenya. In Laikipia the first known as the long rains take place between April and May, the second wet season is known as the short rains which also tend to be a little less intense, these take place between October and November.
WET SEASON
A rather unpredictable time of the year with heavy showers or thunderstorms, but usually with sunshine in between. The vegetation will become thicker – making game viewing sightings trickier. Great visibility offering spectacular views of Mt Kenya, during those clearer periods.
Migratory birds will start arriving, offering potentially great bird watching opportunities.
Its location so close to the equator means that Laikipia has very consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the high altitude (1,748 to 2,033m or 5,735 to 6,670ft) moderate these to a surprisingly cool average midday high of 25°C/77°F throughout the year. The mornings can be quite chilly, so be sure to bring a fleece.
There are two wet seasons in Kenya. In Laikipia the first known as the long rains take place between April and May, the second wet season is known as the short rains which also tend to be a little less intense, these take place between October and November.
DRY SEASON
Migratory birds will also be present, offering great bird watching opportunities. A brief drier interlude before the more intense long rains arrive in late March.
After the ‘short rains’ wildlife tends to be less concentrated, and the vegetation will be thicker – making game viewing sightings trickier. On the other hand, the colours of the park are a lot more impressive after the rains, and the large volume of insets draw in migratory birds who will be in their full breeding colours.
After the ‘short rains’ wildlife tends to be less concentrated, and the vegetation will be thicker – making game viewing sightings trickier. On the other hand, the colours of the park are a lot more impressive after the rains, and the large volume of insets draw in migratory birds who will be in their full breeding colours.
Its location so close to the equator means that Laikipia has very consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the high altitude (1,748 to 2,033m or 5,735 to 6,670ft) moderate these to a surprisingly cool average midday high of 25°C/77°F throughout the year. The mornings can be quite chilly, so be sure to bring a fleece.
There are two wet seasons in Kenya. In Laikipia the first known as the long rains take place between April and May, the second wet season is known as the short rains which also tend to be a little less intense, these take place between October and November.
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What People Say
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The personalised service provided was far beyond my expectations. A three week trip visiting four countries in Africa, multiple game reserves, wineries and much, much more was flawless. While a close encounter with a leopard and her cubs…
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We got in touch after hearing about Hide & Seek from a friend. Have to say hats off to Jamie, he was so patient throughout, even through our indecisiveness! Ultimately we ended up with the most incredible holiday of our lives. Thank you again, we will be back!!
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Thank you for arranging our Safari holiday in Kenya and Tanzania for us. It was to celebrate our 40th. Wedding anniversary which was on July 1st. 2018, and through your arrangements, we have had a holiday that we will never forget...
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Thanks so much for a truly unforgettable once in a life time holiday. Hopefully we will be in touch again soon!
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Spot on in terms of itinerary . We not disappointed by any of the suggestions and had the best holiday ever! Thank you!
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Jamie was very helpful throughout the booking process and recommended the perfect holiday. There was nothing we would change having now been out to Tanzania. I would highly recommend Hide & Seek to friends and relatives.
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Jamie was excellent. Once I described what we wanted I knew he would come up with the business. ..and he did!!! 5 stars
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We spoke to numerous travel agents over the period we looked at booking our honeymoon and only hide and seek gave me the confidence I was looking for. Really pleased with our decision.
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Hide and seek dealt with our last minute travel plans extremely well. Obviously, our accommodations shifted as availability diminished but ultimately they came up with a vacation that we will never forget.
