THE ACCOMMODATION

Olerai House is the former home of world-renowned elephant conservationists Iain and Oria Douglas-Hamilton, and its management is still overseen on a daily basis by Oria. It feels like coming home – family mementoes dot shelves, and a personal touch is obvious everywhere. Enjoy the smell of freshly baked scones or bread, and wander through to the kitchen for a taste or chat. Settle in for lunch or a nap on the expansive lawn, or while away the evening by the fire with a book. We want you to feel completely at home to make the most of the peace and quiet.

Built as a typical colonial-era farmhouse, Olerai has been added to, extended, repainted and modernised over the years. Today, it is a charming, rambling abode furnished with a real attention to colour and comfort. Each room has its own unique character and style, and the buildings are surrounded by exquisite wild gardens where wildlife grazes day and night. Beyond lies a private wilderness that is yours to explore.

THE LODGE

Our main building houses six charming individually designed en-suite bedrooms, either twins, doubles or family rooms, accommodating up to 14 people. Extra beds can be added for children under 16. The interior design is from all natural fibres and materials, with bright or warm colours that instantly invite you to relax. All rooms open out onto the gardens and the views beyond, and the sitting room with its log fire, the television room and the dining room are there for your comfort and ultimate relaxation.
Accommodation, The Lodge, lodge, Olerai House, Olerai, Naivasha, Sanctuary, wildlife, Elephant Watch Portfolio, Nairobi, Kenya
Accommodation, The Cabin, cabin, Olerai House, Olerai, Naivasha, Sanctuary, wildlife, Elephant Watch Portfolio, Nairobi, Kenya

THE CABIN

This is the former studio of Oria’s French mother Giselle, a sculptress and pupil of Auguste Rodin, and as such is a bright and creative space flooded with light. Set a little apart from the main Lodge, the Cabin is self-catering and fully equipped for four guests with one double bedroom and one twin. An extra bed can be added for a fifth person. You can come with your own supplies, or have our gardeners and chefs bring you the fresh ingredients you need from our organic garden, or even freshly prepared meals.

CUISINE

The food at Olerai House is justly famous. We grow or raise organically most of the ingredients that we use, including garden herbs and vegetables, fruits fresh from the trees, and meat and milk from livestock that is pasture-raised on the farm. Our specially trained chefs produce delicious homemade food every day, and are happy to accommodate any special requests or dietary requirements. If you are very sensitive to certain foods, please inform us in advance so that we can plan for what you need.
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Accommodation, Olerai House, Olerai, Naivasha, Sanctuary, wildlife, Elephant Watch Portfolio, Nairobi, Kenya

WILDLIFE IN THE SANCTUARY

Every door at Olerai opens onto the gardens that lead to an expansive plain dotted with wild animals. You can walk out of your room and straight onto soft lawns where zebras graze next to your exquisitely laid lunch table. Walks in the Sanctuary bring you close to all of the other animals that call Olerai home. Before you know it, this gentle immersion in nature will be soothing away the stresses and strains of daily life.