I thought I saw some trip reports about Olonara in the Masa Mara but have not been able to locate them. If anyone has any opinions on this lodge -which was suggested to me by my tour operator-- (in addition we will also be staying at Mara Explorer) would appreciate a reveiew. Initially planned on Saruni but my TO thinks its too far out and suggested I take a look at Olonara. Any help is really appreciated, as I am now ONCE AGAIN in a state of confusion. This would be in Sept. 2008 and I think they (Tour Op) were thinking of better proximity to migration. I must say I am impressed that they are thinking ahead for me. They like Saruni (Cheli & Peacock prop) but felt I might like being closer in. Thx Cc

Here's Joyce's report that includes Olonana http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34914854

I'm trying to remember the other ones. Did you look through the index? http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34860283

How many nights total in the Mara and how are you splitting them? I actually think it would be nice to have 2 very different areas, but you're right Saruni wouldn't be convenient if you wanted to try to see crossings. I would stay up here if you don't intend to head down to the crossing areas for those days.

we loved Olonana, it's a great camp and one of our favorites for the whole trip. you are outside the gate and depending on the road and weather it's about 20 to 30 minutes to the gate. it was very wet when we were there last Nov. the tents are really nice and along the river. the staff and guides were really nice and i can't think of a complaint, only that we didn't stay there long enough

Thanks for the replies! We are dividing our in Mara - 3n Explorer, and we had planned 3 n Saruni, but in going over itinerary with t/0 for the millionth time, she suggested closer action - Olonara -(as it will be Sept.'08) and just wanted to get some input from the experts. I had thought about Serian (sp?) from a posting I had just read, but she thinks Olonara is the one. Will go over the index one more time; I thought Sandi had been there but cannot find it. Again, Thank you! Cc

cha -

Yes, I was at Olonana, but haven't posted my trip report. The camp is lovely and if not staying at Explorer would be my recommendation.

My personal feeling, if spending 3/nts at Explorer (w/10 tents) in the Mara itself, I'd prefer to spend the other 3/nts away from the Mara crowds... Saruni (6/tents) will do that for you.

One never knows where the herds will be and definitely in the hopes of seeing a crossing Explorer is ideal and close to these positions. As the herds don't move as one, you'll find groups in various areas, besides the resident herds that can be anywhere throughout the greater Mara and private group ranches.

The difference with a stay at Olonana (w/ 12 tents) would be that you'd be on the opposite side of the river on the west side of the Triangle... Explorer is on the East Side of the Triangle. Generally, the game drives will cover the same areas.

Staying at Saruni, which is north of the Triangle, about 1.5/hr drive, will take guests to crossing points if you didn't luck out experiencing one while at Explorer, but here you also have the rhino sanctuary, plenty of game, bush meals, less vehicles. Saruni also has access to the private Yalle Conservancy which is lovely and full of elephants and giraffe, an ideal area for bush walks. Saruni usually does their bush dinners out this way where you feel you're the only people on the planet (but for the other 10/guests :0 ).

Explorer and Saruni afford you two completely different experiences. Explorer and Olonana would in my experience be similar.

Thanks Sandi! That was my initial intent - Saruni for the more remote feeling, etc. as you have put it so well. But when going over the itinerary, my tour op. thought it was too far away from any "action". I guess she is concentrating solely on migration..lots to consider and I appreciate your taking the time to fill me in. SO much to take into consideration; yet I am sure either one will be perfect. Right now my reservations are at Saruni and I am having that "gut" feeling" not to start second guessing. Its so easy to do when you are a year out! Thx again, Cc

Oh,and your right Sandi..to think we are the ONLY ones out there in the bush.. wow. Wish it were happening now. Cc

There's more to the Masai Mara than the Migration!

Ditto what sandi said! Then again I've never been there for migration so may not know what I'm missing

Sandi, Patty - you are absolutely right - much more to mara than migration. I sometimes wonder if I should even be attempting to go then - after reading some postings of mass crowdings at the crossings, etc. One more thing to second guess, but I think my DH would love to see thousands of animals at once. On the other hand, I'd be happy one at a time - esp. if a cheetah landed on my bonnet and stayed for an hour...Cc

Like Patty, except for a reverse migration - very confused wildies - one November, neither have I. And, I've never (yet) felt I've missed anything. Oooops, except the crowds!

And there is MUCH more to the migration than the river crossings.

Yes, it was wonderful to see groups of wildebeest and zebra swimming across the river, fighting the swift current that wanted to take them downstream and the crocodiles that wanted to snack on them and the rocky shores that threatened to break their bones. And, yes, the 20 or 30 other safari vehicles on both sides of the crossing point detracted from the scene.

But my most enduring memories of the migration were when we just sat for an hour or so in the midst of an enormous herd of wildebeest. Watching them chomp on the grasses, mosey along the plains, somehow form orderly lines, and just be wildebeests was absolutely amazing. And there were certainly no other vehicles anywhere in sight.

On my first safari to Londolozi, I spent a lot of time talking to my wonderful guide, Sandross. He told me that his one wish was to someday see the Great Migration. If Sandross knew that it would be special, I figured that it was something that was worth going out of my way for. And am I glad that I did. The Migration is, beyond a doubt, the most extraordinary, almost spiritual, event I have ever witnessed. I would encourage anyone who loves Africa to experience the Migration. Sure, spend the obligatory day with everyone else at the river crossing spots, but then make sure to spend a lot more time where it's just you and the wildies.

i have only been to the Mara once, so i am not an expert. we were there just after the migration and it felt like we had the whole place to ourselves. we were usually the only vehicle where ever we went, sometimes after we left a sighting our driver would call in anothe driver.
but i still would love to see the migration some day.
i think were ever you decide to stay you will love your time in the Mara and Kenya.

I was a bit worried when posting this question that no one would even care to respond! I have to thank all of you for getting me excited all over again! After much discussion and mapping (courtesy of Eben's great website) we have decided to go ahead with Saruni for the experience (Thanks Sandi!) and Mara Explorer for the migration possibilities. Now, if only I could blink and be there. Thanks all of you for the great info and sharing your experiences. Cc

...and of course I am anxiously awaiting "TravelinFool's" upcoming report on Saruni.. He just finished Elsa's and is now working on Saruni. Patience, Cc, Patience.
been wanting to try those emotions out!