Escape to Paradise: Olarro Lodge, Your Kenyan Safari Awaits!

Olarro Lodge Narok Kenya

Escape to Paradise: Olarro Lodge, Your Kenyan Safari Awaits!

Escape to Paradise: Olarro Lodge - A Rambling Review & My Own Safari Dream (That Actually Happened!)

Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because I'm about to spill the beans (and probably some sambusa crumbs) on Olarro Lodge: Your Kenyan Safari Awaits!. This isn't your standard, sterile hotel review. Nope. This is the real deal, a slightly unhinged account of my own experience, peppered with enough SEO keywords to (hopefully) snag you a booking and, well, get me a free trip back. Maybe? Fingers crossed.

Let's be honest, the idea of a Kenyan safari is… intense. Lion sunsets, giraffe encounters… the whole package whispers adventure and the promise of escaping the mind-numbing monotony of my spreadsheets and daily grind. Olarro Lodge, from the moment I started researching, promised exactly that. And… it mostly delivered. Mostly.

The Good Stuff - Oh, the Glorious Good Stuff!

First things first: Accessibility. Now, I am not a wheelchair user (although my knees often feel like they should be), so I'm not the definitive source here. However, the information provided and the pictures suggest Olarro attempts to be considerate. They have Facilities for disabled guests, and, critically, an Elevator. They're not pretending this is the most accessible destination on earth, but they are trying. That's a huge win in itself. Please, double-check with them directly, of course, to confirm specific needs are met.

The Rooms, Oh God, The Rooms! We're talking pure sanctuary here. Air Conditioning (thank the heavens!), Blackout Curtains (essential for anyone battling jet lag, or, you know, trying to sleep), and Extra Long Beds (finally, a hotel that understands my six-foot-something frame!). Seriously, a good night's sleep is paramount on a trip like this, and Olarro understood the assignment. My room had Wi-Fi [free], which was surprisingly reliable for out in the middle of the bush, and a Laptop workspace (just in case you have to check those emails, ugh). And, the Hair dryer? Forget the cheap, whimpering hotel dryers – this one was good. I'm talking blow-out quality. Okay, maybe not, but it was better than expected!

The Bathroom, though? Oh, the bathroom! Complete with Bathrobes, Slippers, and – get this – a Separate shower/bathtub. I am a sucker for a bathtub, especially after a dusty day of game drives. And the mirror… it was enormous! Perfect for admiring my rapidly fading tan. Okay, maybe not fading, but at least I felt like I had a tan.

And the View: My room had a window that opened! It was the most amazing thing. I lay in bed and could almost touch the sky. The peace and quiet were a gift after a long day of traveling.

Food Glorious Food!

Okay, let's talk fuel. Olarro excels here. They offer a glorious Breakfast [buffet] with everything from fresh fruit (the mangoes were divine) to cooked-to-order eggs. I'm almost ashamed to admit how much I ate. They also have a Vegetarian restaurant and are willing to work with Alternative meal arrangement requests. The lunch and dinner menus were equally impressive, with a mix of International cuisine and, thankfully, not-too-overwhelming Asian cuisine. The Coffee/tea in restaurant was always fresh. Seriously, the food game was strong. I can't remember any Breakfast takeaway service, but I can't imagine anyone would want to leave without the breakfast.

I am a bit of a late riser. And a bit of a snacker. Olarro's Room service [24-hour] was a lifesaver on those nights when I got back late from a game drive and was starving. The Bottle of water was a nice touch.

The Happy hour at the Poolside bar was a particular highlight. Sipping a cocktail while watching the sunset over the savannah… it was pure bliss. Pure, unadulterated bliss.

Things to Do - Beyond the Animals (Seriously, Though, THE ANIMALS!)

Obviously, the main event is the safari. But Olarro offers more than just game drives. They have a Swimming pool [outdoor] with a Pool with view. The view from the pool alone is worth the trip. You're swimming, and giraffes are casually strolling past. Surreal.

They also have a Fitness center, a Gym/fitness, and a Spa. I'm not going to lie, I completely failed at the fitness part. I was too busy soaking up the sun and eating mangoes. But the spa? Oh yes. Massage? Yes, please. Body scrub followed by a Body wrap? Sign. Me. Up. It was absolute heaven.

Cleanliness and Safety - The Not-So-Sexy Stuff (But Essential!)

Let's be real, in the current climate, this is important. Olarro took cleanliness seriously. They had Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, and Rooms sanitized between stays. Staff were all trained in Safety protocol, and there was Hand sanitizer everywhere. It felt safe, which is a huge weight off your mind when you're thousands of miles from home. They also had a Doctor/nurse on call.

The Little Things, and a Few Imperfections…

Internet: The Internet was decent, the Wi-Fi in public areas was fairly reliable, and the Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! was a lifesaver for uploading my Insta stories (priorities, people!). I can't attest to Internet [LAN], never used it.
Services and Conveniences: The Concierge was helpful, and there was Currency exchange, which was useful.
Getting Around: Airport transfer was seamless, and the Car park [free of charge] was a bonus.
For The Kids: I'm not a parent, but Olarro seemed pretty Family/child friendly, with offerings of Babysitting service and Kids meal. Nice touch!

Now, for the less-than-perfect bits… and trust me, there are always some.

There were a few times I felt a bit… rushed. The safari guides are eager, but I felt like they were under pressure to cram in as much animal-spotting as possible, and it sometimes made it feel less immersive.
The Laundry service, while available, was pricey.
The Cashless payment service was convenient, but I missed the charm of a proper market or shop.

My Unsolicited Advice & Olarro's Quirks (That I Actually LOVED)

The biggest thing about Olarro is… it feels authentic. It's not a mega-resort; it's an intimate, well-run lodge. It's about the experiences, not necessarily the bells and whistles. It's not perfect, but the imperfections are part of the charm.

Here's my unsolicited advice:

Embrace the chaos: You're in Africa! Things don't always run on schedule. Go with the flow.
Pack layers: The temperature can fluctuate wildly, especially in the mornings and evenings.
Don't be afraid to ask: The staff is genuinely friendly and helpful. If you need something, just ask.
Take a deep breath and savor the moment: Seriously, you're in the African bush! It's incredible. Don't spend all your time on your phone. Let go.

Overall:

Olarro Lodge is a fantastic base for a Kenyan safari. It's comfortable, well-equipped, and the staff is wonderful. Yes, there are minor hiccups, but the overall experience is truly magical. Would I go back? Absolutely. Would I recommend it? Without hesitation.

My "Must-Do" Recommendation:

During one of the game drives, we saw a pride of lions near the lodge. We sat there, silent, for almost an hour, watching them laze around and devour their meal. It was the most peaceful, exhilarating thing. The raw beauty. The utter wildness. That's what you remember. That's what makes the trip worth every penny.

My Offer for Olarro Lodge: Escape to Paradise!

Here's the deal, Olarro! Let me come back, and I will dedicate a whole day to writing and publishing a blog post on your lodge, a promotional video to your YouTube channel, and do a live social media post. And if you're feeling generous, maybe throw in a complimentary massage? Just saying… I could use another one. It's a hard life, you know? (wink wink).

Book your adventure at Olarro Lodge today! You won't regret it. Just remember to pack your binoculars, your sense of adventure, and a healthy appetite. And tell them the slightly-unhinged reviewer sent you!

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Olarro Lodge Narok Kenya

Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're gonna plan a trip to Olarro Lodge in Narok, Kenya. Forget those sterile, bullet-pointed itineraries. This is gonna be real. This is gonna be messy. This is gonna be… well, me, trying to plan a bloody amazing trip.

Olarro Lodge Itinerary: The "Almost Nailed It" Edition

Day 1: Arrival & The Great African Discombobulation (or, "Where Did My Luggage Go?")

6:00 AM (ish) - Nairobi Airport: The Pre-Dawn Panic. My internal alarm clock, aka my anxiety, went off hours before my actual alarm. You know the drill: did I pack underwear? Toiletries? Passport? (Okay, that last one I checked… like, three times.) Taxi ride from my Nairobi hotel after a sleepless night. The driving felt like a roller coaster on amphetamines, and I immediately regretted the flat white before heading to the airport.
9:00 AM - Wilson Airport - The Tiny Plane That Could (Maybe). Transfer to Wilson Airport for the bush plane to Narok. Small plane is an understatement; it's more like a glorified tin can with wings. The pilot, a charming chap who looked like he'd wrestled lions for breakfast, gave us the safety briefing. My palms were already slick with sweat.
10:30 AM - Narok Airfield: Dust, Dirt, and a Dire Situation with My Bag. Landing was bumpy. Everything was coated in a fine layer of red dust. Paradise? Maybe. Bag? No. My checked luggage, bless its little cotton socks, decided to stay in Nairobi. The airport staff, bless their hearts, were unfazed. "Hakuna matata," they said. Easier said than done when I was wearing the same travel-worn jeans and t-shirt I departed Nairobi with.
11:00 AM - The Transfer to Olarro: The Road to Redemption (and a Proper Shower). The drive to Olarro Lodge was… an EXPERIENCE. Think bumpy dirt tracks, cattle ambling across the road, and landscapes that steal your breath. The driver, a gregarious Maasai warrior named John, regaled us with tales of the local wildlife and a healthy dose of Maasai humor.
1:00 PM (ish) - Olarro Lodge: Finally! (But Still No Luggage). Arrived at Olarro. Gorgeous! The views were spectacular, the staff were unbelievably welcoming, and the lodge itself was… wow. Luxurious tents with private decks. I'm immediately regretting all my practical travel outfit choices. But guess what? Still wearing the same clothes.
2:00 PM - Lunch & Luggage Blues. Lunch was a delicious affair, but my mind kept drifting back to my missing suitcase. The lodge manager, a lovely woman named Emily, promised to work magic. I mentally added "find luggage" to the top of my to-do list--even though there was literally nothing I could do.
3:00 PM - Settling In (and Plotting to Steal Someone's Clothes). Finally, inside the tent. I’m looking longingly at my luxurious bed, knowing I can't just jump in there. This is where things get interesting. I'm making a dash for the gift shop to find something to wear, trying to act casual.
4:00 PM - Tea & the "Safari Chic" Fashion Show (aka Desperate Times). Tea with other guests--where I tried on all sorts of things from the gift shop, praying that something would suit. The result? A rather questionable ensemble that I bravely dubbed "Safari Chic." I may have even walked with a swagger.
6:00 PM - Sundowners & Swallowing My Regret. A gin and tonic on the deck, watching the sun dip below the horizon painting the sky in the most vibrant colors. The wildlife was so breathtaking, and I just had to put aside my emotional baggage and the fact that I could almost be mistaken for a scarecrow.
8:00 PM - Dinner & the Stars (and a Brief Ode to the Dry Cleaner). Dinner under a canopy of stars. The food was incredible. I made friends with a group of people, and we stayed up for awhile, talking about the day's experience. One of them overheard my luggage story and offered me some of their clothes. Heaven sent!

Day 2: Into the Savannah & the Great Wildebeest Wander

6:00 AM - Wake-Up Call & the Morning Game Drive: The lodge wakes you up with a warm mug of coffee and a knock on your door. The game drive begins! We climbed into the land cruiser, and off we went to find the "greats."
7:00 AM - Rhino Encounters & Realizations: We drove for ten minutes and found elephants, giraffes, buffalo, etc. It was unreal, just watching the herds of animals roaming, and experiencing them so close!
10:00 AM - Olarro Hike & Getting Perspective: We took a hike to the top of a nearby rock formation after the morning game drive. The hike was tough. It was hot, and I was wearing an outfit I'd never try again. The views were stunning. I wanted to be as high as the clouds!
1:00 PM - Lunch & Lounge (and the Luggage-Free Life): Lunch back at the lodge. The food was so good, I ate until I could barely move.
2:00 PM - Evening Game Drive: Another game drive!
5:00 PM - Dinner & Debrief: More incredible food. More incredible conversations. More of the "Hakuna Matata" attitude that I'm slowly starting to embrace.

Day 3: The Maasai Mara (Probably with Clothes!) & Farewell (Sobbing with Joy)

Morning - Balloon Ride (or, "Am I Going to Die?"): A hot air balloon ride over the Maasai Mara. In the air, and feeling like a kid. The animals below, the wind in our hair! Pure magic. Then, we landed. A champagne toast. Pure awkwardness.
Late Morning - Maasai Village Visit: We were given the opportunity to visit a Maasai village. The colorful clothing, the traditional dances, and the deep connection to the land were awe-inspiring. I bought a beaded bracelet, but for some reason, I felt inadequate.
Afternoon - Last Game Drive & a Final Good-Bye: We headed out for our last game drive, hoping to make it count. Another sundowner near a watering hole. Watching the sun go down over the African plains.
Evening - Departure & Forever Memories: Heading back to Nairobi. This was my last breath in Kenya. I'd made memories. I saw the beauty. I met interesting people. And, I'd finally gotten my luggage! I'd left a piece of my heart.

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Olarro Lodge Narok Kenya

Escape to Paradise: Olarro Lodge - Your Kenyan Safari Awaits! (Let's Be Real Edition)

Okay, So… Is This REALLY Paradise, or Just, Like, Really Expensive Camping?

Oof, good question. Look, let's be brutally honest: "paradise" is a HIGH bar. I've had "paradise" involve a questionable beach, lukewarm beer, and sand EVERYWHERE. Olarro? It's closer. Think super-deluxe camping, but with REALLY good Wi-Fi (essential, people, essential). Imagine waking up to giraffes munching on acacia trees outside your ridiculously posh tent (yes, tent. But like, a *glamorous* tent).

It's not perfect. The wildlife can be a bit shy at times. One day, all I wanted was a close-up lion pic, and I got a blurry, distant behind shot. *Sigh*. But then you remember this whole experience is pretty much insane anyway, and you just laugh. The food? Amazing. The staff? Ridiculously friendly. Is it worth the cost? That depends. Do you value the utter escape from reality, the feeling of being completely unplugged, and the chance to almost-but-not-quite-get-eaten-by-a-lion? (Okay, maybe less "almost.") Then, yeah, probably. Just… start saving now. And maybe sell a kidney.

What's the Deal with the Animals? Are They, Like, Chillin' in the Pool?

Alright, here's the lowdown on the critters. You won't find elephants doing backstrokes in the infinity pool. (Though, I secretly wished I had). However, you'll be surrounded by stunning wildlife. Giraffes are basically your garden gnomes, very tall and elegant. Zebras are, well, stripy horses. And the lions? Oh, the lions.

We had a *nail-biting* experience. The guide took us out late in the evening, just before the sunset. We were just enjoying the ride, chatting, when suddenly, he slammed on the brakes. "Lions," he whispered. And there they were, three of them, lounging under a bush. Majestic, terrifying, beautiful. We sat there, completely silent, for what felt like an hour. Except, the guide, bless him, seemed to forget we were there. He started muttering about "the best angle for the shot." I swear, for a moment, I genuinely considered the whole "I'm a snack" scenario. He laughed when he saw my expression, told me that it was all calm, and then we were out of there, and honestly, I was so relived. It was the best experience of my life.

The Glam Factor: Exactly How Fancy Are We Talking?

Okay, picture this: you're in a tent. But it's not the kind of tent you wrestle with in a muddy field. This thing is a *suite*. Think four-poster bed, a private balcony overlooking the savannah, a bathroom bigger than my first apartment. You get your own butler. Seriously. Mine was named George. George was wonderful.

The food is a serious highlight. Forget lukewarm canned beans. We're talking gourmet meals, prepared from scratch, with ingredients that were, apparently, plucked that morning. And wine. Oceans of wine. I maybe, *possibly*, overindulged one evening and ended up trying to teach George the Macarena. He was a good sport. (He definitely didn’t learn the Macarena.) So, yeah, fancy. But also, wonderfully relaxed. You can be barefoot and covered in dust one minute, then sipping champagne the next. It's a delightful contradiction. Just be prepared to feel a little underdressed when you arrive. Everyone just looks so put together!

The Cost. Let's Talk About the Big Elephant in the Room (pun intended). How Much is This Going to Hurt?

Alright, let's rip the band-aid off: Olarro is not cheap. It's a splurge. A serious splurge. You're essentially paying for an entire experience, a total escape. It's everything from the luxury accommodation, the unbelievable food, the attentive staff, the incredible guides, your game drives, the drinks (yes, even the alcohol), and the whole “being away from it all” thing.

Here's the thing: I went. I justified it to myself by saying, "It's a once-in-a-lifetime trip!" and, frankly, they are right. I did it. The memory, the experience, the feeling you get walking around this place is simply worth it, even if you have to eat ramen for the next six months (which I might). You are paying for the *memories*. If you can swing it, it's worth it. Just… maybe start saving now. And consider selling some of your less-loved possessions. You won't regret it.

Okay, I'm Sold. How Do I Physically Get There? Is it a Dangerous Odyssey?

Getting to Olarro is surprisingly straightforward, considering you're heading into the heart of the African wilderness. You usually fly into Nairobi's Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO). From there, it's a scenic flight on a smaller plane (more like a puddle jumper) to a local airstrip. The airstrip is a dirt track – don't expect a luxury runway! – and then a comfy Land Rover whisks you to the lodge.

The flight is an experience in itself. Flying over the Maasai Mara, is the best view you will ever see. You get to see all the magnificent landscapes and the amazing species. I couldn't stop taking pictures. It’s mostly safe, but pack travel sickness pills. And be prepared for a bumpy ride! The Land Rover ride is also amazing. The drivers are incredible. They know the terrain like the back of their hand. The whole thing is very well-organized, so you are left feeling relaxed. Just remember your passport and your sense of adventure. And maybe an anti-malarial. Talk to your doctor and be prepared.

Packing Woes: What Do I ACTUALLY Need (Besides My Fancy Clothes)?

Okay, so you're not exactly packing for a fashion show (though, feel free to bring a statement scarf because you can, and who doesn't want to feel fabulous while watching the sunset over the savannah?) Here's the essential kit:

Neutral-colored clothing: Think khaki, olive green, brown. Bright colors will attract attention from the animals (and, potentially, the bugs)
Layers: Mornings can be chilly, afternoons hot. Pack accordingly.
Comfortable walking shoes: You'll be doing a fair bit of walking (in the bush, remember?)
Sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses: The sun in Kenya is serious. Protect yourself!
Insect repellent: Mosquitoes ARE a thing. DEET is your friend.
Binoculars: Essential for wildlifeStay Finder Blogs
Olarro Lodge Narok Kenya
Olarro Lodge Narok Kenya