Ol Malo

Designed in a luxury ranch style, Ol Malo was built by hand using local materials. Its spacious rooms mix safari chic with the flair of local Samburu beading. Additionally, Ol Malo Nomad, its lightweight mobile camp, offers private groups a chance to explore the wild on foot, by horseback, by camel, or in a helicopter. Stays at Ol Malo Treehouse and the property’s devoted Leopard Hide are also available as complimentary overnight activities for guests.

One of northern Kenya’s original bush homes, Ol Malo lies in the heart of Samburuland. As neighbours, they and the indigenous Samburu tribe have spent decades working hand-in-hand to benefit the people, wildlife, and land. Indeed, Julia Francombe – founder of the Samburu Trust and daughter of Ol Malo’s founders – spends most of her time living in the bush with a team of warriors in order to best understand the Samburu people’s needs, and thus to implement projects that make a real difference.

”Old-fashioned charm that’s rare in the modern world of glamping and mega-lodges
The Wall Street Journal

”Deeply rooted in Kenya, we stand by the people and wildlife of this land and are invested in their future. We support The Samburu Trust by providing physical spaces (such as two schools and a beading workshop). We also give our time and expertise for free for assistance on wildlife conflict, medical care, and building water reservoir systems to support the entire ecosystem
The Francombe Family

Founded in 2000, the Samburu Trust aims to protect and secure the future of the Samburu people and their land through education, conservation, healthcare, water supply, women’s-opportunity, and ecotourism initiatives. It:
- Funds helicopter flights to dart and treat injured elephants, or rescue and rehabilitate orphaned animals
- Provides free schooling for more than 100 children on the Ol Malo grounds in a centre built-in 2003
- Provides free medical assistance for the local community
- Oversees a network of clean water reservoirs
- Provides a safe workshop space, beads and designs for 90+ mammas to sell their works abroad. Uplifting the women of the tribe elevates the entire community.
- Has worked for over a decade to successfully eradicate trachoma, a blinding eye disease, from the Samburu community
Because of this deep and longstanding relationship, Ol Malo’s guests are invited to visit the neighbouring villages and manyattas (homesteads) for intimate and personal encounters rarely experienced by outsiders.