Ole Samara is well situated to participate in a wide range of activities in the greater Nanyuki/Laikipia region. Here’s a list of some things visitors may want to consider doing during their stay:
Nature Walk
Enjoy a nature walk within the Ole Samara property, which includes a trail down to the Burguret river, where one can often see black and white colobus monkeys and a wide range of birdlife. Lots of indigenous trees can be seen on the trail down to and along the river.
Game Drive
Game Drives in nearby private ranches and reserves: Ole Samara is only a 30 min drive to the well known Ol Pejeta Conservancy, where one can often see rhino, elephant, lion, giraffe, buffalo, oryx, zebra, impala, etc. Solio Ranch, which is a private conservancy focusing on rhino conservation, is also nearby. Other nearby wildlife conservancies one can visit include Lewa, Lolldaiga and El Karama. Another gem in the area is The Aberdares which can make a nice day trip.
We are also a perfect stopover for those heading to Samburu and Meru National parks.
Orphanage
Visit the animal orphanage at Mt. Kenya Fairmount hotel for an opportunity to learn more about wildlife and help in the conservation of the critically endangered Mountain Bongo. Combine with a lunch or drinks at the hotel.
Walk to the Mau Mau Caves
You can hike to Mau Mau caves in the neighboring Mt. Kenya forest reserve, but a guide would be necessary and it’s about a 5 to 6 hour walk (round trip) from Ole Samara. There a nice waterfalls next to the caves during the rainy season. One could also ride a horse from the nearby Bantu lodge to the Mau Mau caves.
Horse Riding & Golf
There are numerous opportunities to go horseback riding, including among the wildlife within Ol Pejeta and Lolldaiga Hills. One can play golf at the Nanyuki Sports Club or the Mt. Kenya Safari Club.
Mountain Biking
There are some great tails nearby in the Mt Kenya forest reserve is easily accessible from Ole Samara.
Fishing
There is trout in the Burguret river on the Ole Samara property and there are many other great places for trout fishing.
Visit Ngare Ndare Forest
Ngare Ndare Forest is a lush indigenous forest at the foothills of Mt. Kenya. Azure pools glisten at the bottom of waterfalls and 200 year old trees stretch into the canopy supporting a rich variety of bird and animal life. The forest is a vital corridor that links the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy to Mount Kenya, and one which elephants have been using for centuries. One can go on a tree canopy walk, swim in pools near a lovely waterfalls and game drives.
Chartered Plane or Helicopter
Chartering a plane or helicopter: one can charter a plane or helicopter from Tropic Air for day trips to visit Lake Turkana, fly around Mt. Kenya or visit private game reserves. Tropic Air is located at Nanyuki Airstrip, where Safari Link, Air Kenya and some other airlines fly to as well. The airstrip is only a 5 minute drive north of Ole Samara.
Hiking
Hiking on Mt Kenya: it’s possible to enjoy day hikes or multi-day hikes climbing Mt Kenya.
Climbing Mt. Kenya on Burguret route, Naromuro or Sirimon routes.
Use Ole Samara as a base for climbing Mt. Kenya either on the Burguret, Naromoru or the Sirimon route.
Eating Out
Enjoy some great food at nearby restaurants: one can easily walk to the well-known Trout Tree Restaurant, which is located next to Ole Samara. We also have Olerai lounge next door for very good food and even Nyama Choma. Some other great restaurants nearby include Barney’s at the airstrip (good for Italian food and pizzas), Frontiers Cafe ( opposite the airstrip), Soames, Le Rustique, Cape Chestnut, Shop14 and The Nook.