Ol Malo House
An exclusive-use family home in the wild heart of Laikipia — where privacy, adventure and warm Kenyan hospitality come together under one roof.
Overview Ol Malo House
Set high on an escarpment in Kenya’s Laikipia region, Ol Malo House is a private-use safari home designed for families and friends seeking space, freedom and connection. Built from local stone and rich with character, the house blends seamlessly into its dramatic surroundings, overlooking vast plains that stretch toward the northern frontier. With its own infinity pool, generous living spaces and a dedicated team of staff, Ol Malo House offers complete privacy while retaining the warmth and personality of a family-run property. Days are shaped entirely around guests — from horse riding, camel safaris and helicopter adventures to ranch-to-table dining and relaxed afternoons by the pool. Rooted in generations of stewardship, Ol Malo House is more than a place to stay; it is an invitation to experience Laikipia as part of the Ol Malo family.
The main house at Ol Malo House offers three en-suite bedrooms - Tandala, Giraffe and Cave - plus Chui, an additional room ideal for children or singles. Built from local stone and olive wood, each room reflects the ranch’s rustic elegance, with handcrafted details and sweeping views across the Laikipia plains.
Private verandahs and stone-finished bathrooms enhance the connection to the landscape, while the bedrooms open into generous shared spaces, including a sitting room with fireplace and a wide dining terrace - creating a warm, relaxed home for families and friends.
Set slightly apart from the main house for added privacy, Hippo Cottage is a charming ensuite double room built in Ol Malo’s signature rustic stone style. Warm, intimate and full of character, the cottage features handcrafted wooden furnishings, soft natural fabrics and sweeping views across the Laikipia plains. A private verandah creates a peaceful space to relax between activities, while the ensuite bathroom continues the earthy aesthetic with stone detailing and generous shower facilities. Ideal for couples or older children seeking their own space, Hippo Cottage offers seclusion while remaining close to the heart of the house, or can be booked by smaller groups separate to the Main House
Crocodile Cottage is an intimate one bedroom cottage designed with peace in mind. Built from local stone and thoughtfully positioned for privacy, it provides a comfortable retreat while remaining connected to the main house. The cottage shares the same handcrafted charm found throughout Ol Malo, with carved wooden details, warm textiles and large windows that frame expansive bush views. With its own verandah and relaxed living space, Crocodile Cottage allows couples or individuals to enjoy their independence while remaining part of the rest of the group. Must be booked in combination with the Main House.
Horse Riding
Samburu Village Visit
Bush Breakfast
Sleepout in the Ol Malo Treehouse
Sleepout in the Leopard Hide
Guided Walks
Sundowners
Day and Night Game Drives
Childrens Activities
Samburu Trust Beading Project
Walking with Camels
Sundowners by Helicopter
Journey to the Jade Sea
Ol Malo Nomad Experience
Ranch to Table Experience
Stay at Kampi Andrew
Fishing on Lake Turkana
Three Peaks Running Challenge
Fly Camp
Breath and Stretch
“Huge accommodations. Large spread. Great views of the valley and wildlife. Amazing relationship with local Samburu tribe. Guides were wonderful and showed us an amazing time.”
Born and raised in Kenya, Colin and Rocky Francombe built their lives in northern wilderness landscapes, working in ranching while creating safe havens for wildlife, particularly the endangered black rhino. A committed naturalist, Colin explored vast tracts of the north on foot, developing an unrivalled knowledge of the country and a gift for storytelling, whether beneath a thorn tree or beside the fire at day’s end. Long dreaming of owning their own piece of Africa, the couple seized the opportunity when land became available and moved to Ol Malo in 1991, carving a future for themselves and their children in this rugged corner of Kenya. Today, that pioneering spirit lives on, with all three of their children, and now grandchildren, playing an integral role in shaping life at Ol Malo.
“If you take the local people, the local Kenyan Africans, the pastoralists of the North, they can teach us an enormous amount. They are incredible family people; they have structure; wherever you look, look at us – us humans, our families; our families are the most important things in our life. This is our life, its everything we live for.”
Why Ol Malo House
Property Hightlights
- Private house set within a vast owner-run ranch and wildlife conservancy in Northern Laikipia
- Hosted by the Francombe family with over 40 years of stewardship
- Three separate units: The House (3 rooms), Hippo Cottage (2 rooms), Crocodile Cottage (1 room)
- Can operate as exclusive-use or host two separate groups simultaneously
- Shared infinity pool overlooking dramatic escarpment views
- Exceptional freedom to explore by vehicle, horseback, camel or on foot
- Sleepouts at the Treehouse or Leopard Hide
- Access to helicopter experiences including Lake Turkana and Kampi Andrew
- Deep Samburu cultural engagement including homestead visits and local markets
Positive Impact
- Partners with the Samburu Trust supporting education, healthcare and women’s enterprise initiatives
- Supports community-led conservation within the Laikipia ecosystem
- Tourism revenue contributes to the protection of privately managed wildlife habitat
- Operates on solar power with 24-hour renewable energy supply
- Supports local employment and long-term skills development within surrounding communities
- Partnership with the Kenya Wildlife Service with the development of the South Island Trust to protect the lake and wildlife around South Island on Lake Turkana, home of Kampi Andrew Star Camp
- Through Kenya Choppers, Ol Malo supports aerial conservation and medical operations across East Africa - partnering with Kenya Wildlife Service, Save the Elephants, Space for Giants, African Parks and Sheldrick Wildlife Trust.
- In partnership with Kenya Choppers and Conserve Global, Ol Malo supports the ISVD initiative in Suguta Valley, strengthening climate resilience, sustainable livelihoods and community-led conservation in Kenya’s arid north.
- Fresh produce from the organic vegetable garden and ranch provide delicious farm to table meals for guests
- Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: Ol Malo's commitment to zero waste can be seen in their building work, recycled wine bottle wine glasses and other upcycled products across the properties
What to expect at Ol Malo House
Accommodation
- The House (3 ensuite bedrooms), with an additional room that can be used for children
- Hippo Cottage (2 ensuite bedrooms with shared living area) can be booked alone or in combination with the house
- Crocodile Cottage (1 ensuite bedroom) booked in combination with the house but can be booked alone if no guests in the House
- Beautiful central pool house and infinity pool overlooking sweeping views of Laikipia
- Pure cotton linen
- Hairdryers available on request
- WiFi in all rooms
- Charging points in rooms and main areas (3-pin square, adapters provided)
Experiences Included (Safari Package)
- Exclusive day and night game drives
- Horse riding for all levels from the lodge (weight limit 90kg)
- Guided walks and medicinal plant walks
- Sleepouts (Treehouse or Leopard Hide)
- Samburu cultural visits including homesteads, bead workshops and schools
- Three Peaks Trail Running Challenge
- Sundowners
- Camel treks
- Full board accommodation
- Soft drinks, local beers, non-premium wines and spirits
- Daily laundry service
- Ol Malo Airstrip transfers
- Conservancy Fees are not included in the accommodation rates but will be quoted separately
Enhance Your Stay (Additional Cost)
- Helicopter excursions including Lake Turkana and Kampi Andrew
- Fly camping (mobilisation surcharge applies)
- Ol Malo Nomad Experience (minimum 4 nights, 2 of which consecutive nights in House or Lodge; mobilisation surcharge applies). Limited to experienced riders only for the horse riding option with 85kg weight limit.
- Samburu market purchases (cash payments in Kenya Shillings)
- Transfers to / from Loisaba Airstrip
- Champagne, premium spirits and cellar wines
Getting There
By Air
- Private charters to Ol Malo Airstrip
- Scheduled flights from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport to Loisaba Airstrip (transfers to Ol Malo payable extra)
By Road
- Shared transfers from Loisaba approximately 45 minutes
- Approx. 6-hour drive from Nairobi
Additional Information
Property Details
- Maximum 12 guests
- Closed in April, May and November
- Altitude: approx. 1,600m above sea level
- Warm climate year-round (10–15°C nights; 25–30°C days)
- Check-in: 11:00AM
- Check-out: 10:00AM
- Wheelchair access with assistance. No disabled facilities
Power and Connectivity
- Solar power (220V), 24-hour supply
- Charging points in rooms and main area (3-pin square)
- Adapters provided
- Reliable WiFi in rooms
- Intermittent mobile signal
Facilities
- Shared infinity pool
- Private and communal dining options
- Hairdryers on request
- Gift shop at lodge a short distance from the House
- Tipping: Shukraan app (accepts most major cards)
Child Policy
- Children of all ages welcome
Vehicles
- Toyota Land Cruisers (open with rooftop seats)
- Exclusive vehicles
- Refreshments provided (water and soft drinks)
- Bean bags provided
- No charging points in vehicles
