Ol Malo House
Ol Malo ‘the place of the greater kudu’ is a 5,000 acre ranch and game sanctuary stretching from the plains down the Laikipia Escarpment to the Ewaso Nyiro River on the edge of Kenya’s north-eastern province. Home of the multi-generational Francombe family, who range from 18 months to almost 80 years, the Private House is owned and was built by Rocky and Colin Francome who also run a small lodge a few kilometres away. Children of all ages are welcome.
Accommodation & Facilities
Ol Malo Private House sits on a rocky escarpment giving impressive views of the surrounding wilderness. It is a fully staffed exclusive use property – perfect for large families with six double rooms accommodating 12 people comfortably or up to 16 people including additional children’s beds. Built from natural materials; rock and olive wood with a thatched makuti roof, Ol Malo house is comfortable and spacious. Beautiful sitting and dining areas with open fireplaces form the hub of the house. Each room has been individually furnished with stylish decor and many African touches. Beautiful beading work created by the Samburu women is evident throughout. There are three double en-suite bedrooms in the main house and three more rooms in two separate cottages around the swimming pool.
Fringed by drasina palms, the child friendly infinity pool has a sloped shallow end and steps and there is also a children’s paddling pool. There is plenty of space around the pool for al-fresco dining and taking in the stunning vistas. A barbecue area creates a wonderful place at which to end the day under a star-studded African sky.
Eating & Sleeping
The house comes with a team of staff, private vehicles and guides so guests have the flexibility to do what they want when they want. Chefs are very used to catering to children of all ages and dietary needs and can tailor make meals to suit. The housekeeping ladies are on hand to help with babysitting if required. Andrew and Chyulu Francome have young children themselves and so staff are accustomed to babysitting.
Wildlife & Activities
Activities on offer at Ol Malo House include day and night games drives, horse riding, bush meals, escorted bush walks, and camel treks. Game includes kudu, giraffe, zebra, antelope, elephant, leopard and buffalo. Day excursions to the Karisia Hills and to the Samburu town of Maralal are available. There are various opportunities to interact with the Samburu. It is possible to spend time at one of the local manyattas and learn how the Samburu go about their daily lives plus see the morans (warriors) and young women. You will understand why ‘samburu’ means butterfly in Maa when you see all their glorious beads and finery. Alternatively there is a pool to relax in, or excellent bird-watching to enjoy.
Specifically for children ….
All the guides and the majority of the staff have their own families and are great at entertaining children.
• Horse riding is available for all ages and there are hard hats available for kids and adults. Very good lead rein ponies and quiet horses are available for all standards. There is a small area available for enclosed riding.
• Camel walks are available for any age. Young children can ride with an adult and camels are lead by their handlers.
• Explore the ranch – there are many ranch activities available including milking the cows, egg collecting, fishing, age appropriate tracking and ‘dudu’ insect walks.
• Beading workshop – learn how to bead beautiful bracelets like the talented Samburu ladies.
• School visit – join in with ‘morning circle’ with the Samburu children (skipping, singing and dancing).
