Ol Gaboli Lodge is a lovely medium sized Eco-Lodge run and
Managed by the members of the Ol Motiok Group Ranch of Laikipia. It is about
75km from Nanyuki town by a tarmac road. The Lodge gets its name from the
Masaai word ‘Ol Gaboli’ meaning the Fig Tree. And true to the name there is a
huge Fig Tree standing majestically in front of the lodge. I was excited to
discover the Fig tree is home to a family of African Owls. I was able to
identify three individual Owls who have made this famous fig tree their home.
The rooms (bandas) are built with local stone and a traditional
thatched roof made from reeds. All rooms look out onto the Ewaso Nyiro River
and have an en-suite bathroom and veranda. Hot water and light is provided by
the staff immediately the sun sets. There is an expansive combined lounge and
dining room where we were able to carry out our meetings and dine too.
The Ewaso River uniquely meanders around on one side of the
lodge making it possible for each Banda to have a view of the river bank with
all the wildlife stopping by for a sip.
Possible activities include rafting, canoeing, mountain biking,
rock climbing, walking, camel safaris, fly camps, community interaction, kids
club and nature walks. Some of my personal favourite activities included the
story telling around the campfire that can be made on request. The brightly moonlighted
star gazing was the highlight of my stay there. During the day we were able to
drive around and experience the true Laikipia bush land.
The local inhabitants who mainly comprise of the Laikipia
Maasai are very friendly and welcoming. I actually enjoyed my stay at the
Eco-lodge more knowing that the funds collected from the lodge directly benefit
the members of the community who selflessly set aside prime grazing land
totalling 5,000 acres as a conservation area for wildlife and livestock grazing.
The conservation area is now home to a huge variety of wildlife including
elephants, rhino, giraffe, lion, leopard, cheetah and hyena.
Next time you are thinking of holding a pocket friendly
expedition out in the wild you know where to go!!
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| The majestic 'Ol Gaboli' fig tree that gives the Lodge its name |
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| I liked the bead work on their welcoming sign |
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| View of the Ewaso River from the Veranda of mt Banda |
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| Beautiful rock formations on both side of the Ewaso River |
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| Soothing water sounds smashing against the rocks was what rocked me to sleep and woke me up early morning |
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| the grass thatched Bandas constructed following the river bank |
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| That was a great site for a moment to think and put everything into perspective or maybe not? |
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| One of the Owls I saw flying from the fig tree |
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| standing at the next to the tree so you can have some idea of how huge the tree really is |
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| Another one of the owls whose made the 'Ol Gaboli' its home |
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| the combined lounge and dinning area |
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| Entrance to what was my Banda |
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| This trip I had decided to concentrate on the little guys |
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| I can not imagine what life would be like without this little guys!! Ants |
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| Special nights under the Moonlight |
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