Booking FAQs

Find answers to common booking, reservation and rates questions
What are your 2025/26 rates?

Our rate card is accessible here.

How can I book my stay at Ol Gaboli?

Reservations are made through our team at reservations@olgaboli.com. You can also request to book via our online system, we will review your booking and confirm within 24 hours.

What is included in my stay?

You can see what is included in your stay on our rates page.

Do you offer a residents rate?

Yes, we strongly encourage domestic tourism at Ol Gaboli. You can see our current rates on our rates page.

What is the cancellation policy at Ol Gaboli?

Please use our reservation system or contact us for the specific cancellation policy for your chosen dates. Typically stays are refundable until 21 days before arrival. A 20% deposit is required if booking more than 31 days before arrival, after that 100% is required. No booking is confirmed until we have done so in writing.

Are vehicles included in my stay?

Ol Gaboli does not have safari vehicles included in your stay. You must either self-drive or ask us to arrange your transport. Operating this way enables us to offer some of the most affordable rates in Laikipia while still offering a luxury lodge. Our guides and rangers can accompany you in your vehicle on safari, and subject to your insurance, can drive your vehicle if desired.

Do you have a minimum stay?

We strongly encourage you to stay for a minimum of two nights to make the most of Ol Gaboli. Stays of less than two nights are subject to availability, please contact us.

During peak season (Christmas and New Year), we have a minimum stay of five nights.

Do you offer special rates for volunteers?

Currently we don't offer special rates for volunteers.

What's the difference between booking on Airbnb and direct?

We use Airbnb to market Ol Gaboli. From time to time you may see different prices on Airbnb to the rates offered direct. This is because Airbnb charges additional fees to both the host and the guest that we don't always have visibility of. If you're ever in doubt, please contact reservations@olgboli.com

Do I need special travel insurance to stay at Ol Gaboli?

Yes, medical evacuation cover is required for all guests. We strongly encourage all international guests to take out additional cover to your travel insurance. You can find out more here.

Good to Know

Questions you might not have thought to ask, but are good to consider
Is there internet at Ol Gaboli?

Yes. We have a Starlink connection that offers super fast internet speeds. We have recently installed WiFi in all of our bandas, and will give you the choice of having the connection on or off at check in.

Cellular coverage by Safaricom and Airtel is not available at the lodge, but where required we can drive you to the nearest available signal.

Will we see black leopard?

Ol Gaboli is within the range of Laikipia's famous black leopards and guests are often fortunate to see them during their stay. However, we can't promise that you will see them. Photography guests who are particularly keen to see the black leopard often combine a stay at Ol Gaboli with a stay at Laikipia Wilderness Camp.

Are vehicles included in my stay?

Ol Gaboli does not have safari vehicles included in your stay. You must either self-drive or ask us to arrange your transport. Operating this way enables us to offer some of the most affordable rates in Laikipia while still offering a luxury lodge. Our guides and rangers can accompany you in your vehicle on safari, and subject to your insurance, can drive your vehicle if desired.

What is the climate like at Ol Gaboli?

We experience warm days and cool nights at Ol Gaboli. During the day temperatures normally sit between the mid twenties and mid thirties, while the nights are in the mid teens.

Kenya experiences two rainy seasons. At Ol Gaboli this results in a period of short sharp rains during April and May, November experiences a shorter period of rains. For those who are more regular guests, these periods provide exciting variation: the arid bush is transformed into lush vegetation, and the river rises with the water from the Mt Kenya basin.

For occasional guests, we advise travelling outside of these times to experience more reliable sunshine and easier game viewing.

What is Ol Gaboli's approach to tipping?

Tipping is always welcome at Ol Gaboli, but firmly at the discretion of our guests. We encourage a standardised approach to tipping: $15USD per person, per night. We can help you make payment of this in KES or USD at the end of your stay. Cash is not required for tips.

Can you help plan a wider itinerary?

Non-resident guests typically stay at Ol Gaboli as part of a broader trip to Kenya or East Africa. We're always happy to offer suggestions or review itineraries to make sure you're making the most of your time away.

For those staying in Kenya, we particularly recommend pairing Ol Gaboli with a trip to the coast. Lamu offers a historic Swahili trading archipelago characterised by it's Arab architecture. Moving down the coast, Watamu and Malinidi are vibrant coastal resort towns with hotels and holiday homes. Below them is Kilifi, known for it's larger homes and beautiful creek. South of Mombassa, you'll find Diani and Msambweni.

Getting to Ol Gaboli

Getting around Kenya can seem daunting, but is often straightforward
How far is Ol Gaboli from Nairobi and Nanyuki?

Ol Gaboli is approximately 70km from Nanyuki (1.5-2hrs) and 270km from Nairobi (4.5-5hrs). The route from Nairobi to Nanyuki (200km) is of good highway quality, with the remaining 70km drive to camp on relatively well maintained roads. There's excellent safari viewing in the last hour or so before the camp, so keep your eyes peeled! A 4x4 is required for comfort and better wildlife viewing. Directions from Nanyuki are available here.

Can you help with transfers to Ol Gaboli?

We can arrange competitive transfers to and fro Ol Gaboli from all major Kenyan cities with our transfer partner. Contact us for a quote.

Can I self-drive at Ol Gaboli?

Self-drive is encouraged at Ol Gaboli so long as your vehicle is a 4x4. To keep you safe and get the most out of your game drives, you will need to be accompanied by a ranger and a guide.

I'd like to self-drive, can you hire a vehicle?

We personally love the adventure of a self-drive safari, and have arranged special rates for our guests with our self-drive partner. They can drop and pick up a vehicle from anywhere in Nairobi. Learn more here.

Can I fly direct to Ol Gaboli?

Live your Out of Africa dreams by flying into Ol Gaboli! We have an airstrip 5km from the lodge, where we will pick you up from. Message us on reservations@olgaboli.com for more information