Covid Policy

Post-Covid Travel

The Ol Lentille Conservancy is at the very centre and heart of the Laikipia Ewaso Ecosystem, holding as it does the highest diversity of large mammal species of any site of its size in the world.

Large conservancies like Ol Lentille and its neighbours such as Loisaba, Borana, and Lewa also provide space where humans are not in conflict with nature, and where the biodiversity needed for the health of our planet can thrive. Sustainability was designed-in at Ol Lentille from its inception: e.g. all solar power and hot water, exceptional waste management, 90% of water consumed is captured rainfall.

Having funded and built The Sanctuary at Ol Lentille, its founders then donated it to the community. Between the lodge and its philanthropic arm the Ol Lentille Trust (ol-lentilletrust.org) some 55 people depend on the project for their livelihoods, and a further c. 10,000 are its beneficiaries.

As Ol Lentille strives to avoid donor-dependence, it is entirely dependent on tourism for its existence. We hope that our guests will return soon, safe in the knowledge that we have taken every known measure to ensure their safety.

Our situation could have been designed to handle a post-Covid world. First of all there is our exceptionally low bed density – 7 bedrooms in an area 3 times the size of Manhattan! Each of the 4 private houses at Ol Lentille is at least 200 metres away from every other. And the indoor public areas can be assigned to guests on a rota basis. There is no communal dining and no shared vehicle use. Of course, the entire property can very readily be taken over exclusively by one group or family.

In common with our neighbours in this landscape, Ol Lentille has implemented comprehensive and stringent health and safety measures for the post-Covid period. By this means we strive to ensure guests have not a moment of anxiety on these matters, and can enjoy to the full “Your Own Place in the African Wilderness”. Guests will gain a new understanding of what it means to be “green”, and appreciate the fact their stay will have contributed to the healing of the planet.

We set out these measures below. They are subject to change to comply with Government of Kenya regulations.

We require guests to have full AMREF cover or other adequate cover which allows for medical evacuation.

On Arrival

• Each guest will have their temperature taken and will provide contact and identification details, and details of their last destination
• Each guest will be required to wash or sanitize their hands
• We will sanitize all high touch surfaces of your luggage
• We will provide each guest with a sanitized pen for signing any documents.
• The wearing of face masks is a guest discretion subject to Government regulations
• We will not shake your hand, but you can be assured of a warm welcome

Vehicles

• Each group will have exclusive use of a vehicle
• Vehicles are washed with soap and water at regular intervals throughout the day
• All vehicle high touch surfaces are sanitized before and after use
• Hand sanitizer is available in vehicles for guest use
• Your guide will be wearing a face mask

Communal Areas

• Indoor communal areas can be assigned on a rota basis to different groups of guests if wished
• All communal areas are thoroughly cleaned at regular intervals throughout the day
• All high touch surfaces are sanitized frequently throughout the day
• Each group has its own exclusive sitting and dining areas at their own house

Dining Experience

• All food is prepared by certified food handlers in thoroughly cleaned kitchens or in the open air in a hygienic setting
• All high touch surfaces are sanitized before and after each use
• All food is served plated by your own staff or presented for your own service
• Only food handling staff are permitted to enter the Main Kitchen, ensuring it is a safe and clean environment
• Only guests and their personal staff enter the individual house kitchens
• All dining is private at your house or with the exclusive use of a number of other possible locations including outdoors

In Your House

• All rooms in each house are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected before arrival
• All high touch surfaces are sanitized at regular intervals
• Sanitizer is available in all bedrooms, and each bedroom and bathroom is sanitized twice a day

The Spa

• Both Spa therapists have been tested by the health service for Covid-19
• They follow strict hygiene rules before, during, and after treatments
• They will wear full-face visors
• Facials are not currently permitted under government regulations
• Spa equipment is sterilized between treatments
• Spa linen is replaced after each treatment

Staff

• All staff have been tested by the health service for Covid-19
• All staff temperatures are taken daily
• Any member of staff with an elevated temperature or other Covid-like symptoms is isolated and taken to the Kimanjo Sub-District Hospital, 5 miles distant.
• All staff receive regular, repeated Covid training on hygiene and preventive measures
• The staff canteen and kitchen follow the same hygiene and service protocols as the guest kitchens
• Our staff can wear gloves and a mask during service times if this makes our guests feel more comfortable.

Additional information

What happens if I develop Covid symptoms while staying at Ol Lentille?

If you develop any of the following symptoms:

• High temperature
• Coughing and sneezing
• Sore throat
• Headache
• Difficulty breathing
• Loss of or impairment to your sense of taste or smell

The management will take the following measures:

• You will be isolated in a pre-designated isolation room
• A doctor or nurse from Kimanjo Sub-District Hospital will visit the lodge, assess your condition, and contact The Ministry of Health and AMREF
• Government of Kenya procedures will then be followed
• Guides and rangers will not shake your hand but will give you a warm welcome
• Guides will be wearing face masks
• Guides and rangers will maintain social distance at all times consistent with guest safety and comfort
• A protective cloth will be provided if you are required to wear a helmet
• All equipment will be thoroughly sanitized before and after each use
• You may be required to wear gloves (eg. when mountain biking)
• You may be required to have your temperature taken
• Guides and rangers will not be sharing any equipment, please be sure to take your own photographs and bring your own binoculars