Our Story – olmalo

A Legacy Rooted in Kenya

Ol Malo, founded and operated by the Francombe family, is a luxury lodge in Kenya rooted in five generations of aviators, philanthropists, conservationists and pioneers. Ol Malo offers adventures reflecting a deep connection to the land and local communities

Our History

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1914

Olga Watkins

Olga Watkins played a notable role in Kenya’s history, particularly in advancing women’s rights and public service. Widowed shortly after marrying a soldier-settler farmer, she later worked in British intelligence, became a farmer, and remarried a senior government official. She went on to become the first woman elected to the Nairobi City Council, where she championed improved housing for African communities.

A mother of three, coffee farmer, and representative of small-scale coffee growers, Olga was later elected to the Kenya Legislative Council. There, she helped secure the appointment of Kenya’s first Director of Women’s Education and became a leading advocate for African women.

1952

The Francombe aviators

Colin’s father ‘Wing Commander Francombe’ flew in Kenya for War efforts. He established the Kenya Police airwing and was the first pilot to fly a British Monarch, flying the late Queen Elizabeth out of Kenya when she recived the news of her father the King’s death whilst she was on honeymoon at Treetops.

Pictured right the crew who flew the late queen out of Nyeri. He told a story of wrapping Elizabeth in Newspapers to keep her warm during the flight as the plane had no insulation, and of how he told his family he could’t make the weekend plans by dropping a sock with a note out of the window of the plane for Colin (before the times of phones!)

1963

The start of the Ranching

Colin Francombe moved to Laikipia, where he has now resided for over 50 years, to begin a career in cattle ranching. He managed famous author and conservationist Kuki Gallmann’s ranch for 23 years.

1989

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Colin Requested by the late Richard Leakey to assist in the smooth running of Kenya’s first ivory burn which took place in July 1989, where 12 tonnes of seized ivory were symbolically destroyed by then-President Daniel arap Moi. This event was a landmark moment in global efforts to combat poaching and the illegal ivory trade. The burn aimed to send a message about the devastating impact of poaching on Kenya’s elephant population and to reduce the market for ivory.

1991

The beginning of Ol Malo Lodge

Colin and Rocky Francombe purchased 5,000 acres of land in Laikipia and began to build Ol Malo Lodge by hand while living in tents on the property.

It took a number of years to build the 4 rooms in the lodge, the were built organically as funds would allow with a lot of thought and care into the building process

2000

The Samburu Trust Started

A non-profit organization founded by Julia Francombe (middle child to Colin and Rocky ) in response to a devastating regional drought. Based primarily in Samburuland and the North Laikipia areas of northern Kenya, the trust works to protect indigenous lands, wildlife, and cultural heritage.

The trust partners with the private sector, notably the Ol Malo Ranch, to fund and operate programs on the ground. Donate here

2003

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2005

Ol Malo House

6 bedroom property built. This took 2 years to build, the house was built as an addition to the lodge 4 bedroom property, but in order to maintain a small and personal style of hosting the property was added a distance alway along the escarpment as an independent property.

Both properties welcome guests with equal access to adventures on the ranch. We still remain the smallest and most unique property in Laikipia

2006

Recognition of the Samburu Trust efforts

For her efforts with the Samburu trust and people, Julia Francombe was awarded the 2006 Humanitarian Rose Award for Social Entrepreneurship, bestowed by The People’s Princess Charitable Trust.

2011

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2014

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2018

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2023

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Anne & Speedy join the team (Anne eldest daughter to Rocky & Colin) Oscar their eldest son joins and starts helicopter training

2024

Increased conservation efforts in Kenya’s northern rift valley and lake turkana area by Ol Malo / Kenya Choppers. Funds generated through tourism to support rural communities and the creation of South Island Trust and Kampi Andrew on Lake Turkana.

2026

Conservation efforts recognised by UNESCO

First ‘tagged’ fish re-caught around South Island National park and highest number of successful crocodile hatchings on the island since extra conservation efforts initiated with Kenya Choppers and Ol Malo funding.