El Karama Lodge
El Karama Lodge is an intimate, owner-operated, award-winning lodge built by one of Africa's most gifted wildlife sculptors Murray Grant and hosted by a team of Kenyans, many of whom have long histories with the lodge. Specializing in sustainable travel, adventure and wildlife safaris, particularly suited to families and small groups who love the natural world and who care about their impact on this planet. The Bush Kitchen: The interactive barn-style kitchen and organic garden and farm set up ensures that farm to fork cooking classes are never far away and cookery courses happen annually. Look out in 2021 for our first internationally hosted cooking course! Winners of Kenya's Prestigious Eco Warrior Award for its commitment to environmental good practice and sustainability, this lodge contributes directly to conservation in Laikipia.
The perfect African safari destination with complete privacy in the wild. The lodge is located in the heart of a 14,000 acre private wildlife conservancy in Laikipia, Kenya's most diverse wildlife region. Home to several endemic and endangered species including the Grevy Zebra, Elephant, Buffalo, Lion, Leopard, Cheetah, Hippo, Aardwolf and many other mammals, birds, insects and plants. The views are far reaching, the landscapes incredibly beautiful and the experience unforgettable.
You will sleep in gorgeous airy cottages made of burnished river stone, carved fallen wood, thatch and canvas. The lodge has eight in total meaning complete privacy and intimacy throughout your whole experience here. Each cottage is unique and varies in size and feel. All except one are ensuite with large bath/showers made from black river stone and hand-crafted woodwork.
The Linens have a high quality thread count, with plush pillows, heavy hand-spun linen throws from local artisans the Rift Valley. Colours are muted, lots of creams, light greys, pale pinks and blues to make sure everything feels light and fresh.
All the cottages are lovingly put together and have 24 hour electricity (100 percent solar) for lighting and hot water, eco -friendly flushing toilets and bath/showers. We have tried to create a peaceful environment that connects you to the bush combining all the important home comforts without losing the magic of this wild space.
The lodge consists of the following accommodation:
Bandas (4) - Sleeps 2 guests in each, 3 are doubles and 1 is a twin.
The Rondavel (1) - Consists of ONE room with a double bed and two single beds, it has an outdoor bathroom approximately 2 meters away.
The Hobbit House (1) - Consists of one room with a double bed, an adjoining room with twin beds and 2 mezzanine levels each with a small single bed (mezzanine levels suitable for children only aged 7yrs and above), it has one shared bathroom
River Cottages (2) - Sleeps 2 guests in each, can be either a double or twin setup.
In all of the above we are able to add a camp bed for a child if required.
Guests have almost total freedom and privacy here: whether you like to walk, fly camp under the stars, game drive, night drive, track on foot with guides, fish, visit the working farm, pick your vegetables in our organic garden, have cooking lessons or engage with our wildlife conservation activities with the rangers, the El Karama Lodge team will make it all possible. Long stays are encouraged.
*Bush School for kids: activities to engage and educate young minds on safari so that parents can relax!*
*Guided walking activities including full day adventures ending at the waterfall or river*
*Game drives and Night Drives with wildlife friendly spotlights
*Wildlife viewing hide for photographers next to a large dam and wetland*
*Private fly camping experiences under the stars with open fire cooking*
*Fishing, Tracking, Farm visits*
*Interactive Wildlife, Birding and Conservation Activities*
*Farm to fork dining: visit the organic garden, orchard and working farm*
*Gorgeous high roofed, thatched dining rooms with open log fires making every meal an experience to remember*
*Open fire pits for moonlit cocktails and tall tales*
*Kenya's first eco-swimming pool with games room and cosy reading areas*
*The Bush Kitchen for Cooking Lessons for kids and adults*
*Wellness area for massage treatments*
Day Trips:
Reteti Elephant Sanctuary - A way up north there is a an incredible orphanage for young elephants. It's quite a long drive or a short helicopter trip, but definitely worth the trip.
Ride with the Mt Kenya Horse Patrol Team - Head up the mountain and spend the day patrolling the mountain on horseback. Only suitable for advanced riders.
