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El Karama is a cozy and authentic wildlife lodge that offers a range of tailor-made safaris and activities on a private conservancy in Laikipia. You can choose from game drives, walking safaris, horse riding, fishing, bush school and more, while staying in comfortable and spacious cottages that overlook the Ewaso Nyiro river. El Karama is also a working cattle ranch and a family home, where you can experience the warm hospitality and passion of the owners and staff. El Karama is located on a 14,000-acre conservancy and ranch in the heart of Laikipia, one of Kenya’s most diverse and wildlife-rich regions. The lodge is situated on the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro river, which attracts a variety of animals and birds. The conservancy is home to over 80 mammal species, including elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs, giraffes, zebras and antelopes. The conservancy is also part of the Ewaso Lions project, which works to protect and conserve lions and other predators in the area. The lodge’s style is inspired by the natural surroundings and the local culture. The lodge consists of several cottages that are built with local materials such as stone, wood and thatch. The cottages are spacious, cozy and colourful, with en-suite bathrooms, fireplaces and verandas. The cottages are decorated with African fabrics, artworks and sculptures made by the owner Murray Grant, who is a renowned wildlife artist. The lodge also has a main dining area, a lounge, a library, a swimming pool and a spa.
Sustainability
El Karama is committed to sustainability in every aspect of its operation. The lodge uses solar power for electricity and hot water, rainwater harvesting for irrigation, organic products for food and toiletries, recycled materials for furniture and decoration. The lodge also supports local communities and conservation projects through donations, education and volunteering. The lodge employs local staff and guides who share their knowledge and love for their land. The lodge also educates its guests and staff about sustainability and environmental stewardship.
El Karama is not only a place to enjoy nature, but also a place to learn from it and protect it. The lodge offers a variety of educational and cultural activities that aim to raise awareness and appreciation of Laikipia’s natural and cultural heritage. Guests can participate in talks, workshops, documentaries and games that cover topics such as ecology, history, astronomy and indigenous culture. The lodge also hosts bush school for children, where they can learn about wildlife, plants, tracking and survival skills. The lodge also works with local suppliers and partners who benefit from the tourism income.
Rooms
Rooms The lodge has 10 cottages that cater to different needs and preferences. Whether you’re looking for a romantic retreat for two, a family-friendly abode for four or a group-friendly house for eight, you’ll find it here. All cottages have heaters, storage space and free WiFi. Some cottages also have fireplaces, bathtubs and outdoor showers.
Food and drink
The lodge has a dining area where you can enjoy delicious and varied meals with other guests in a friendly and social atmosphere. The food is fresh, healthy and seasonal, with a focus on local and organic ingredients. The food is also adapted to different dietary requirements such as vegetarian, vegan or gluten-free. The lodge also has a lounge where you can relax with a drink after a day of adventure, while listening to music or playing games.
Things to do
There’s no shortage of things to do at El Karama. You can choose from a range of tailor-made safaris and activities that suit your interests and fitness level. You can go on game drives to see elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs and more; walking safaris to explore the bush on foot and learn about the smaller creatures; horse riding to enjoy the scenery from a different perspective; fishing to catch catfish or tilapia in the river; bush school to educate and entertain the kids; fly-camping to sleep under the stars in a remote location; heli-safaris to fly over Mount Kenya or Lake Turkana; or custom-made programs that let you design your own itinerary. You can also join one of the many educational and cultural activities offered by the lodge or relax at the pool or the spa.
Wider region
Laikipia is a vast and diverse region that spans across central Kenya. It offers some of the most spectacular landscapes and wildlife in the country, from mountains and valleys to rivers and forests. You can explore different parts of Laikipia by car, plane or helicopter, depending on your time and budget. Some of the highlights include Mount Kenya, the second highest mountain in Africa; Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that hosts endangered species such as rhinos and Grevy’s zebras; Ol Pejeta Conservancy, the largest black rhino sanctuary in East Africa and home to the last two northern white rhinos in the world; Samburu National Reserve, where you can see unique animals such as gerenuks, oryxes and Somali ostriches; Loisaba Conservancy, where you can experience star beds and camel safaris; and Il Ngwesi Community Conservancy, where you can interact with the Maasai people and learn about their culture.
Kids
El Karama welcomes kids of all ages. The lodge provides cots upon request and has family-friendly cottages with extra beds or bunk beds. The lodge also has board games, books and toys for kids to enjoy. The lodge’s safaris and activities are suitable for kids over 6 years old, with some exceptions depending on the difficulty level. The lodge’s guides and staff are trained to work with kids and make their stay fun and memorable.
Getting there
El Karama is located about 200 km from Nairobi airport and 40 km from Nanyuki airport. You can take a flight or a private transfer to the lodge, which takes about 45 minutes from Nairobi or 15 minutes from Nanyuki. If you’re driving, the lodge offers free parking on site.
- Solar powered or renewable energy
- Employs local people
- Local or organic food
- Education
- Nature
- Luxury
- Wildlife
- Rural
- Spa
- Pool
- Wifi
- Family
- Lodge
- Photography
- Yoga
- Safari
