This intimate eco-lodge is located on the equator at an altitude of 2,000 meters or 6,500 feet, delivering magical views of Mount Kenya, the Aberdares, and the Lolldaiga Hills. El Karama Lodge is situated on a private working ranch in the heart of Laikipia, a must-visit destination for those who want an air of exclusivity and a diverse Kenya safari experience far away from the crowds.

Recognized as a leader in sustainable and responsible tourism, El Karama is owner-run and hosted by a superb team of Kenyans, many of whom helped to build the lodge. You will enjoy warm hospitality, guided nature walks, and photographing wildlife from a rock hide. Guided game drives will give you an understanding of the working farm and reveal the area’s mammal species like lion, leopard, cheetah, elephant, buffalo, hippo, reticulated giraffe, rare Grevy’s zebra, the strange long-necked gerenuk, and much more. Twitchers will revel in the opportunity to tick off some of the over 420 recorded bird species like African finfoot, goliath heron, giant kingfisher, buff-crested bustard, and the unusual Temminck’s stint.

El Karama comprises family-friendly stone, thatch, and canvas cottages lovingly put together with natural materials found on the ranch. There are also comfortable safari tents located along a river away from the main lodge, where animals like giraffes, zebra, and even elephants can stroll by.

Highlights

• Owner-run eco-lodge on a private ranch
• Panoramic views of Mount Kenya, the Aberdares, and the Lolldaiga Hills
• Children’s activities like clay sculpting, painting, and fishing
• Walking safaris – the best way to see the 14 000-acre ranch
• See four of the Big 5 on game drives
• Exquisite meals prepared with fresh farm produce

Activities

• CHILDREN'S ACTIVITIES
• FLY CAMPING
• GAME DRIVES
• GUIDED WALKING SAFARIS
• BUSH DINING
• HIKING

This eco-friendly lodge is owner-run and managed with an emphasis on preserving the natural habitat of the wildlife in the area. It’s the perfect property for families as they offer daily kids programs: fun activities to learn about nature.

Rooms

Banda

These rustic cottages are built from stone, thatch, and canvas and are beautifully decorated. They provide spacious central rooms, seating areas, and private verandas overlooking the river. All these cottages are solar-powered and equipped with reading lamps and charging stations for cameras. Bathrooms are en suite and hot water is supplied via solar heating and wood-fire boosting.

Other rooms

Rondavel

This cottage is ideal for small groups or families who want to stay together. It features a large double bed, two single beds, and a comfortable sofa. The bathroom is built a step away for extra privacy and is equipped with a large stone bathtub and a shower with an open window that looks directly out onto the river.

Hobbit House

This is the largest of all the cottages at El Karama. It has a master bedroom, two treehouse floors with single beds for children over eight years, and a spacious lounge area. The bathroom is airy and river-facing, and there is enough space around the cottage for the kids to explore.

Little River Camp

Two luxurious cottages with spacious verandas are nestled right on the riverbank, away from the main lodge. They are designed to invite the natural world into your room, thanks to floor-to-ceiling windows that showcase the beautiful natural surroundings. A private dining room and bar offer quiet evenings away from the main lodge, ideal for families with children or honeymooners. The en suite bathrooms are very spacious and feature double vanities. One of these cottages boasts a romantic outdoor bathtub – listen to the distant calls of hyenas, lions, and elephants while you soak under the stars.

Facilities

El Karama’s beautiful main area - with a large fireplace, bar, and cozy reading nook - overlooks the Ewaso Nyiro River and a natural salt lick – perfect for an armchair safari. Thatched dining areas around the large swimming pool offer comfortable options for lunches, while the spacious dining room offers a more intimate atmosphere with gorgeous river views.

Dining

All meals at El Karama are homemade and about ninety percent of the ingredients are grown in the lodge’s organic garden. Expect hearty meals filled with flavor, fresh vegetables, and herbs. Rosemary breads are baked daily in a charcoal oven, as well as shortbread biscuits and cakes for tea time.