El Karama Eco Lodge
Laikipia, Northern Kenya, Kenya
At a Glance
Eco-friendly, owner run wildlife sanctuary in Laikipia, overlooking Mount Kenya
Ideal for families with customized activities for all ages and a real “home away from home” feel
Twice daily safari activities in 14,000 acres of private land
Enjoy delicious home-grown food from the gardens
Go behind the scenes on eco-lodge tours and visit the working cattle ranch
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Best time to Visit
Good time to visit
Average time to visit
The Laikipia Plateau has a fantastic climate for much for the year with warm and settled temperatures throughout July and October with cooler conditions at night. The only time to avoid the region is during the long rainy season in April and May as well as November which sees the short rains. During these wet months, the majority of camps and lodges in the area close as roads are impassable and wildlife is harder to spot through the thick vegetation.
Insider's View
Spot rare Grevy's zebra, reticulated giraffe and gerenuk on a game drive.
Enjoy spectacular views over the Laikipia Plateau to the Aberdare Mountains.
Learn more about day-to-day life on a working Kenyan cattle ranch.
Call us on 858 345 1761 to start planning your vacation to El Karama Eco Lodge or take a look at our itineraries to Kenya
Description
El Karama Eco Lodge offers an exciting safari on a working cattle ranch. Family-run, it offers a first-class experience and great value for money. El Karama is ideal for families with a whole host of activities to keep even the most active enthralled.
El Karama Eco Lodge’s ethos is for a home away from home in Kenya and they achieve it by the bucket load being family owned and operated by the Grant family. Situated in the heart of Kenya’s spectacularly scenic Laikipia Plateau, El Karama is located on a 14,000 acre cattle ranch which is a haven for wildlife and nearly 400 species of bird. As the name suggests, the lodge has strong ecological credentials having won Kenya's Eco Warrior Award by Eco Tourism Kenya and been highly commended in the category of Best Ecologically Responsible Property in Kenya by the Safari Awards.
El Karama offers an intimate safari stay with accommodation across just four bandas which are ideal for couples, a rondavel which can sleep up to four people, and a family cottage accommodating up to six people and two river cottages perfect for couples or older families traveling together. The rooms have a rustic feel with the majority of building materials coming from natural sources on the ranch. All rooms are en-suite except for the rondavel, which has a private bathroom just outside. All of the communal areas have been designed to take advantage of the natural beauty of the region with views over to the Aberdares and Ewaso Nyiro river.
El Karama is welcoming to all, but is particularly well-suited to families with a low malaria risk and a huge range of activities on offer including bush walks, game drives, night drives, farm visits and bird watching as well as child-oriented activities. With a jogging track for runners and a games area with fitness equipment, guests will find it easy to stay fit while they are away. For food lovers, an interactive lodge kitchen is available for baking lessons. Additional activities available in the area are camel riding, horse riding and rhino-tracking.
The ranch itself is home to over 75 species including reticulated giraffe, Grevy’s zebra and gerenuk which are endemic to the Laikipia region as well as big game such a lion, leopard and elephant. In terms of relaxation there is a pool which to fit with the ecological focus of the lodge is completely free of chemicals; the first of its kind in the region and very welcome so close to the equator.
Experiences
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Activities at El Karama
El Karama is a private 14,000 acre reserve with no other properties making this a true wilderness location. Guests staying on the reserve have the freedom to enjoy a wide number of activities which are included throughout the stay.
Vacation Ideas
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Expedition in Kenya
Nairobi, Laikipia & Maasai Mara.
from $8500 pp 10 nights
- Fully immerse yourself in the wilderness of northern Kenya as you explore this region on foot and on camel-back. No Wi-fi. No phones. Just you and the astonishing wildlife.
- For us, guides can make or break a safari. You will have a combination of local Samburu tribes and expertly trained guides to enhance your experience throughout your adventure.
- Lose yourself in Laikipia, a playground for adventure seekers. As well as walking through the wilderness, you’ll have the opportunity to experience rock climbing, camel riding and wild swimming.
Location & directions
Laikipia, Northern Kenya, Kenya
- 24/7 concierge service
- 24/7 emergency assistance
- Firsthand knowledge
- Renowned service
- Award-winning tour operator