Our Review

El Karama Lodge

Sleeps
Resort
Laikipia
,
Kenya
Type
Rooms
Cabins
Location
Laikipia
Kenya
Hot air balloon floating across savannah with the great Wildebeest migration below
overview

El Karama Lodge is an intimate, owner-operated safari lodge nestled in the foothills of Mount Kenya within a privately protected 14,000-acre wildlife conservancy and offering sweeping views across 200,000 acres of the Ewaso ecosystem. Created by wildlife sculptor Murray Grant and his wife, Sophie, the lodge provides a soulful adventure and connection with nature.

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Ben Nelson
Founder

About

Built with deep commitment to conservation and sustainability, El Karama blends eco-lodge design with artisanal aesthetics, using local materials like stone, thatch, and carved wood. Operated by the founding family and their Kenyan team, this award-winning lodge places a strong emphasis on community collaboration, rewilding the conservancy, and delivering heartfelt hospitality.

Rooms

Home to only eight unique cottages—including the Hobbit House family unit, river-facing cottages, and cosy bandas—each space is handcrafted for comfort and immersion. Inside, you’ll discover en-suite bathrooms with river-stone baths or outdoor showers, private verandas for nature viewing, and décor that merges natural textures with thoughtful artistry. The exclusive-use Nilotica Private House accommodates groups up to ten.

Dining

Dining is a farm-to-table delight, with organic produce harvested from the lodge’s gardens, dairy, and locally sourced ingredients. Meals are enjoyed in the breezy, barn-style bush kitchen or by the pool, with menus showing warmth and creativity while accommodating diet preferences—from vegetarian to gluten-free. The atmosphere is convivial, personal, and deeply connected to place.

Activity

El Karama offers a rich array of activities for adventurers and relaxation seekers alike: guided game drives, horseback riding, walking safaris, fly-care camping, camel rides, night drives, and artisanal retreats. Guests can also engage in conservation experiences and wellness offerings—think bush-spa treatments, yoga, a gym, and even a cold-plunge eco-pool powered by solar energy.

In Bullets
  • El Karama Lodge is a safari retreat on a 14,000-acre private conservancy in Laikipia with views of Mount Kenya.
  • The lodge is eco-conscious, built with local stone, thatch, and wood, and rooted in community, sustainability, and rewilding.
  • There are just eight handcrafted cottages, including family units and bandas, plus the exclusive-use Nilotica Private House.
  • Rooms feature river-stone baths, outdoor showers, private verandas, and artisanal décor blending comfort with creativity.
  • Dining is farm-to-table, with organic produce from the lodge’s gardens and menus tailored to dietary needs.
  • Activities include game drives, walking safaris, horseback riding, camel treks, fly-camping, and night drives.
  • Guests can also enjoy wellness and conservation experiences, from yoga and bush-spa treatments to eco-pool plunges.
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El Karama Lodge

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