El Karama Eco Lodge

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 travelling 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.