El Karama Lodge

Location: El Karama Lodge is set in the heart of the 14,000-acre El Karama Conservancy in Laikipia, northern Kenya - a region known for its conservation innovation, diverse landscapes, and low-impact, high-quality safaris. The lodge sits beside the Ewaso Nyiro River, surrounded by bushland, open plains, rocky outcrops, and gently rolling hills. It’s a working cattle ranch as well as a thriving wildlife conservancy, with everything from elephants and lions to endangered species like Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, and wild dog roaming freely. It’s private, family-owned, and feels like a true hidden gem - somewhere you can disconnect, breathe, and really settle into nature.

Rooms: Accommodation at El Karama is refreshingly unique - a collection of creatively designed cottages and tents built with natural materials, each with its own character and sense of place. There are riverside cottages for couples, family units with bunk beds and space to spread out, and the incredibly fun Hobbit House - built into a hillside with curved doors and grass roofs, a real hit with younger guests. All rooms are en-suite, with solar-heated showers, hand-carved furniture, and lovely views of the bush or river. It’s rustic, but intentionally so - full of charm, warmth, and honest comfort. This is somewhere that feels handcrafted and genuinely homely.

Amenities: El Karama isn’t about high-gloss luxury - it’s about thoughtful, sustainable comfort and connection to nature. The central lodge has a relaxed lounge and open-air dining space, plus a farm-to-table kitchen serving fresh, homegrown food - most of it sourced directly from the lodge’s organic garden, free-range chickens, and dairy cows. There’s a saltwater pool with loungers and shaded spots, a small bush spa offering massages, and a purpose-built kids’ bush school and playground. The team are wonderful - welcoming, passionate, and great with both adults and children. It’s the kind of place that quietly exceeds expectations through its warmth and attention to detail.

Activities: There’s a wide range of experiences at El Karama, and the flexibility of a private conservancy means you can explore it all at your own pace. Game drives deliver excellent wildlife sightings, with a focus on conservation and learning rather than box-ticking. Guided bush walks are a real highlight, offering close encounters with tracks, plants, and smaller creatures. Families can enjoy nature-based kids’ activities, animal tracking, and cooking in the bush school. For something different, there’s catch-and-release fishing, farm visits, or sleep-outs under the stars. Everything is designed to be immersive, educational, and genuinely fun - especially for families looking to engage their children in the natural world.

Sustainability: El Karama is a leader in responsible tourism and conservation. The lodge is fully solar-powered, uses rainwater harvesting and greywater recycling, and produces most of its food on-site using regenerative farming methods. It’s built almost entirely from recycled or natural materials, and every detail - from biodegradable cleaning products to plastic-free practices - reflects a deep respect for the environment. Importantly, El Karama also supports local livelihoods through employment, training, and community outreach. Conservation here is part of daily life, and guests are invited to be part of that story - whether by learning about anti-poaching work or simply by staying and supporting the model.