In the heart of Laikipia National Park
A truly authentic and hands on safari adventure for all the whole family
Location: El Karama Lodge is set within the vast 14,000-acre El Karama Ranch, an expansive cattle farm boasting breathtaking landscapes and abundant wildlife. Guests enjoy direct views of iconic landmarks, including Mt Kenya, the Aberdares, and the Lolldaiga Hills. This unique setting offers a peaceful retreat immersed in nature, perfect for those seeking an authentic safari experience away from the crowds.
Rooms: Accommodation at El Karama Lodge is thoughtfully designed to suit couples, families, and groups. The four Thatched Banda’s, built from stone and canvas, provide cosy and comfortable spaces ideal for couples or older children. Families can opt for the Rondavel Cottage, featuring a double bed, twin beds, and a sofa to accommodate groups wishing to stay together. The Hobbit House offers two bedrooms and privacy for up to six guests. For a more adventurous stay, the brand-new River Tents provide a stylish “glamping” experience with two-room safari tents located along the riverbank.
Amenities: All meals at El Karama are homemade, with 90% of ingredients sourced directly from the organic farm garden and locally supplied meat, ensuring fresh and wholesome dining. Guests can relax in the solar-powered eco-pool, which is chlorine- and salt-free, providing a refreshing and environmentally friendly way to cool off after a day of adventure.
Activities: El Karama offers a wide range of activities, including guided walks, birdwatching with specialists, game drives, night drives in custom vehicles, and photography from a rock hide. For the brave, overnight stays in unique tree tents within the bush are available. Children enjoy engaging experiences like farm visits, “Poo Safaris” tracking animal signs, and footprint plaster casting.
Sustainability: Committed to sustainable tourism, El Karama supports wildlife conservation and promotes eco-friendly practices throughout the ranch. The organic garden reduces food miles, while solar power minimises environmental impact. The lodge actively contributes to preserving the local ecosystem and fostering community engagement.
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Best places to stay in Laikipia
Laikipia Trip Inspiration
When to go to Kenya
Find out the best time to visit Kenya with our month by month guide.
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
January
January is a great time for wildlife viewing. The landscapes are lush and green after the 'short rains' and newborn animals can been seen. It is hot, but brief afternoon or evening showers cool things down, without compromising your safari. Over on the coast the sea is clear, making it ideal for diving and snorkelling, and the days are warm and bright.
February
February is an ideal time to visit Kenya, and great for game viewing. The landscapes are green and thriving thanks to the short rains, and newborn animals will be hopping around the plains. There maybe a few afternoon showers which are welcome in the heat, and don't impact on wildlife viewing. Water clarify is excellent at the moment, which is good news for watersports enthusiasts. And if you want to spot a whale shark, now is the time to try.
March
Still a good option for wildlife viewing and diving, although with the 'long rains' just around the corner, expect wetter and hotter weather.
April
April brings the start of the 'long rains' which means game reserves and national parks become muddy and harder to drive around. Over on the coast it's hot and wet, so it isn't the best time of year to travel. Some camps and lodges close during this period.
May
The 'long rains' continue into May, making park tracks difficult to navigate in the mud, and the coast very warm and wet. There will be less accommodation choice at this time as several lodges and camps during this period.
June
June is a beautiful time of year to visit Kenya, with the rains receding to just light showers, and the long dry season not far ahead. The high grasses can sometimes make it more of a challenge to spot game, but the landscapes are lush and some animals may begin arriving early for the migration. At altitude nights can be cool, but elsewhere the temperature is pleasant.
July
July marks the beginning of the great migration into the Masai Mara, and with warm and generally dry weather, this is a great time of year to visit. Days are sunny, skies are blue and there isn't too much dust around, so it's a great time for photography.
August
The migration is now in full swing in the Masai Mara, with lots of river crossing action, so if you want to see those massive herds of wildebeest and zebra, now is the time to come. Game viewing in general is excellent and it's one of the most popular times of year to visit, so some of the main parks do become crowded. Temperatures are warm and dry.
September
Game viewing continues to be excellent, and the weather is generally dry so this is another ideal month to visit Kenya's parks. The bush is less dense and as animals gather around waterholes and rivers it makes wildlife spotting much easier.
October
October is a great time if you want to avoid the crowds and don't mind the temperature slowly starting to rise. There may be a few short showers, but game viewing remains excellent with the end of the migration, and it's a good time to holiday anywhere in Kenya.
November
November heralds the start of the 'short rains' and with hotter temperatures some camps are closed. The Mara however is still open, and despite sometimes stormy skies, game viewing is still good. Fewer crowds and lower prices make this an attractive month to visit. Over on the coast water clarify is good for snorkelling and diving.
December
The 'short rains' are bringing the landscapes back to life, and as the plains start to become green again, wildlife viewing remains good, and it's a great time for birding. Some camps are closed (mainly in the north of Kenya) but many others remain open. The showers tend to fall in the afternoons and don't impact greatly on a safari. Take advantage of reduced visitor numbers and lower prices.
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Alistair
Ottilie
Tamara
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