El Karama Lodge – Family Safari & Sustainable Wilderness in Laikipia

As dawn breaks over the Laikipia Plateau, the silhouettes of giraffes stretch against a pink horizon while the Ewaso Nyiro River flows quietly nearby. At El Karama Lodge, the wilderness feels both intimate and vast. Built and run by the Grant family, this award-winning lodge blends barefoot luxury, conservation, and family hospitality. Here, children learn bushcraft, adults unwind in river-view bandas, and everyone shares the magic of Kenya’s wild heart.

El Karama is often combined with nearby conservation gems like Ol Pejeta Conservancy or Borana Lodge before continuing to the Masai Mara for the Great Migration or to the Kenyan coast for barefoot beach retreats.

For those seeking family-focused adventures, pair El Karama with the Kenya Bush & Beach Family Safari for a seamless itinerary.

Accommodation

El Karama offers just a handful of handcrafted cottages and private houses, making it ideal for families, couples, or small groups:

Stone & Thatch Bandas – traditional cottages with private verandas, ensuite bathrooms, and sweeping bush views.
The Hobbit House – a whimsical family cottage with two bedrooms and mezzanine lofts, perfect for children.
River Cottages – light-filled spaces for couples or small families, with riverside views and private lounges.
Nilotica Private House – an exclusive four-bedroom villa with its own pool, verandas, and private staff, designed for total privacy.

All rooms are powered by solar energy, built with local materials, and designed for comfort in harmony with nature.

Wildlife & Landscapes

El Karama’s private conservancy is a biodiversity hotspot with:

Over 80 mammal species, including lions, leopards, elephants, and endangered African wild dogs.
Rare species like Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, and Laikipia hartebeest.
More than 430 bird species, from colorful sunbirds to large raptors.
Diverse habitats—riverine forests, grasslands, escarpments, and woodlands—providing year-round wildlife viewing.

Many guests combine their Laikipia safari with Ngare Serian or Tangulia Mara Camp in the Masai Mara for a classic bush experience.

Activities & Experiences

At El Karama, safaris are tailored to all ages and interests:

Game Drives – Explore by 4×4, spotting predators and plains game. Night drives reveal porcupines, aardwolves, and leopards.
Guided Walking Safaris – Learn to track animals and discover the smaller wonders of the bush.
Fly-Camping – Sleep under the stars with just the sounds of nature around you.
Birdwatching – With over 400 species recorded, it’s a paradise for birders.
Bush School for Kids – Children learn tracking, cooking on fire, crafts, and conservation in fun, safe ways.
Organic Farm Visits – Discover the lodge’s kitchen gardens and sustainability projects.
Wellness & Relaxation – Massage therapies, yoga, and a pool designed for family fun.

If you’re looking to extend your safari, a journey north to Sarara Camp in Samburu offers a fascinating cultural and wilderness contrast.

Sustainability & Conservation

El Karama is a leader in eco-tourism:

100% solar powered with eco water systems and chemical-free pools.
Organic food grown in onsite gardens.
Waste reduction and recycling programs.
Conservation fees support El Karama Wildlife Conservancy, which protects habitats and supports community projects.
Educational partnerships and local employment ensure tourism directly benefits the region.

El Karama is featured in our collection of sustainable safari lodges in Kenya

Practical Information

Location: Laikipia Plateau, foothills of Mount Kenya.
Access by Air: Scheduled flights to Nanyuki (approx. 45 min from Nairobi), followed by 1–1.5 hrs transfer.
Access by Road: 4–5 hr drive from Nairobi.
Best Time to Visit: Year-round; wildlife viewing is excellent in all seasons.
Guests: Families, couples, and groups. Child-friendly facilities make it one of Kenya’s top family lodges.

El Karama is an ideal start to a Kenya safari and beach holiday linking the Laikipia wilderness with the coast at Alfajiri Villas Kinondo Kwetu or Manda Bay Hotel

Why Stay at El Karama Lodge?

Authentic, family-run safari lodge with a strong conservation ethos.
Unique family programs like the Bush School.
Exclusive-use Nilotica Private House for groups.
Wide range of wildlife including rare species.
Eco-friendly, sustainable, and community-centered.

El Karama Lodge Rates and Packages 2026

	Adult	Teens (13-18 yrs)	Child (4-12 yrs)
Peak Season Dec 15-Jan 15 , Feb 10-25 Oct 10-23, July 1- Aug 31	US$ 800	US$ 600	US$ 400
High Season Sept 1-15, Dec 1-14, Jan 16 -Feb 09, March 29- April 20, June 11-30	US$ 750	US$ 565	US$ 375
Secret Season Feb 26- March 28, April 21-30, June 1 -10 Sept 16 – Oct 9 , Nov 1-10	US$ 700	US$ 525	US$ 350