GUIDE ON EL KARAMA ECO LODGE IN KENYA

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El Karama Eco Lodge is every bit the ecofriendly lodge as its name suggests. Sited on a 14,000 acre ranch, it is a part of the Ewaso Nyiro River biosphere, which flows nearby. The property, located in central Laikipia in northern Kenya, is owned by a local community under the management of Sophie and Murray Grant. Their commitment to the flora and fauna of the ranch is evident in the way it is operated.

The entire lodge is constructed using locally available materials like rocks, tree trunks, mud and thatch melding beautifully to create a fascinating, value accommodation for AfricanMecca guests traveling in the wilderness of Laikipia.



You will be welcomed in the main lounge of the lodge, which is an ovalish structure warmed by a fireplace augmented with a comfortable seating space with sofas and cushions, dining area, bar and mini-library filled with exciting books that discourses about Laikipia and its many inhabitants. El Karama operates so as to leave a minimal footprint on its delicate ecosystem.

They use solar panels for heating water and generating power, LED lights are installed everywhere and traditional lanterns are used to provide additional light in the rooms at night. The water used for drinking is rain harvested that is later filtered for safe use. Choose from the 6 varied accommodations the lodge offers with a maximum of 18 guest beds, each structure delightfully unique from the rest. Each of the rooms is adorned in a simple, pastoral style that is comfortable and very inviting.



If you are a solo traveler or touring East Africa with a companion, you could stay over in the fused tented banda (four available), which has canvas walls with netted windows and a rollback entrance. The tent is sheltered under a thatch roof and bordered with a low-rock wall. The en-suite bathroom is to the rear and includes a sunken stone-lined bath. It also has a small patio outside with light furniture.

The rondavel banda is a more permanent structure compared to the tented bandas and is well suited for a family or friends of four vacationing in Laikipia. This banda also has an attached bathroom with the same amenities like in the tented banda. Household of six can opt for the multi-story Upstream Family Cottage, which includes a living room, dining area and a small kitchenette.



It has three bedrooms for guests, one of which is the main room with two others having twin beds each. Children will love the rough-hewn look of the two wooden stairways leading up to a higher floor reminding them of a tree house. The lodge serves you wholesome, home cooked meals in their dining area, but also al fresco meals in the surrounding bush with animals grazing in the distance and birds singing in the trees.

Enjoy dishes like homely meatballs and the yet romantic ambience of a fire to light your dinner. The bandas are all located close to the river and face a salt lick. You could spend time watching animals as they visit for the mineral supplements vital for their health. El Karama Ranch supports more than 370 species of birds and 80 species of mammals. You are likely to spot elephants, hippos and buffaloes as they visit the river to drink.



There are also rare Grevy's zebras, hartebeests, reticulated giraffes and predators like lions, cheetahs, hunting dogs and leopards. Your safari holiday in Kenya will be filled with exciting game drives and walks in the shrubbery accompanied by an expert naturalist.



You could also go exploring on domesticated ranch visits, bird watching or visit the homes of the local people for an experience of the rich Maasai and Samburu culture of Laikipia. Horse riding safari and camel trips can be organized via AfricanMecca with prior notice.

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