El Karama Lodge is an intimate, family-owned, award-winning safari lodge and adventure experience located on a 15,000 acre private wildlife conservancy in the foothills of Mount Kenya.

El Karama Wildlife Conservancy is located in the foothills of Mount Kenya, in the heart of one of Kenya’s most beautiful wildlife areas: the Laikipia Region. With 15,000 acres of private land and views of over 200,000 acres, El Karama is one of Laikipia’s most magical habitats. 

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El Karama offers a home-grown African safari destination with high levels of privacy and tailor-made adventure for small groups, families and couples.

Offering a range of accommodation options giving our guests the opportunity to completely immerse themselves in nature, lead by passionate and experienced guides and local Kenyan hosts. 

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Nilotica Private House – Exclusive Use: 5- 10 pax – Private Vehicle

The Hobbit House -Family Cottage -3-6 pax – Private Vehicle

The River Cottages (two)- Exclusive use: Couples or a Small Family – 4 pax – Private Vehicle

The Bandas (three) – Couples or Singles – 6 pax total – Shared Vehicle

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Nilotica Private House

Our brand new, exclusive use private camp is named after the indigenous tree specie “Acacia Nilotica’, which we are passionately regenerating here inside the conservancy as part of our positive impact initiatives.

This is our most beautiful creation yet: located adjacent to Main Lodge, this exclusive use area offers luxury, privacy and big views of this landscape and wildlife at close quarters.

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Nilotica is river facing and boasts 4 separate cottages sleeping up to 10 pax, comfortably, the house is perfect for private groups or families looking for that extra level of privacy and comfort.  The heart of the camp is the active water hole and salt lick that attracts wildlife all through the day.

 

Sit by the pool watching Elephant and Giraffe come to water.  With flexible indoor and outdoor living, open fire cooking, a fire pit for cocktails and star gazing and plenty of space to wander between rooms and enjoy the natural surroundings.

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Features:

• Cottage 1: The Family Suite: two large inter-connecting bedrooms sleeping ideally two adults and up to four children with a shared ensuite bathroom with shower and toilet, this large cottage also has a gorgeous outdoor bathroom with a shower, toilet and sink combination for overflow use!

• Cottage 2: one large double or twin bedroom cottage with an ensuite bathroom with shower and toilet, a  beautiful  private veranda and outdoor swinging chairs overlooking the river

• Cottage 3: one large double or twin bedroom with exceptional views of the waterhole and river – good proximity to the pool and pool house 

• Cottage 4: our most private cottage: a large double or twin bedroom, ensuite bathroom with his and hers sinks, shower and toilet and water hole and river views

• Communal areas: Breakfast deck on raised decking under thatch for early morning chai and serene bird watching, journal writing or meals for smaller groups.  Wrap around stone verandas and decking connecting each area.  Private, chemical-free pool with big views over the river and salt lick/water hole with wildlife, spacious central bathroom nearby with extra shower and a large Pool house with a bar, dining room and comfortable sofas next to the fireplace for cocktails, reading and board games

• Outdoor sandy fire pit cocktails and star gazing by the open fire for evenings

• Private team of staff including Chef, Waiter and Room Steward

• Private Game drive car and Guide

• Private Wifi throughout

• Access to all Main Lodge amenities including: Bush Spa, Bush Gym, Running Track, Bush School for Kids, Shamba and Cooking experiences, Shop and Beading area

 

A serene extension area and exclusive use part of our lodge made up of two large twin or double cottages and a private dining and living room and kitchen. Ideal for friends/couples travelling together who are looking for a bit of extra privacy or for families with teens who want to be more independent.  With a friendly distance between the two bedroom cottages,  but bringing the group together in the communal dining area, outdoor sandy fire pit and bar, this very private part of the camp is charming and comfortable.  Private wifi throughout for your convenience.  This system, as with all wifi,can be switched off at source should you want to digitally detox during your stay.

Designed to bring the beauty of the natural world right to your bed; these luxurious rooms have large windows stretching the length of the walls and high ceilings to give you plenty of space and light. Each room has the option of double, twin or even triple beds available, both have a large writing desk, plenty of atmospheric lighting and the choice of a bath or a shower. Bathrooms are spacious, contemporary in design, with his and hers sinks and plenty of privacy. One of the cottages also has a stunning outdoor bathtub made from river stones and cool grey cement for extra special evenings under the stars.

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Only a short stroll from the main camp and swimming pool, you are very much still part of the family, but at River Camp our guests have exclusivity and the space to retreat at the key times of day to catch up on a book or with one another.

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All our rooms throughout our Lodge have complimentary shampoo, conditioner, body wash, body lotion and hand soap for your use.  These are natural, paraben-free products made from local herbs by a small, family-owned business in our area!

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The Hobbit House​

This cottage, which is part of the main lodge, is perfect for families, sleeping up to six in two bedrooms and two mezzanine floors each with a single bed set up perfect for teens.

 The master bedroom has a large double bed fit for a king, two tree house floors with single beds for children over 10 years and a living area with a sofa, armchairs and writing desk. 

The second bedroom is smaller and ideal for young children: with two twin beds (can be made into a double) and a round glass window for game viewing. The shared bathroom is large, with a romantic, river-facing bush bath with a romantic window looking onto the wildlife and birds outside and a spacious separate shower. There is a lot of additional space around this cottage for kids to run and explore, a swinging chair under the shade of a Nilotica tree for reading and snoozing and a table and chairs for early morning Chai and journalling. 

Should you want to take your evening meal here we can set up the fire pit and dining tables under the stars for you anytime.

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The Bandas​

All three of our lodge bandas have an airy, spacious central room with a comfy double bed (or two twins), large windows for wild views, a seating area with a small table for writing, furniture for storing/hanging clothes and an ensuite bathroom with flushing toilets and a large stone bath (and overhead shower) that you can sink into after a long day out. Each Banda has its own private veranda for reading, early morning coffee and star gazing. All three of our charming bandas have swinging chairs, over looking the river and salt licks beyond where wildlife abound.

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Located centrally and nearest to the large river-facing dining room, these bandas are ideal for couples, friends or families wishing to stay near to one another.

El Karama offers a home-grown African safari destination with high levels of privacy and tailor-made adventure for small groups, families and couples.

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Food is our passion and with a beautiful organic garden on site, an airy barn style Bush Kitchen to visit and even our very own cook book, our guests will not go hungry here!  With fresh organic fruit and vegetables, meat and milk all from the land, we are at your disposal when it comes to hearty, healthy fare.  Any special dietary needs our guests may require including Gluten Free, Vegan, Vegetarian meals are all available here. 

The Lodge team hosts Wellness Retreats all year round with various practitioners from around the world.  We also have a small Bush Spa, where our team can offer relaxing massage and rejuvenating body treatments using organic essential oils made in our region. Why not check in to the spa while the children are in Bush School and reset your mind and body on safari.  We also have a small tented Bush Gym with 2 exercise bikes, full kettle bell and weights sets and yoga mats and blocks for self practice.  Our new Running Track of 800 m is located inside our fence line and offers active guests the chance to test their fitness at our altitude.

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Should guests wish to invite a licensed Pilates or Yoga Instructor from the local area – this is possible but we need some advance warning to make it happen.  

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Our pool is chemical free, copper based and fresh water so perfect for cold plunging in the early mornings before the sun comes out if that is your thing!

What is a Typical Day on Safari
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The answer to that is: there is no typical day here at El Karama Lodge. Your guide will build a tailor-made experience with you day to day depending on wildlife reports, weather, your personal interests and levels of energy. Most of our clients like to go out near dawn until breakfast time, head back into camp during the heat of the day for pool, massage, ping pong, boules or reading. A fresh, hearty lunch with a view whether in camp or picnicking by the river with fishing rods and your binoculars. The afternoons are usually time to catch up on a book, a work out and a nap, then out again from 430 pm until dark to explore on foot, on horseback or in the cars. Supper and fireside bitings following a century old tradition and the option to night drive with a spotlight for those who want to.
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Have a read below to find out more about all the ways we can make your day work for you…

While relaxation is an absolute priority at El Karama Lodge, you will also find no end of activities to inspire and energise you. Whether you’re on foot, horseback, wheels or lying down by the pool, we’ve a long list of things to do that will make your memories of this safari that much richer and more colourful. If you have any questions or would like to know more about exactly what’s on offer, please do get in touch.

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Photography

​El Karama is known as being one of the most picturesque private conservancies in Kenya. It is a haven for photographers and in addition to the wider variety of mammals and birds here, El Karama has a stunning landscape to offer. With direct views of Mount Kenya, the Aberdares and the Lolldaiga Hills the light and colour changes over the seasons are mesmerising. The lodge has a hidden rock hide for photographers at the central Murera Dam and salt licks dotted around the 15,000 acres. Other photographic opportunities exist from view points, other dams and riverine areas, salt licks in front of the main parts of the lodge that attract wildlife. Our guides understand photographers and have been trained in working with them including for getting shots, positioning of vehicles and flexible hours and tailor-made outings. For serious photographers on a mission, we recommend our exclusive use charge for a vehicle. Please ask for this at the primary reservation point to avoid disappointment. In high season our vehicles get busy. All our game drive vehicles are open on the sides and are covered with canvas overhead for sun protection. The hiluxes have closed cabs with back windows or roof hatches and the two land cruisers have open cabs and collapsible windscreens. We have no more than 4 cars out at one time from lodge ensuring truly wild and private sightings.

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Walking Safaris

​Walking safaris are one of the most interactive and engaging ways to see El Karama Wildlife Conservancy. We love to get out on foot exploring, nothing quite compares to this for connecting with the bush and understanding this unique eco system. All our experienced guides are KPSGA rated, but more importantly they know the landscape like the back of their hand and their passion is infectious! They will show you all creatures small and large, focusing on tracks, insects and flowers as well as scanning and incorporating crucial wildlife monitoring exercises for the more interactive guests. Whether you like to walk for a few hours or half a day, just let us know.

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Driving Safaris

This is a surefire way to see wildlife on El Karama. Our vehicles offer the best possible game viewing; they have open sides and a canvas top for sun protection. If you’re a photographer this is the only way to go. We like to strip things down to the bare essentials so that you can smell, hear and see the wildlife you’re watching. The hiluxes have closed cabs with back windows or roof hatches and the two brand new converted land cruiser game viewers used with Nilotica Private have open cabs and collapsible windscreens. Best times? Early starts and afternoon/evening outings are usually most productive, but check with your guides as each season brings its own surprises. Our inclusive package offers two main outings per day, whether walking, driving or on horseback. Should you wish to have more vehicle use including for day trips, we have separate charges in place.

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Night Drives

Because this is a private property night drives are always possible (weather permitting) and can yield really exciting sightings of Aardvark, White-tailed mongoose, Bush babies and predators like Leopard and Serval. The guides have wildlife friendly spotlights and know all the best spots for chances of the more unusual sightings.

Fly Camping

​Enjoy the freedom to walk and to camp under the stars. Nothing quite compares to falling asleep by an open fire listening to the sounds of elephant browsing in the distance or hyena calling to one another over the water.

Our fly camping set up is fun and designed for minimal impact on our environment. We offer a combination of fly camping options: Our amazing Tentsile Tree tents, which give you the feeling you are sleeping on air, albeit with a bit of rolling around! Our Canvas Bell Tents for cooler seasons and our epic North Kenya see through mozzie dome tents perfect for the hot dry seasons.

Fly camping meals are cooked on an open fire and are designed for cosiness and comfort. Think hot cinnamon rolls cooked on charcoal when you wake up and fire grilled steak and roast sweet potatoes from the shamba, softening in the embers at night! A simple and authentic experience. The bar is fully stocked and bitings roll out regularly! For families we bring out the footballs, boules and marshmallows too.

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All fly camps are hosted by a guide and manned by an armed ranger/s at night while guests are sleeping for additional safety. Children must be accompanied by an adult in their party in order to fly camp, we cannot accept children under 18 without parental supervision for this activity no matter how tempting it is to let your children run loose!

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Horse Riding

​A wonderful offering for experienced riders only (this means confidence when cantering and galloping) and led by a third party based just over the boundary. These working partners are equine experts with 6 bush savvy horses. Riding over this exceptional terrain over 15,000 acres requires high levels of competence so this is the only one of our activities that is limited to experienced equedstrians.

Guests can choose from 3 hour morning rides with a breakfast to full day rides and over night bivouac experiences.

This activity must be booked well in advance to avoid disappointment as it is done by a third party and not guaranteed. This activity carries a separate charge and is not included in our main offering. To book agents or guests must fill out a questionnaire and return it to the reservations office in order for us to confirm the riding. If this is not done, riding will not be available.

Designed for small groups of riders, 2-6 pax (85kg weight limit), this is one of the most incredible ways to experience El Karama Wildlife Conservancy. Guests will be asked to adhere to the rules of the ride for their own safety and must fill out a separate indemnity before riding. Helmets are a must: these and chaps are provided by the equine partners unless experienced riders prefer to bring their own.

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The horses are medium-sized bush horses, savvy to the eco system and animals. They are strong and hardy and led by two experienced equine guides at the stables just a 25-minute game drive away!

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Fishing

​Fishing here is the traditional way, with hand lines for catfish. Guests can learn this traditional method from our guides who grew up doing this. Patience is a virtue and with some time spent at the river, the luggas and dams most guests can emerge with a few catfish to catch and release. If you are an experienced fisherman and are particular about rods and equipment, we suggest you come with your own kit to avoid disappointment. We do have spinner rods and reels for children, but they are simple and basic to make it easy for the children to use. The fishing is always weather dependent, when waters are high in flood fishing is not accessible due to safety and a lack of catchable fish when the water is high and fast.

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For an even more thrilling and diverse fishing experience we can offer fly fishing on Mount Kenya via Heli-Safaris or even a combo with Lake Turkana by air and land, just ask at the point of booking and we can quote for these incredible adventures! Lift off first thing in the morning from the lodge and land on one of Mount Kenya’s high altitude lakes, fish for some monster trout and head back for a game drive a few hours later. For the North Kenya adventures, it’s a little further afield but get in touch and we can share more about our itineraries.

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​Bush Meals

​Eating under the stars in the evening by a fire in the bush or under a Boscia tree while Reticulated Giraffe browse nearby, is one of the most memorable experiences. Guests who stay 3 nights or more can experience at a bush breakfast and bush dinner, weather permitting. Please note, when camp is busy these may not be private for smaller groups but combined where needed.

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The Farm

The property that you are visiting is also a successful working ranch supporting cattle and sheep. For over 50 years this conservancy has produced high quality breeding stock for Kenya and the wider East African region, whilst protecting wildlife and habitat through a form of holistic management. There is also a small herd producing fresh milk in a calf-friendly dairy for commercial sale to local entrepreneurs in our area. The ranch prides itself of being an innovator and has pioneered holistic grazing and moveable bomas in this area, which allows for regenerative land use. Guests may visit the ranch HQ, the cattle and herdsmen and can see some of the farming activities taking place: milking, calving and cattle inspections. This is extremely popular for families and groups interested in seeing more of the working ranch and we are delighted to be able to share it with you.​

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Notes for Families:

We welcome families and children here in the lodge. The design of our lodge, with two exclusive use parts (Nilotica Private and River Cottages ) and dedicated rooms built for families means we can offer full privacy and flexibility to families creating quiet spaces for those who do not have children and freedom and informality for those who do.

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The best rooms for families would be Nilotica Private House and the Hobbit House. Both options offer space, flexibility and interconnecting rooms for parents and children to enjoy their stay together. River Camp with two separate cottages and a private dining room in between with wifi is ideal for parents with teens or traveling adult friends, giving just the right amount of distance between the rooms! All these rooming options have private wifi available for guests to use, but we can – with a the click of a switch – turn the wifi off at source for families who intend to digitally detox together. As always, our aim to be as flexible as possible in what we offer here. Of course we recommend life in the bush without connection to the outside world!

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Mealtimes are flexible in our lodge for children and specialised menu choices can be offered if your children are particular or indeed have any special dietary requirements. Please make sure any important notes are shared when you book and do also mention preferences when you receive your briefing so that we can do all we can to make the menus up for those needs. All our meat is pasture fed and locally sourced. We take the more expensive, but essential route sourcing our chicken, pork and beef from local producers who put animal and landscape welfare over pure profit (just like us). Our sheep and lamb are reared here on the property and the milk is from our own cows at the little calf-friendly dairy. Should families want an early mealtime and early bed for their children, we can organise for a member of staff to sit by the room with a radio so that adults can have a meal whilst they sleep.

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Vehicles in both exclusive use parts of the camp are private and for families with children over 5 pax we allocate a private vehicle.

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Our lodge has baby cots/camp beds with mosquito nets and also baby high chairs too.

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Activities and timings can be tailor-made for families so that children and parents get the most out of their stay. Bush School for Kids operates every day between 10am and 1230 meaning children are busy for that part of the day with our team and parents can relax. Please note our team are not qualified child carers and outside of these hours we ask that parents always accompany their children around camp.

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This is a low risk zone for malaria so recommended for all family adventures! For family-friendly combos, just get in touch and we can help plan the rest of your itinerary to fit with these needs : reservations@elkaramalodge.com.

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As Lodge owners we live on the property with our children and know how important welcoming children into nature is for every family and for the future. We do our best to make it special and with our own in-house children’ books, games, welcome packs and challenges, this lodge is most definitely geared towards kids!

RATES IN USD

EXCLUSIVE USE (min. $20,000 | $27,000 (Christmas Season) | 46 guests | Additional
3 nights) Guests – $350 per head.

Conservancy Fees:

Manda Bay lies within a wildlife conservancy on Manda Island. The Conservancy Fees contribute to the ongoing rehabilitation and growth of the wildlife conservancy’s land and marine based projects for guests to enjoy during their stay.

Rooming Information
Manda Bay has 11 Beachfront Rooms, 5 Palm Rooms and 6 Garden Rooms.
The 6 Garden Rooms are simple in style and designed for children to make family travel more affordable.

Ages

Children under 5yrs stay for free.
Children pricing applies for ages 5- 12 years old.
Adult pricing apply for those 13 years of age and above.

Check In/Out Times

Check-In: 12PM / Check-Out: 10AM

Minimum Stays
We require a 2 night minimum stay throughout the year.
Over Christmas Season a 5 night minimum stay is required.

All-Inclusive Supplement

Included: House Wines & Spirits, One Lamu Boat Trip with Local Guide and Museum Entrance Fee, Water Sports, and Snorkelling.
Excluded: All Fishing, Dhow Excursions, Cellar Wines, Premium Spirits & Cocktails.

*The All-Inclusive Supplement can be added to any guests stay in advance and is non-commissionable.

SEASONS

CHRISTMAS SEASON: 21st DECEMBER – 4th JANUARY

REST OF THE YEAR: 5th  JANUARY – 20th DECEMBER

MANDA BAY STANDARD RATES 2025

Included

√ Accommodation

√ All meals during your stay

√ Desalinated drinking water

√ Airstrip transfers from Lamu Airport

√ Use of the swimming pool

√ Use of Games Room activities

√ Use of yoga room

√ Kayaking, Sailing, Windsurfing, SUP boarding Laundry and WiFi

Excluded

× All drinks from the bar, including bottled water

× Conservancy Fees

× Deep sea fishing

× Motorised activities

× Snorkelling

× Spa treatments

× Archaeological site visits

× Guide fees for Lamu and museum entrance fees Scenic flights and charters

EXTRA COSTS

WATER SPORTS
Water skiing – $80 per session 30 mins.
Banana ride / Tubing – $80 per session 30 mins.
Sailing / Windsurfing instruction – $30 per hour
Snorkelling Fees: $20 per person

LAMU EXCURSIONS
Lamu museum entrance – $10 per person
Lamu guide fee – $20 per group
Boat trip to Lamu & Shela – $250

BOAT TRANSFERS (per boat)
Manda Bay to Turtle nests – $200 (April – August)
Manda Bay to Kipungani – $300
Manda Bay to Kiwayu – $600

Note : These fees are not static and subject to change.
Extra Costs and Conservancy Fees are non-commissionable.
All rates are inclusive of government taxes and levies.

FISHING (per boat)
Deep sea Fishing half day (6 hours) – $650
Deep sea Fishing full day (10 hours) – $1,000
Deep sea Fishing overnight (24 hours) – $2,400
Inshore Fishing (fly /cast) – $120 per hour
Bottom Fishing – $55 per hour.

EXTRAS
Turtle hatchings fee – $20 per person (April – August)
Spa treatments (by prior arrangement or on request) – Approx. $80+ per hour
Dhow cruise – between $200 – $400 (prior arrangement needed)
Late Departure – $65 per person
Extra Meals – $65 per person ($30 per child 5-12 yrs)
Guide /Captain accommodation rate: $160