Reviews of El Karama Lodge
Wildlife sightings and reviews
17 independent comments and wildlife information from our travellers who have visited El Karama Lodge and kindly agreed to share their thoughts. They do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa
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"El Karama Lodge review "
All my family talk about is when can we go back!
The staff are so kind and welcoming, the scenery here is absolutely stunning and our guide Robinson was amazing! My children absolutely adored him, especially our 7 year old. Robinson's knowledge of the conservancy and the wildlife that live here was unbelievable. Every drive was different and completely fascinating, he taught us so much! And we had so much fun. Clearly he loves his job and his enthusiasm for El Karama made our whole trip so special. One morning he spotted elephants on the hill in the far distance and drove us to the exact spot by the river where he knew they would cross. We sat and watched them walk down to the river to drink and play and then walk across the river right in front of our car! It was incredible.
Because guest numbers are limited here you have the wildlife all to yourself, rarely seeing another vehicle and the animals are so much more relaxed as a result, so sightings are really special.
The lodge itself is beautiful and the setting near the river is absolutely stunning. We saw giraffes, impalas, baboons and even elephants right by the lodge as they travelled down to the river to drink and to visit the salt lick by the pool. The cottages themselves are so beautiful and comfortable and the lodge is surrounded by stunning birds who visit the pool and the beautiful flowers around the lodges.
Our children loved the bush school, especially the fishing. The staff are all so wonderful with children, so kind and friendly, my son was really sad to leave and my whole family just keep asking when we can go back!
The food was fantastic, so delicious and fresh and every meal was beautifully presented by the friendly and attentive staff who looked after us. Every night we had sundowners in a different place and each was more beautiful than the last.
I'll never forget watching the sun rise over Mount Kenya as we had our morning coffee or the beautiful site near the river where we had our bush breakfast on New Years Day.
El karma came highly recommended and it did not disappoint. We loved every minute of our time there. 4 days did not seem enough.
Our stay here was absolutely magical and the highlight of the trip of a lifetime." See all these reviews: 6n in Kenya
Eland
2 sightings
Elephant
7 sightings
Giraffe
8 sightings
Hippo
3 sightings
Lion
4 sightings
Spotted Hyena
1 sighting
Striped Hyena
1 sighting
Zebra
8 sightings
"El Karama Lodge review"
Buffalo
Multiple sightings
Cheetah
Multiple sightings
Elephant
Multiple sightings
Giraffe
Multiple sightings
Lion
Multiple sightings
Spotted Hyena
Multiple sightings
Zebra
Multiple sightings
"El Karama Lodge review"
Giraffe
Multiple sightings
Hippo
Multiple sightings
Lion
1 sighting
Spotted Hyena
Multiple sightings
Zebra
Multiple sightings
"Fabulous stay at El Karama"
But a trip to El Karama is so much more than just the wildlife! Everything about the place has been put together thoughtfully. We stayed in a river cottage, which was certainly one of the most memorable hotel rooms that I have stayed in. The food was exceptional, not least the lunchtime salads which were so perfectly dressed with mint and dill. My dietary requirements were perfectly catered for.
The owner, Sophie, came round a few times to tell us about the place. A big highlight was the fly camping in a bell tent with a lovely bush dinner and drinks at the camp fire; Robinson ensured that we didn't run out of wine! The quality of service was exceptional throughout the stay." See all these reviews: 16n in Kenya
Buffalo
7 sightings
Cheetah
1 sighting
Eland
5 sightings
Elephant
1 sighting
Giraffe
10 sightings
Lion
2 sightings
Spotted Hyena
3 sightings
Zebra
10 sightings
"Best "surprise" of the trip"
Lovii, the manager, would not take no for an answer when we protested he was doing too much for us, and Andrew, our guide, was just the sweetest young man. Being young took nothing away from his expertise, however, and the highlight was his finding an aardwolf.
As is so often the case, the best birding could be done within the perimeter of camp. On my way up to the car to leave, I saw a Cardinal Quelea, a rare bird for this location." See all these reviews: 18n in Kenya
Buffalo
1 sighting
Eland
1 sighting
Elephant
Multiple sightings
Giraffe
Multiple sightings
Hippo
Multiple sightings
Zebra
Multiple sightings
"El-Karama, top marks"
Food was great even more so considering we had 2 vegetarians out of 5 - and Kenyan love their meat: always had options for us.
Our driver/guide Andrew was superb and possibly had super-powers (driving at night, pointing the spot light, seeing invisible things, giving us insights: all at the same time!).
There wasn't a thing we did not like, could not have been better." See all these reviews: 17n in Kenya
"El Karama"
Even though the owners were away while we were there, the service and hospitality were perfect. Birdlife was abundant, and it was interesting to encounter some different animals that you don't see further south (like gerenuk, Grevy's zebra and vulterine guinea fowl).
We even managed to get in our daily run, using the 1km track around the main farmhouse - not something you expect while on safari! This is a place we would love to go back to..." See all these reviews: 7n in Kenya
"El Karama ......better than excellent"
Murray, Sophie and the team have done an amazing job designing and building the lodge which thoroughly deserves its Silver ECO rating. This is topped by a professional, attentive and very kind staff team led well by Lovi.
On arrival Andrew met our taxi near the ranch boundary and made us very welcome. We met our first giraffe about 50 yards after we set off and then enjoyed a near full set of wildlife driving to the lodge......a superb start to a great 3 days / 4 nights at El Karama.
We were thoroughly briefed by Lovi and while we fully understand the need for a thorough safety briefing, perhaps mention of Buffalo incursions inside the wire might be minimized for young ears who may not understand the wider context.
Jason and I particularly appreciated the way the staff interacted with and encouraged Jack, particularly Andrew, Wanjala, Esther. and Robinson. Sophie had wisely suggested we managed Jack's expectations re his 'Save the Bushbuck' project. In the event Lovi kindly integrated the project in our programme without any prompting and Jack had a great time even though the original seedlings had not survived the drought.
The scene was set just before breakfast on Day 1 when the resident orphaned Bushbuck was seen browsing by our Rondeval.....and named 'Bushey' Then after lunch Wanjala took Jack to find and transplant some 5 natural bush seedlings close to the wire fence by the river. We then had a game drive and Andrew took us to the impressive new stone 'hide' by the dam, designed to protect trees from elephants. Andrew explained the need to replace the magnificent mature fever trees that were being 'drowned' in the dam. Jack then helped transplant a strong fever tree seedling to start the replacement process. While Esther has mentioned sending photos as the seedling matures, Jack has made several mentions of coming back to see progress for himself!
Joseph led our bush walk but this did not live up to expectations. It was a bit of a route march and most of the stops followed one of us asking Joseph a question. Perhaps I have been spoilt by the Porini guides who closely involve their guests in the natural world.
While I have no knowledge of what is involved in certifying guides, I wonder if there is merit in considering developing Andrew and perhaps Robinson, with a view to them becoming Bronze rated guides?
Finally, may I suggest that it would be helpful if there was a photo for each of the staff detailed on the website. We also noted that Esther is not currently listed and also Sophie is missing as Host? However, if space is limited, then perhaps at least a photo of Lovi could be added?" See all these reviews: 6n in Kenya
"East Africa Manager"
"El Karama Eco-Lodge"
Animal drives were pleasant outings with a skilled and friendly guide who helped introduce us to Kenya and its varied wildlife. We also visited the cattle ranch headquarters and were very impressed with the integration of the cattle operations and the safari activities.
Getting there by vehicle is a real challenge! The bumpy, dusty roads show rural Kenya as it is. However, arrriving at the camp makes it all worthwhile." See all these reviews: 10n in Kenya
"We loved El Karama"
The buildings, overlooking a river, are largely constructed from materials sourced on the ranch itself and blend into the landscape perfectly. We enjoyed a mixture of game walks and drives led by our excellent guide, Joseph, and eagle-eyed driver, Andrew, and were lucky enough, over a period of four days, to get perfect views of the sequence of animals feasting on a buffalo carcass - lions, jackals, vultures, tawny eagles etc. - among many wonderful wildlife sightings.
Every mealtime was a mini-safari with a variety of colourful birds waiting for the leftovers and a visiting genet ready to take advantage of any lapse in the waiter's security regime. This a refreshingly unpretentious place that offers an authentic, back to basics safari experience but with all the comfort and convenience you need." See all these reviews: 17n in Kenya
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