posted 8th February 2025
The Magic of El Karama Lodge and a Taste of Childhood Memories
I met Sophie Grant at 3:13pm on the 2nd of July at the Experience Africa tradeshow in London. That was the moment that I decided to give Kenya another chance. I had last been to Kenya in 2008 but it was not a great experience. The highlight of our trip at that time was intended to be the Masaai Mara, but unfortunately there was a terrible drought and far too many 4x4 vehicles at animal sightings to make the experience an enjoyable one. As owner operator, Sophie was enthusiastic and believable in explaining that El Karama private conservancy offers 15,000 acres and near exclusive game viewing encounters. I was inspired hearing about the many different activities on offer and particularly the fly camping, bush school, busk kitchen, tracking and warrior games on offer, which would be ideal for my grandsons. When the stars then later collided by my winning a 4 night prize at Loisaba Tented Camp and Starbeds, I just knew that El Karama would need to be included in my itinerary.
We stayed in River Cottage, and I loved it! The terrace overlooking the stream with monkeys messing about and the sound of the water was so relaxing. The massage after our long journey by road from Pride Rock was one of the best I had ever had and our simple but excellent quality and delicious roast Chicken dinner with locally grown vegetables was just what we needed after the long day. Unfortunately night drives were not possible at Loisaba due to new Rhino's settling in, so we headed out just as soon as we could for a night drive under the stars. Throughout our 10 day trip, we never missed a single game drive and El Karama did not disappoint, in fact it was a highlight.
On our final game drive on departure day, we followed two gorgeous male lions. In a private conservancy, it is up to you to decide how long you would like to stop at a sighting and we did not have to make way for another vehicle of travellers to share the magic encounter. We were given a full tour of the estate which included the Shamba and felt privileged to have had a private viewing of Murray Grant's working studio. This is my amateur photo of the cast for one of his recent masterpieces. After our final game drive, we were surprised by being taken to a secret riverside location, where a full breakfast was waiting for us complete with Sophie waiting to join us, answer any final questions for my future clients and humbly thanked us for coming to see and experience the magic of El Karama first hand.
Just prior to departure, two ice-cold Stoneys Ginger Beers in the old-fashioned dark brown glass bottles that I remember so clearly from my childhood in South Africa, with ice and fresh lime, were delivered to our cottage while we completed our final packing (I mentioned to the team that it was my late dad's favourite soft drink). We were also sent off with the most delicious packed lunch—homemade Kenyan Indian stuffed chapati rolls—for our road trip back to Nairobi airport.
We will definitely be back and with my grandsons in tow!