What to expect
Offering an immersive food experience like no other, guests will be side by side with world class chefs for five days, experiencing the Kenyan bush, its prolific wildlife and the spellbinding feeling of being absorbed in the surrounding savannah.
While the days can be as busy or slow as guests choose, the numerous activities include driving and walking safaris across the conservancy with expert local guides, cooking and cocktail masterclasses, art workshops, foraging expeditions, horse riding*, river fishing, tours of the farm and kitchen gardens and bush spa treatments*. When it's time to relax, there are two swimming pools in which to float while giraffes or elephant amble by.
As the sun melts into a golden dusk, sundowners and bitings (canapés) will be served in a number of different spots such as under the acacia tree looking out over the jaw-dropping vastness of the Laikipia plateau. Raise one of Nick's martinis to passing zebras. Guests will then gather around the communal table for a celebratory feast cooked by the guest chefs, and share stories of the day's adventures under twinkling candlelight and the heavenly star spray of the Kenyan night sky.
Drift off to sleep in one of the super comfortable thatch and canvas rooms, to the wonderful sounds of the Laikipia night and wake up to Val's favourite; the bush breakfast.
A note on the food: by inviting this calibre of chefs into new landscapes never previously travelled, the introduction of new ingredients inevitably results in the most exciting and collaborative cooking. Classical techniques may be coupled with tree tomatoes, ugali corn and local goat sizzling over wood smoke. Chefs imaginations run wild in such scenarios, and so truly unique menus are created.
*not included in the ticket price.
Why El Karama
With a way of life that’s a considerable far cry from the pampered western day to day, the dramatic landscapes of Laikipia, Kenya certainly offer up the visceral beauty and analogue setting that we seek. It is a land of adventure and stories while offering a myriad of activities and stunning open spaces as yet untarnished by modern sprawl.
El Karama Lodge and Wildlife Conservancy, in the foothills of Mt Kenya, with its open bush, rolling plains, winding river and stunning views is breathtaking. We chose it for its architecture and sympathetic position within the landscape. We were drawn to its self-sufficiency, its sustainable approach to cooking, its dairy farm and vegetable gardens, its artistic community and the passion and vision of its owners.
Incredible night skies are filled with the noises of nocturnal nature, the days hearing only the breeze and birdsong. This is the most fabulous place any guest could come to eat, make and reset. So come and let us look after you in this untamed Eden.
