Kitchen In The Wild

FAR-FLUNG ADVENTURES FOR THE CULINARY CURIOUS

Kitchen In The Wild is a series of hosted culinary events, taking place around the globe in wild and remote settings. Each event sees a small number of guests come together for five nights alongside respected chefs, artists and thinkers and bonds are created over the communal table.

Kitchen In The Wild invites guest chefs to cook from the surrounding natural larder, resulting in collaborative cooking that combines their influences with ingredients perhaps less known to them. Artists and makers teach guests their craft, drawing inspiration from the immediate landscape and wildlife. These analogue adventures champion expertise and learning as the new luxury.

TO BOOK CONTACT: rosanna@sophiarosetravel.com

TEL: +254704595462 (whatsapp)

Kitchen In The Wild - El Karama Lodge - Kenya

With a frisson of danger, prolific game wandering the savannah, and 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. Valentine Warner was drawn to the Lodge’s 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 be looked after in this untamed Eden.

Kitchen In The Wild

Event 1

El Karama, Laikipia, Kenya
10-15th October 2025
$12,000 per head

With guest chef Santiago Lastra

Mexican born Santiago has had a remarkable career to date, and it’s only just beginning. At his London restaurant KOL (ranked no17 on the World’s 50 Best list, the highest in the UK), he celebrates Mexican culture’s vibrancy and rich heritage through a contemporary lens. He uses produce meticulously sourced from around the British Isles and through unbridled curiosity and dedication blends them to perfect Michelin-starred effect. His travels around the world, both with Noma and his extensive pop-up series have never taken him to Africa so we are delighted to be able to create this unique collaboration.

Santiago joins host and chef Valentine Warner, bartender extraordinaire Nick Strangeway and internationally acclaimed animator and model maker Jim Parkyn (whose creations include Wallace and Gromit and Shaun the Sheep for Aardman Animations). Also joining the group will be a handful of experts from Laikipia, whose skills include wildlife and birds, foraging and conservation.

TO BOOK CONTACT: rosanna@sophiarosetravel.com

Event 2

Event 1

El Karama, Laikipia, Kenya
17-22nd October 2025
$12,000 per head

With guest chef Jackson Boxer

Prolific London chef and restaurateur Jackson has somewhat of a cult following. Opening a 10 seat counter at Brunswick House at just 23 years old, he now splits his time between Notting Hill’s Orasay, the much grown and loved Brunswick, Cowley Manor, Jackson Boxer at The Corner and most recently to open, Henri in Covent Garden.

Jackson is a talented and instinctual cook, full of natural and creative flair. Give him an ingredient and a myriad of tasty ideas will pour forth. His sleight of hand is just as happy near glowing embers as kitchen gadgets making him a highly adaptable chef so suited for Kenya. He’s great company too.

Jackson joins host and chef Valentine Warner, bartender extraordinaire Nick Strangeway and internationally acclaimed animator and model maker Jim Parkyn (whose creations include Wallace and Gromit and Shaun the Sheep for Aardman Animations). Also joining the group will be a handful of experts from Laikipia, whose skills include wildlife and birds, foraging and conservation.

TO BOOK CONTACT: rosanna@sophiarosetravel.com