Elsa’s Kopje
Sculpted into Mughwango Hill in Kenya’s Meru National Park lies the unashamedly romantic and beautifully styled Elsa’s Kopje. This environmental award-winning, boutique lodge sits above the site of George Adamson’s original camp where he raised and released orphan lions, long before conservation became fashionable. Named after Elsa the lioness, made famous by Adamson’s biographical book and film “Born Free”, Elewana Elsa’s Kopje remains one of the most elegant lodges in Africa, located in one of the most spectacular settings. The lodge enjoys panoramic views over the Meru plains from almost any point within the grounds.
Accommodation comprises 6 Standard Cottages, 3 Honeymoon Cottages, 1 Family Cottage, as well as a Private House (which has its own private swimming pool). All accommodation offers the perfect “room-with-a-view”, and all are uniquely designed and crafted to incorporate the natural features of the rocky hillside. With only a handful of lodges and camps in and around Meru, Elsa’s guests have the luxury of enjoying the park almost entirely to themselves. Game drives and bush walks are a given, as are bush meals and sundowners. Guests also have the opportunity to fish in the Tana or Rojewero rivers for catfish, tilapia and barbell.
Why we like it here
Elsa’s Kopje is credited with single-handedly having rescued the Meru National Park from oblivion. It had suffered from little or no income from visitors, and was about to be de-gazetted and turned into rice plantations. Today, the park is one of the most beautiful in Africa, and apart from being home to plentiful lion, cheetah, leopard, elephant and rhino, it is known for its diversity of habitat and wildlife, including the rare and beautiful lesser Kudu.
The National Park incorporates an 84 km² rhino sanctuary, home to over 70 rhino, both black and white species.
Elsa’s Kopje won the “Best Safari Property in Africa” award.
All guides are certified by the Kenya Professional Safari Guides Association at Bronze or Silver level.
Things to be aware of
Morning and afternoon game drives are shared with other guests.
Each of the 6 en-suite cottages consists of a main bedroom, en-suite bathroom (some have outdoor baths) and private deck. Cottage 3 has a private sitting room rather than deck.
Two of the honeymoon suites have romantic outside baths, while the third has three levels featuring a private sitting room, main bedroom with en-suite bathroom, and a small private deck.