ELSA‘S KOPJE
For many years Kenya’s best kept secret, the untamed wilderness of Meru National Park is best explored from its hidden jewel—Elsa’s Kopje. Made famous by the film ‘Born Free’ and George Adamson’s lions, the lodge is invisible to the eye as you approach the kopje. Each of the 9 individually built cottages are luxuriously appointed, and here you’ll find the ultimate ‘room with a view’.
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Elsa’s Kopje Camp Description
Elsa’s Kopje is a luxurious oasis in the wilds of Meru National Park. Elsa’s Kopje was named after Elsa the lioness made famous by George and Joy Adamson in the film ‘Born Free’, released into the wild here in Meru. The word Kopje means ‘small hill’. The lodge blends into the hillside of Mughwango Hill, site of George Adamson’s original camp. Meru is vast with arid, open plains dotted with Doum Palms and Baobab trees and lush vegetation along 13 rivers, like green ribbons, bisecting the Park.
The 9 stone and thatch guest cottages are crafted around the natural features of the hill. Paved paths, lit by lamps at night, lead from each cottage to the comfortable open bar, lounge and dining room. There is a sense of space, style and pure relaxation. The ultimate ‘pool with a view’ looks out across the plains, perfect for chilling out after a game drive or guided walk in the bush. Every cottage is uniquely designed. The generous double or twin beds are romantically swathed in netting. The bathrooms are sumptuous: showers or baths made out of stone, modern flush toilets, bidets and double basins.
One double cottage is set slightly apart from the others, ideal for families with children or a group. It has a double bedroom and a twin bedroom (bathrooms en-suite). Elsa’s Private House is set apart from the rest of the lodge, providing complete exclusivity and privacy. The house consists of one double bedroom with en-suite bathroom with a large bath-tub. There is a spacious twin room, with en-suite bathroom. The living area spills into your very own private swimming pool. The pool falls neatly into the horizon beyond the Meru plains. Elsa’s Private House provides guests with their very own piece of Kopje paradise. One of Kenya’s best pools with a view!
The atmosphere induces a feeling of peace thanks to a highly trained, unobtrusive team of staff and a skilled host who manages the lodge. Each cottage is attended by a butler who also waits on the guests at mealtimes.
Activities and Wildlife
At Elsa’s Kopje visitors will see a more diverse range of species than in any other Park or Reserve. Regular sightings include Beisa Oryx, Gerenuk, Elephant, Grevy’s Zebra, Reticulated Giraffe, Lesser Kudu, Grant’s Gazelle, Leopard, Lion, Cheetah, Rhino and the rare, elusive Greater Kudu. Meru is famous for its bird life, including riverine and forest species as well as the arid dry country species.
Activities include game drives in open-sided safari Land Rovers, driven by knowledgeable driver-guides, all members of the Kenya Professional Safari Guides Association. Guided walks are led by a Professional Safari Guide and accompanied by a Ranger.
Other attractions include bush breakfasts and sundowners and visits to the Tharaka tribal village on the Southern Boundary of the Park.
