Elsa's Kopje Lodge

A romantic retreat with superb views at the site where Elsa the lioness played in Meru.

Elsa’s Kopje is in the heart of the park, with 360-degree views of the Kenyan landscape. The staff are attentive, the accommodation is first-class and the food is so good it defies description.

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Jonty

Eve

Kristin

4.9 out of 5 stars Average guest rating

About Elsa's Kopje Lodge

Meru National Park is recognised as having a greater diversity of animal species than any other park in East Africa, so prepare yourself and your camera for large elephant herds, hippo, lion, caracal, reptiles, a rhino sanctuary and more than 400 species of birdlife. Elsa’s Kopje, named after the lioness made famous by George and Joy Adamson, is an unashamedly romantic and beautifully styled retreat set into a rocky hill above the site of George’s famous orphaned lion camp.

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From $540 person/night

Lodge

6 Rooms

Meru, Kenya

elsas kopje accommodation cottage one outdoor bath cmichael poliza 3

elsas kopje accommodation honeymoon cottage 1

elsas kopje accommodation honeymoon cottage 2 family cottage outdoor bath 41

What you'll love

The chance to spot some rarely-seen wildlife, including gerenuk, reticulated giraffe and Grevy's zebra. Oh, and did we mention dung beetles and naked mole rats?!

Insiders tip

For a few extra pennies, we highly recommend an upgrade to a honeymoon suite, regardless of your marital status! It's out of this world beautiful and perfect for anyone looking for extra serenity and privacy.

Something to think about

Meru might be a Big Five destination and whilst the rhino are easy enough to find, don't expect a lion or an elephant on every corner. Elsa's is special for its location, atmosphere and the rarities you'll find, rather than a tick-list of wildlife.

The property

As you approach the intriguingly spelled Mughwango Hill in the central Meru, you'd be forgiven for not noticing Elsa's Kopje until you were almost upon it, so cleverly has it been concealed between the boulders. Once inside however, you'll soon see why the lodge has been named by Good Safari Guide as the ‘Best Safari Property in Africa’. Superb meals are served in the communal area, and there's comfy seating for reading, chatting or playing chess.

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The rooms

Each of Elsa’s Kopje’s thatched, open-fronted cottages is unique and elegant, crafted around and even incorporating the craggy boulders. The accommodation is varied, with six en-suite cottages, a two-bedroomed family cottage, three honeymoon suites and a private house with en-suite master and second bedrooms, a dining and sitting room, a private garden and swimming pool. Each cottage has mosquito-netted beds, a deck and breathtaking views.

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Activities

Cultural

Game Drives

Bush Walks

Fishing safari

Take game drives and walking safaris with professional guides whose knowledge of the park is unrivalled. Pick up a rod and refreshments and settle on the palm-lined banks of one of Meru’s many rivers, then share your catfish, tilapia or barbel catch with the herons, monitor lizards and spectacular kingfishers. Enjoy an al fresco breakfast on the plains, surrounded by wildlife; or soak up the sunset with traditional safari sundowners. Visit the local Tharaka community, dip in the pool or relax at the spa.

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Positive impact

Elsa's Kopje Lodge is owned by Elewana collection which are rooted in the concept of harmony, as reflected in their Kiswahili-inspired name. Through the Land & Life Foundation, Elewana is dedicated to fostering the sustainable coexistence between communities and wildlife across East Africa. Shanga, an initiative under the foundation, empowers individuals with disabilities through artistic expression and economic opportunities, epitomising Elewana's commitment to authentic experiences and positive impact.

About Meru National Park

Meru

Step off the tourist track and straight into the magic of Meru for excellent lion & rhino sightings.

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Wildlife in Meru National Park

Elephant

Abundant

Giraffe

Occasional

Hippo

Abundant

Black Rhino

Rare

White Rhino

Rare

Lion

Abundant

Cheetah

Rare

Leopard

Occasional

Hyena

Occasional

Wildebeest

Occasional

Buffalo

Occasional

Zebra

Occasional

Warthog

Abundant

Wild Dog

None

Meerkat

None

Show all wildlife

Meru National Park is a beautiful region, made up of a variety of thorny bush, mixed savannah, open grasslands and the curious upside down baobab trees. Yet another Kenyan conservation success, this park is home to numerous species, including elephant, lion, leopard, cheetah, hippo, reticulated giraffe, Grevy's zebra, eland and of course the endangered black rhinoceros. Don't forget to look up in the Meru National Park, with 427 recorded bird species. Noteworthy is the rhino sanctuary home to both black and white rhino ensuring the future of this threatened species.

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