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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.
From $540 person/night
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?!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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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