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Meru

Elsa's Kopje Lodge

A romantic retreat with superb views at the site where Elsa the lioness played in Meru.
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4.9 out of 5 stars   Average guest rating
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Our guests rate us excellent
4.9/5 (940 reviews)

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

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

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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

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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What our guests are saying

4.9 / 5
Based on 940 reviews
Hannah
Mar 2025 • 9 nights in South Africa
Everything went super smoothly and everyone was very helpful along the way!
Susan
Feb 2025 • 16 nights in Tanzania and Kenya
Annie was our travel consultant and she was excellent! She answered all questions in a timely manner and provided... Read more
Yuet
Feb 2025 • 6 nights in Tanzania
From her first email, Joana treated us as family. She asked thoughtful questions and offered responsive suggestions.... Read more
Guest
Feb 2025 • 11 nights in Tanzania
Jenna was great handling the lodging, and Bekim from Exito travel was great handling the flights. I would use... Read more
Ana
Feb 2025 • 12 nights in Tanzania
I mentioned this on the previous page.
Guest
Feb 2025 • 9 nights in Kenya
Annie Irankunda went to all lenghts and further to make my trip to Kenya lovely. She helped with all the things I... Read more
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