Elsa's Kopje is set in the untamed wilderness of Meru National Park. Named after the Elsa the lioness of 'Born Free' fame, the lodge is invisible to the eye as you approach the kopje. George Adamson's original campsite was located nearby. Because it is the only operational lodge in Meru National Park, Elsa's guests have the entire park to themselves. The lodge has a special licence to walk, fish and conduct night drives. The peak of Mughwango Hill where the lodge is located looks down over the park giving a full 360 degree view of the plains and volcanic landscape.
Each of the 9 individually built cottages is luxuriously appointed, designed to incorporate the natural features of the rocky hillside. The cottages are spacious and have double or twin beds, with en-suite bathrooms. There is an open bar area, lounge and dining room where guests can relax. The infinity pool overlooks the Meru plains.
Activities available here include game drives in 4-wheel drive vehicles, night game drives and guided bush walks. 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 also famous for its bird life. Day excursions can be taken to the Tana River and visits to the local Theraka village can be arranged.
Soft drinks, beer, house wines and non-luxury spirits are included. There is a limited laundry service.
Accolades and comments about Elsa's Kopje include:
- Best Development, CNBC International Property Awards 2008
- Recipient of Africa's 1st bronze eco-rating certificate from the Ecotourism Society of Kenya in 2003
- 101 Best Hotels - Tatler Travel Guide 2007
- 10 of the World's Coolest Pools - The Daily Telegraph 2005
- The 50 Best Honeymoons - The Independent, June 2001
Elsa's provides employment for local people and their guides are highly qualified with two of them having the impressive Silver Level KPSGA qualification. The lodge buys fresh produce from local farmers and has a close relationship with the 'Tharaka' people near the southern park boundary, selling their handicrafts in the lodge shop and financing a local school. Rubbish is responsibly disposed of or recycled and the lodge uses a minimum amount of energy and timber from renewable sources.
