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Live the 'Born Free' story at this beautiful boutique lodge in the heart of Elsa the lioness country.
Rugged and unspoilt Meru is the historic home of Elsa the lioness, whose story was made famous by the film 'Born Free'. Opened by Virginia McKenna in 1999, the eco-friendly Elewana Elsa's Kopje is sculpted into the hill above George Adamson's campsite – the place where he raised and released orphaned lions. It's one of only a few lodges in this lovely park, which was once nearly turned into rice plantations due to its lack of visitors, and as such offers secluded wildlife viewing, with the guides knowing every corner of this diverse habitat. Game drives are in open-sided Land cruisers. Try to spot rare species including the lesser kudu and the aardwolf, as well as diverse birdlife.
Why we love Elsa's Kopje
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Elewana Elsa's Kopje helped protect Meru National Park and, through its association with the Born Free Foundation, has pioneered conservation in the region
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With spacious cottages and romantic suites, this is a great option for both families and honeymooners
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Meru is a birdwatcher's paradise with over 400 species identified across its diverse habitats
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The vehicles used for game drives are equipped with photographic stands and charging points for cameras
Rooms
Stunning open-fronted stone cottages have thatched roofs and glorious views over the Meru plains. Each is named after one of the park’s rivers and has a bedroom, en suite bathroom (some with outdoor bath) and a private deck or sitting area. For honeymooners there are three stunning suites, and there’s also a private house with two en suite bedrooms and its own swimming pool, ideal for families or groups of friends travelling together.
There are six cottages, two of which can accommodate an extra bed for children under the age of 16. With the exception of Cottage 3, each has a private deck or veranda.
- en suite bathroom
- private deck or veranda
The Family Cottages have two en suite bedrooms and a spacious lounge and deck area with views across the park.
- double bedroom with en suite and outside bath
- twin room with en suite
- living room
- private deck
There are three Honeymoon Suites, two of which have romantic outside baths. One suite spreads over three levels with a private sitting room, en suite bedroom and a small private deck.
- en suite bedroom
- outside bath (in two of the suites)
- private sitting room (in one of the suites)
Facilities
Dining is typically outdoors at individual tables, and there’s a focus on fresh north Italian dishes, with salads and herbs straight from the lodge’s organic garden and home-made bread baked in the outdoor pizza oven. There’s also an open-air bar and an infinity pool with views over the Meru plains. Little extras include afternoon tea with home-made cake, and pre-dinner canapés served in the bar.
What's Included
Full Board • Breakfast, lunch and dinner • Game drives • Bush picnics • Sundowners • Guided bushwalks • Airstrip transfers • Laundry • Soft drinks, beer, house wine and selected spirits.
Surrounded by nature, unwind with a massage.
As well as game drives, guests can get closer to nature with a guided bush walk. Those who climb Mughwango Hill will be rewarded with incredible views across to Mount Kenya and the Meru plains. Within Meru National Park, there is a sanctuary set up to protect both black and white rhinos. A popular day out is to take a picnic lunch to enjoy on the banks of the Tana River.
Until Elewana Elsa's Kopje opened over 20 years ago, Meru National Park was going to be divided into rice plantations. The opening of the lodge brought in much needed income and as a result the park and its wildlife was saved. The lodge has been Gold Eco-Rated by Eco Tourism Kenya.
Cottage 3 has a private sitting room rather than a deck.
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Sunday: Closed