Elsa’s Kopje

Location: Elsa’s Kopje sits high on Mughwango Hill in Meru National Park, a wild and often-overlooked corner of northern Kenya. It’s a breathtaking location, with sweeping views over the savannah and forest below, and an incredible sense of peace and space. The camp is built around the site where George Adamson raised and released orphaned lions - including the famous Elsa of Born Free - and it’s a place with a real sense of history and connection to conservation. Meru itself is diverse, dramatic, and uncrowded, with everything from riverine forests and kopjes to open plains and swamps, making for varied game viewing without the crowds of the better-known parks.

Rooms: The lodge has just a handful of individually designed cottages, built into the rocky hillside to maximise privacy and make the most of the views. Each open-fronted suite is a blend of stone, wood, and thatch, with wide verandas, enormous beds, and bathrooms carved around the natural rock. There’s also a honeymoon suite with an outdoor bath and panoramic outlook, and a two-bedroom private house ideal for families or small groups. The style is elegant but earthy, with a timeless feel - this is somewhere that doesn’t try too hard, but gets all the important details right. It’s romantic, atmospheric, and wonderfully remote.

Amenities: Elsa’s Kopje is understated and luxurious in equal measure. The main lodge has a beautiful infinity pool built into the rocks, a cosy open-air lounge, and a dining area that serves superb meals with ingredients sourced locally or from the kitchen garden. The team here are experienced, discreet, and genuinely welcoming - the kind of service that makes you feel completely at home. There’s a small massage room for post-safari relaxation, and Wi-Fi in the main area if you want it, though the views tend to steal the attention. Everything is open to the landscape, and it’s the kind of place where time slows down in the best possible way.

Activities: Meru is one of Kenya’s best-kept secrets when it comes to safaris, and staying at Elsa’s Kopje puts you right in the heart of it. Game drives explore a wide range of habitats - from doum palm forests and acacia woodland to open plains and rivers - with a chance to see elephants, lions, leopards, and large herds of buffalo, as well as rarer species like lesser kudu and caracal. The park is home to a substantial rhino sanctuary, so sightings of both black and white rhino are possible. Guided walks, cultural visits to nearby communities, and bush breakfasts or sundowners are all part of the experience. It's a safari that feels quietly adventurous and deeply connected to its surroundings.

Sustainability: Elsa’s Kopje is operated by Elewana and plays a vital role in supporting the continued success of Meru National Park. The lodge helps fund anti-poaching efforts, wildlife monitoring, and community initiatives through park fees and partnerships with conservation bodies. It’s built with natural materials and designed to blend seamlessly into the landscape, leaving as little impact as possible. Solar power is used throughout, and the team are committed to reducing waste and supporting local producers. Most importantly, by choosing to stay here, guests are helping to sustain one of Kenya’s most significant conservation stories - the transformation of Meru from a forgotten park to a thriving wildlife haven.