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Elsa’s Kopje
from $440 Per person sharing/Per night

 

Located in Kenya, Meru National Park

Meru National Park is approximately 870km² and incorporates a recently extended rhino sanctuary of 84km², making it the one of the best locations in Kenya to view Black and White rhino in their natural habitat. Guests will enjoy a traditional and exclusive safari experience, viewing the famous Big 5 – lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo, leopard – as well as other African wildlife such as cheetah, wild dog, hippo, waterbuck, eland and bush pig. The park is most popular for its incredible diversity of natural habitats and rare wildlife species.


SAFARI EXPERIENCE at Elsa's Kopje

As Elsa’s is the only fully operating lodge in Meru, our guests have virtually the entire park to themselves to explore the true wilderness of Africa and enjoy an authentic safari experience! It is possible to pass through savannah, woodlands, wetlands, as well as palm and riverine forests in a single game drive. Meru National Park is home to the famous Big 5 – lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo and leopard – as well as rare species specific to northern Kenya such as Grevy’s zebra, gerenuk, Somali ostrich, reticulated giraffe, lesser kudu and greater kudu, as well as caracal and more than 350 bird species. Read more

WILDLIFE CONSERVATION & SOCIAL UPLIFTMENT

In partnership with Open Africa for sustainable tourism

Elsa’s Kopje has played a crucial role in the conservation of Meru National Park, a conservation area that covers 1 500 km². Meru National Park is one of the oldest conservation areas in East Africa, established in 1967. It flourished in the 70’s, and the park was made famous by the Born Free book and film franchise which told the touching, true-life tale of Elsa the lioness. However, in the 80’s economic disaster struck Kenya, leaving wildlife vulnerable to poaching. It was only after the last four rhinos were slaughtered, that public outrage prompted international donors to assist Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS). It was during these difficult times that Stefano Chili and Liz Peacock began negotiations with KWS to establish a lodge in the area.

In 1999 Elsa’s Kopje was opened, named in honour of the lioness who helped spread the spirit of Africa.Today, Elsa’s Kopje still remains the largest investment ever made in the park; a risky project at that time, which proved to be incredibly successful and beneficial to the local communities and the fragile eco-system. Read more

ACCOMMODATION at Elsa's Kopje 

Elsa’s Kopje, named after ‘Elsa the lioness’ of ‘Born Free’ fame is built above George Adamson’s original campsite on Mughwango Hill in Meru National Park. Almost invisible to the eye as you approach, this authentic safari lodge is one of Kenya’s best kept secrets. Elsa’s seamlessly blends into the rocky crags of the “kopje” (small hill), and the natural features of the rocky hillside are delicately incorporated into the uniquely designed luxury cottages.

Elsa’s Kopje Safari Lodge

Perched on Mughwango Hill, Elsa’s Kopje is a luxury lodge with wide vistas and integrated architecture capturing the spirit of African safari. Elsa’s Kopje remains one of the most elegant lodges in Africa, within one of the most spectacular settings. It is the best upmarket location in Kenya to view rhino in their natural habitat and has for many years been the best kept secret amongst discerning travellers who are passionate about true wilderness.

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