Elsa's Kopje

Elsa's Kopje is the only permanent lodge in the remote Meru National Park, and is so named because it is on the site of George Adamson's first camp.

Meru is located east of Mount Kenya, and because it receives good rainfall it has attractive bush vegetation and a number of rivers. There is long grass, riverine forests and beautiful tall doum palms. The area is home to unusual species such as reticulated giraffe, grevy's zebra and gerenuk as well as a good range of plains game, elephant, lion and cheetah, and over 300 bird species.

The lodge is set on a hilltop with panoramic views and comprises eight stone and thatch cottages, each with large open fronts so you can enjoy the 270° views from your living area. Each is comfortably furnished with easy chairs and en-suite, and between activities you can relax in the large 'pool with a view'.

The lodge is stylishly and competently run, and the standard of cuisine is very good. You can enjoy walks, drives during the day in open vehicles and night drives when you can expect to see nocturnal creatures, such as honey badger, porcupine and even aardvark. You could also try a spot of fishing.

Meru is a success story of conservation. As during the early 1990’s the area was at the mercy of poachers who dramatically reduced the animal numbers there. Subsequently, with the arrival of Elsa’s Kopje and under the energetic guidance of the park warden, Mark Jenkins, international funds have been raised to protect the National Park and the animals are flourishing again and growing in numbers in this fertile and attractive location.

You can expect to see lions, herds of elephant, over a dozen types of antelope ranging from eland to dik dik, buffalo, giraffe and a wide range of other creatures. Game viewing is carried out by open vehicle, during the day and at night, when a spot light is used, and you can also enjoy walking safaris from the lodge with an armed guide and National Park scout.

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