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Elewana Elsa’s Kopje

Last updated: 30 June, 2024

On the top of a hill (or kopje), just above George Adamson’s former camp in the Meru National Park, and named after his lioness, Elsa, this place rarely disappoints.

Accommodation is rustic, but über-stylish – the perfect combination of ethnic, natural and open-plan and luxurious. The décor is ethnic but not overdone: Persian rugs mixed with local sculpture, plus deep baths with views. Luxuries are not the point here – although there is every comfort one could wish for. It’s how you’d want a bush home to be.

There are volcanoes on the horizon, bush beneath your feet, a relaxing and homely environment to relax in, including a library, a pool and big viewing decks to look out from. The pool here is set on the side of a hill, overlooking the bush, so is an ideal space to float in and watch the bushworld go by. The camp is blessed with far-reaching views.

There is plenty to do here, from bushwalks to night and day drives, cultural visits, and a day trip to a river to go fishing. The cuisine is always applauded and the guides are top-notch. It’s where safari-lovers go for a rich dose of fine life, and fine creature-watching without crowds. Elsa’s is the only operational camp in the Meru, so it feels like a reserve of your own.

Game & game viewing

Adamson came here because the game is great – the Big Five are here – with both black and white rhino, as well as cheetah, hippo, crocodile and Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe and Somali ostrich. Within the national park there is a 44sq km rhino sanctuary, harbouring both white and black rhino.

Guides & guiding

Cheli & Peacock guides are regularly trained, and are always local, so guiding is usually of high quality. Guides here are keen, willing and knowledgeable, with a wealth of fascinating facts at their fingertips – from species of buffalo grass to buffalo.

Local community & conservation

The camp works with the local community to promote conservation and anti-poaching. The park has more than 70 rhino, protected by local villagers who provide anti-poaching patrols. The camp also support the local school, which was financed by camp clients, and donate glass to the local women’s project, which buys shortsighted women glasses from the proceeds.

Taking the kids

Children can walk and learn bushcraft lessons with a Masai, and visit a local village, to meet and see how Masai children live. It’s also a good camp for toddlers, one of the few that will take babies, as well as young children, and offer babysitting and baby-listening services.

Getting there

There are daily Air Kenya flights from Nairobi to Nanyuki airport, then charters into Kinna airstrip, five minutes’ drive from the camp.

Price

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General amenities

Key facilities

Airport transfers*
Beach: None
Fitness centre
Fitness classes
Golf course
Hot tub
Kids club
Parking: On-site (free)
Pool (adults only)
Pool (indoor)
Pool (outdoor)
Pool (kids)
Spa
Tennis courts
WiFi: Free
Yoga

Food & drink

All inclusive
Kids menu
Restaurant on-site
Self catering
*
Additional charge

Room amenities

Room types

Apartments
Bedrooms
Cabins
Suites
Tents
Villas
Yurts

Room facilities

Air conditioning
Flat screen TV
Hot tub (private)
Pool (private)
Tea & coffee making facilities
WiFi

Bedding options

2+ bedrooms
3+ beds
Connecting rooms
Rollaway/sofa bed