Booking for : Elewana Elsa’s Kopje
Elewana Elsa’s Kopje
Elewana Elsa’s Kopje
Named after Elsa the lioness, made famous by George and Joy Adamson’s biographical book and film Born Free, Elsa’s Kopje remains one of the most elegant lodges in Africa, located in one of the most spectacular settings. Nestled into Mughwango Hill, the lodge enjoys panoramic views over the Meru plains from almost any point within the grounds.
Every cottage offers the perfect ‘room-with-a-view’, uniquely designed and crafted to incorporate the natural features of the rocky hillside. An elegant and comfortable lounge and
dining area, gorgeous infinity pool, and stunning sundowner viewpoint help make Elsa’s Kopje the ultimate safari retreat.
Elsa’s Private House is a spacious, stylish, exclusive hideaway set slightly apart from the main lodge. It has a large private living and dining area, leading seamlessly into a private garden and swimming pool.
UNIQUE SELLING POINTS
- Rhino Sanctuary ~ Meru National Park incorporates an 84km² rhino sanctuary, home to over 70 white and 30 black rhinos, making Meru one of the best areas in Kenya to see rhinos in their natural habitat.
- The Adamson Story ~ The lodge is built overlooking the site of George Adamson’s camp at the foot of the hill and the park was the playground of Elsa the lioness of Born Free fame. The lodge is full of memorabilia and images of George, Joy and their lions.
- Exclusive Meru Park Safari ~ With only a handful of camps and lodges in and around Meru, you will have the luxury of enjoying the Park almost entirely to themselves. The lodge has a special licence to walk, fish, and conduct night game drives (pre-dinner). The highest peak in Meru Park, Mughwango Hill enjoys 360° panoramas over the volcanic plains.
- Abundant Birdlife ~ For bird lovers, Meru offers spectacular bird watching opportunities, with over 450 species recorded in the park.
ACTIVITIES
- Shared game drives in custom 4×4 vehicles
- Guided bush walks up Mughwango Hill (age restrictions apply to children under 16yrs) All bush walks are subject to the discretion of the lead guide due to the nature of the activity
- Bush meals and sundowners
- Fishing in the Tana or Rojewero rivers (catfish, tilapia and barbel)
- Visits to community projects and school supported by Land & Life Foundation
- Swimming
- Massage, manicures and pedicures
- Child-friendly activities
FACILITIES SUMMARY
- 24hr power
- In-room and lounge charging facilities
- Credit card facilities
- Daily scheduled flights
- Private airstrip
- 4×4 custom game vehicles
- Wi-Fi internet throughout the lodge
- Gift Shop
- Massage room
- Swimming Pools (one in private house)
- Children’s Menu
- Laundry
OPEN/CLOSED
Open all year round, minimum 2 night stay.
HOW TO GET THERE
Mughwango Airstrip (private airstrip) is a 5 min drive from the lodge; Kinna Airstrip is a 45 min drive from the lodge.
Both are a 1hr flight from Wilson Airport.
- Once daily scheduled Air Kenya flight departing Nairobi Wilson to Kinna airstrip
- Private Charters from anywhere into Mughwango Airstrip
- A helicopter pad is a 1 minute drive from the lodge
LODGE & AIRSTRIP COORDINATES
Mughwango airstrip coordinates:
N00°07.794’ E038°08.022’
Kinna airstrip coordinates:
N00°09.905’ E038°11.715’
Lodge coordinates:
N00°08.061’ E038°08.232’
ELECTRICITY
- Inverter battery system supported by solar panels and generator. Generator hours are 07h00 – 10h00 and 18h00– 22h00
- 24 hr power in all rooms for lighting and charging electronics
- All game viewing vehicles fitted with inverters for battery charging on game drives
- Guests are recommended to bring converters and universal plug adaptors. The lodge uses UK square three pin plugs
- Hairdryers not supported. During generator hours, guests can use a hairdryer located in the swimming pool changing room
WATER
Purified drinking water is provided free of charge. It is sourced, filtered and treated on site and available at dispenser points in main areas. Water is provided during meals and in rooms. Guests are issued with a refillable bottle. Bottled mineral water is also available free of charge.
MERU CLIMATE
Altitude: 2,000 ft
Wet months: April, May & November
Hot days, warm nights, low humidity
MALARIA
Elsa’s Kopje is located in a dry area of low population density, as such it has a very low malaria risk. Cottages are sealed with mesh screens and beds have mosquito nets.
COMMUNICATION SERVICES
Internet: Wi-Fi internet is available in all rooms and public areas.
Mobile phones: Phone signal is available, although may be limited in some areas.
CHILDREN’S ACTIVITIES
- Camp and Mughwango Hill bush walks with family friendly guides who are great with children (age restrictions for children under 12yrs for Mughwango Hill walks)
- Fishing
- Swimming pool (private house with own swimming pool)
- School visit – normal term times and at an extra cost
- Children’s menu
SPECIAL FEATURES & KEY WILDLIFE IN THE AREA
- 84km² rhino sanctuary ~ despite there being over 100 rhinos in the sanctuary, the area is so large that you still need to game drive and search for your rhinos! The rhinos are successfully breeding and guests may be lucky to spot rhino calves.
- Meru’s rich wildlife diversity includes rare species specific to northern Kenya, such as Grevy’s zebra, gerenuk, lesser kudu, Somali ostrich, reticulated giraffe, Beisa Oryx; over 450 bird species, as well as buffalo, elephant, lion, leopard and cheetah. And, with 13 permanent rivers flowing
through the Park, hippos and crocodiles are regularly seen too.
- Meru National Park is a place of spectacular and dramatic scenery, with its ancient granite kopjes and breathtaking views across to the Nyambeni Range and Mount Kenya
beyond.
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