Elsa's Kopje
Highlights
- Great variety of wildlife, including all of Africa's Big Five
- One of very few camps in the park, so has a true wilderness feel
- Extremely scenic and diverse landscape and vegetation
- The setting for the movie Born Free about 'Elsa' the lioness
Location
- Meru National Park
- Central Kenya
Located on the slopes of a hill in Meru National Park, where George and Joy Adamson raised 'Elsa', the famous lioness of the Born Free story, this romantic camp is steeped in history and in a prime location of the park.
Meru National Park is one of several protected areas east of Mount Kenya and clustered together along Kenya's longest waterway, the Tana River. This area, including Meru, is seldom visited but offers good wildlife viewing, lovely and unspoiled scenery, and a noticeable absence of tourists. Guests at Elsa's Kopje will enjoy incredible views from atop its historic hillside site and feel as if they have stepped back in time. Read more about Meru National Park below.
The lounge and bar and view towards the dining room at Elsa's Kopje.
Activities at the camp focus on morning and afternoon safaris in 4x4 game-drive vehicles, but the camp has a special permit that allows its guests to participate in activities not typically allowed, including guided bush walks, fishing, and nighttime game drives. Other activities on offer include visits to a local Tharaka community village and school. The lodge also has a spa offering massage treatments.
The camp evokes romance and a connection with bygone days with a variety of guest accommodations including 6 standard cottages, 3 honeymoon cottages, a two-bedroom family cottage, and an expansive two-bedroom private house with its own infinity swimming pool and gardens. Children of any age are welcome at the camp and there are plenty of activities specially-designed for families with children, as well as children's menus for meals.
The main guest area includes a swimming pool built into a natural rock formation, a manicured lawn and garden, and a large living space under high-pitched thatched roofing that incorporates a lounge, bar, and dining room.
Honeymoon cottage interior and view at Elsa's Kopje.
Tana River Parks & Reserves
East of Mount Kenya and along the equator are five protected areas (two national parks and three national reserves) that are influenced and/or bounded by the Tana River. The Tana is Kenya's longest river, with its tributaries originating on Mount Kenya and the Aberdare Mountains. The Tana flows for over 600 miles (~1 000 kms) east to the Indian Ocean.
The Tana River forms a boundary for Meru National Park, Kora National Park, Mwingi National Reserve, and Bisanadi National Reserve, while Rahole National Reserve is located just to the north of the river. These parks and reserves are not often visited, but offer good wildlife viewing in an unspoiled wilderness.
Further to the south and east along the Tana River are two more reserves: Arawale National Reserve and the Tana River Primate Reserve.
The Tana River rises in the Aberdare Mountains and flows to the Indian Ocean. It is the longest river in Kenya.
The Adamson's / Born Free
This Tana River reserves are best known as the location where Joy and George Adamson cared for and released their famous lioness 'Elsa' back into the wild. Born Free, the 1960 book written by Joy Adamson, chronicles the story of the couple's work in both Kora and Meru National Parks, and particularly how they raised three orphaned lion cubs (whom they named 'Big One', 'Lastika', and 'Elsa') to adulthood before successfully returning them to the wild.
The Adamson's later separated and each was murdered in separate incidents by poachers. Joy Adamson was killed in 1980 in nearby Shaba National Reserve and George Adamson was killed by Somali bandits in 1989 in Kora National Park. Joy was buried next to her beloved Elsa in Meru National Park and their memorial site can be visited. George Adamson's grave is located in Kora National Park.
Meru National Park
Meru National Park was made famous by George and Joy Adamson, who lived and worked with lions here (red more above). Meru is seldom visited, but offers good wildlife, lovely and unspoiled scenery, and a noticeable absence of tourists.
Meru is the westernmost of the Tana River parks and is bounded on its south by the Tana River. Meru, along with its neighboring parks and reserves, is seldom included on any safari itinerary, as the area suffered greatly from poaching in the 1980s and never recovered from the hit to its tourism.
Meru National Park covers 336 square miles (870 sq kms), with a landscape comprised of lush green hills and multiple seasonal streams that flow into the Tana River. The river is flanked by riparian forests with baobab trees and lofty doum palms. There are also areas of open savanna, similar to those found further south in Tsavo.
George and Joy Adamson worked in both Kora and Meru and the book Born Free, which tells the story of their adopted lioness Elsa, brought fame to this area of Kenya in the 1960s.
All of Africa's Big Five animals (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, rhino) can be found in Meru and the savannas in the park's northern sector offer the best game viewing.
Other commonly seen wildlife found in Meru include reticulated giraffe, Grevy's zebra, impala, Grant's gazelle, blue wildebeest, vervet monkey, and baboon (both yellow and olive species). Less common species in Meru include lesser kudu, beisa oryx, plains zebra, common reedbuck, and gerenuk. Hippo and crocodile can be seen in some of the waterways.
The 18-square-mile (48-sq-km) Meru Rhino Sanctuary, which is completely fenced to protect the rhinos, is an excellent place to look for and see both black and white rhino species. The sanctuary was originally stocked with rhinos rescued from Lake Nakuru National Park during the heyday of poaching in the 1980s.
An impressive bull elephant in Kenya's Meru National Park.
Game viewing in Meru is best during the dry season months from June through September. There are two rainy seasons: the 'short' rains, which are usually not heavy, in October and November, and the 'long' and more persistent rains from March into May. Some wildlife, especially elephants, tend to disperse during the rains.
Elsa, the famous lioness, is buried in the park next to Joy Adamson and their grave site memorial may be of interest to some visitors. There are camping sites in the park, as well as a few permanent safari lodges and camps.
ROOMS INCLUDES & EXCLUDES CHILDREN FACILITIES ACTIVITIES
Accommodation
11 guest accommodations in total comprising:
- 6 cottages, 5 of which are set up with a double bed and one with twin beds.
- 3 honeymoon cottages, each with a double bed. Two of the cottages are two-level units with a private outdoor deck and outdoor bath. The third is a three-level unit with an indoor lounge and private outdoor deck.
- 1 two-bedroom 'family' cottage consisting of one double-bedded room and one twin-bedded room, each with its own en-suite facilities. There is an indoor lounge between the two bedrooms, a large private outdoor deck, and an outdoor bath. Two additional single beds can be added to accommodate additional children under 16 years of age.
- 1 private house consisting of two bedrooms, one with a double bed and one with two twin beds. Each bedroom has its own en-suite facilities. This exclusive retreat is great for a family and includes a private garden, infinity swimming pool, indoor lounge, and dining area. The master bathroom includes an outdoor shower, while the children's bathroom has an indoor shower. Two additional single beds can be added to accommodate additional children under 16 years of age.
All of the cottages are constructed with wood-beam supports and rafters, solid earthen walls, intricately thatched roofing, concrete flooring, and hardwood decks. The en-suite facilities include a double-basin vanity (single-basin for children's bathrooms), indoor shower, and flush toilet.
The guest cottages are accessed via footpaths on the ground leading to the main guest area.
The private house at Elsa's Kopje.
The cottages are situated along the slopes of Mughwango Hill, the highest peak in the park, with panoramic vistas over the Meru plains. The interiors are furnished in a classic and comfortable style using earth-toned décor and fixtures so that they blend naturally with the rocky hillside.
The standard cottages are comfortably sized, covering 753 square feet (70 sq meters), while the more spacious honeymoon cottages average 969 square feet (90 sq meters). The family cottage covers 1 830 square feet (170 sq meters) and the private house covers 2 454 square feet (228 sq meters). All of the cottages and the private house feature high ceilings and an assortment of amenities.
Other items and features in the guest suites include:
- Outdoor veranda with spectacular views to the plains below.
- Writing desk and chair.
- Comfortable couch.
- Mosquito netting over the bed(s).
- Wardrobe.
- The camp is powered mostly by solar energy and the cottages cannot support hairdryers, but one is available in the changing room for the swimming pool.
- Bathrobes.
- 24-hour electric power in the suites for lighting and charging electronics.
- Wi-Fi available in the guest cottages and main areas.
- Mobile phone signal available, but limited.
Elsa's Kopje can accommodate a maximum of 30 guests in total: 2 persons in each of the 6 standard cottages and 3 honeymoon cottages, 6 persons in the family cottage, and 6 persons in the private house.
Includes & Excludes
Includes:
- All meals and local beverages including soft drinks, house wines, local brand spirits and beers, teas, and coffees.
- Safari experiences (twice-daily game drives, bush walks up Mughwango Hill, fishing depending on water levels in the rivers, and birding) accompanied by an experienced guide.
- Exclusive use of a safari vehicle when booking the private complex.
- Sundowners and bush meals.
- Laundry services are provided on a daily basis (weather permitting, items will be returned on the same day). Laundry is dried by the sun and on most days any laundry placed out in the morning will be returned by the evening.
- Wi-Fi access (in the main areas and guest suites).
- Mughwango Airstrip and Kinna Airstrip transfers.
- Tourism Levy & VAT.
Excludes:
- Champagne, cognacs, fine wines, and premium brand spirits.
- Tharaka community village visits.
- Massage treatments, manicures, pedicures.
- Any applicable wildlife fee, park fee, reserve fee, concession fee, other land-use fee.
Single Supplement
A single supplement may apply for any room booked by a single traveler; please ask us for pricing.
Children
Children of any age are accommodated at Elsa's Kopje:
- There are two family-friendly cottages, the family cottage and the private house.
- Ask us about reduced rates for children sharing with adults or children 12-17 in their own suite.
- Child-friendly activities are offered.
- Children's menu available.
Some of the children's activities include:
- Swimming pool.
- Walks up Mughwango Hill with family friendly guides, who are great with children. Children must be at least 12 years of age to participate in Mughwango Hill walks.
- Guided bush walks around camp.
- Visit to a local community school (during normal school session) Extra cost.
Facilities
The main area lodge is perched on the slopes of Mughwango Hill, the highest peak in the park, and enjoys panoramic vistas over the Meru plains from almost any spot within the grounds. The lodge is decorated with elegant antiques and historical photos.
The main guest area includes connected, open-fronted spaces under one high-pitched thatch roof; one with a comfortable lounge and bar and the other which is used for dining. The building leads onto a lovely grass lawn that is frequently used for alfresco dining. A refreshing infinity swimming pool is built into the natural rock at the edge of the lawn, providing an inviting way to relax between activities.
Main guest area facilities include:
- Two open tented areas, one for dining and the other with a bar and lounge.
- Large infinity swimming pool.
- A second private infinity pool is available for guests booking out the private house.
- Spa treatment room.
- Vegetable garden.
- Gift shop.
- Complimentary Wi-Fi access.
- Electronics charging facilities.
- 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.
- The camp is uses an inverter battery system supported by solar panels and a generator, which gives 24-hour electricity to the guest areas and cottages.
Activities
There are only a few lodges and camps in Meru, so guests will feel as if they have the entire park to themselves. The lodge has a special permit that allows it to conduct bush walks, fishing, and nighttime (pre-dinner) game drives.
Activities included in the rate:
- Morning and afternoon/evening game drives in the conservancy using open 4x4 Land Rovers.
- Guided bush walks. Children under 16 years of age may be restricted. All bush walks are subject to the discretion of the lead guide due to the nature of the activity.
- Guided walks to the top of Mughwango Hill. Children must be 12 years of age or older.
- Fishing in the Tana or Rojewero rivers (catfish, tilapia, and barbel). Dependent on water levels. Equipment can be supplied.
- Bush meals and sundowners.
- Birding.
- Child-friendly activities.
- All game drive vehicles are fitted with inverters for battery charging on game drives.
Optional activities at additional cost:
- Private activities are on offer (subject to vehicle availability, which needs to be booked in advance).
- Tharaka community village and school visits.
- Massage and spa treatments.
Example of a typical day:
- Early morning wake-up call. Morning wake-up and activity times vary according to the seasons, activities on offer, and wildlife sightings.
- Light breakfast before departing on the morning activity or food packed for a bush breakfast.
- Return to the camp for a meal and rest period.
- Meet for afternoon tea and snacks (savory and sweet choices) before departing on the activity.
- Return to the camp - freshen up or meet for drinks, followed by dinner.
- Enjoy a nightcap and/or discussion at the bar or on the lawn before retiring.
Great Good Fair Poor
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GENERAL TIPS
The best time to visit the Tana River area, including Meru National Park is during the dry season, between June and October. Like most of southern and central Kenya, the region experiences most of its rain between November and May, but there are two somewhat distinct rain seasons, the 'short' rains and the 'long' rains.
Elsa's Kopje is open year-round.
RAIN SEASON
Short Rains
The short rains occur for about one month sometime during November and December (the exact time varied somewhat year to year). This period is called the 'short' rains because the duration of an individual rain event is short and it is rare to have an all-day rain event. Most rain falls as an afternoon shower, while mornings are typically overcast or clear.
Long Rains
The long rains occur between March and May, with April being the wettest month of the year. During this tome, rain should be expected almost every day and the showers can last for hours at a time, although all-day rain is not typical. The roads in the national park can become muddy and very difficult in places, which can hamper game drives. Cloudy skies are typical and temperatures can be chilly at times.
The period between the short and long rains (January and February) also receives rain, but many days are clear and the amount and duration of the rain events is unpredictable, with some afternoon showers and the odd long and heavy rainfall event.
The months receiving the most rainfall are April and November. Some of the wildlife, particularly the elephants, move away from the national park after the rains arrive in earnest.
TEMPERATURES
The temperatures in the Tana River area do not have great variation throughout the year, as the equator runs directly through Meru National Park. In general, the climate in Meru is hot and dry for all year. Daytime temperatures are comfortably warm and overnights and early mornings are warm.
Dry Season
The dry season (June to October) is sunny and hot most days and rainfall is virtually nonexistent. From June thru August, the afternoon temperature averages 86-88°F (30-31°C), but some days can be warmer. Evenings and early mornings temperatures are pleasant, averaging 59-61°F (15-16°C).
September and October days very warm, with daytime temperatures averaging 91°F (33°C), with warm persisting, averaging 61-64°F (16-18°C).
Rainy Season
The rain season is November through May (read more above) and the temperatures are fairly static throughout the season. Daytime temperatures average 90-92°F (32-33°C) and nighttime and early morning temperatures comfortable warm, averaging 62-64°F (17-18°C).
