Extraordinary Africa>Kenya>Meru National Park>Elsa’s Kopje
Elsa’s has long been one of our favourite lodges in Kenya– with a rustic low-key feel, ravishing views and an excellent game viewing area, we’d find this a difficult spot to beat.
What’s Elsa’s Kopje really like?
As the name suggests, Elsa’s Kopje sits perched on top of a rocky kopje looking out over Meru National Park. Views seem to stretch for miles, and if you ever got tired of going on game drives, sitting perched up here with a set of binoculars would be a fine way to spend the day. The main lodge is open sided- there’s a bar and dining area up here, although when we stayed we ate all of our meals out on the lawn instead. Beyond this there’s an infinity pool and then the land drops away to the park beyond.
From here, rocky paths lead to the six cottages, built of gnarled wood, with polished stone floors and high thatched roofs, and barely a straight line in sight. The feel is rustic, but extremely comfortable, and each room has a small private sitting area- either a sitting room or a private deck. There are also three honeymoon suites- two with outdoor baths and one with a large open sitting room. Tucked on the other side of the kopje from the main lodge is Elsa’s Private House- a double and a twin room either side of a large sitting room and dining area and a private pool. The double room has an ensuite bathroom with outdoor shower, the twin room has an ensuite shower room. Lastly the family cottage also has two ensuite bedrooms and a private sitting/dining area, but does not have a private pool.
What can I do at Elsa’s Kopje?
The main activities at Elsa’s Kopje are day and early evening game drives, spotting both better-known wildlife and the more unusual species that are found this far north in Kenya. Should you wish to stretch your legs, there are walking safaris– a great way to experience the smells and sounds of the bush up close. You can also try a spot of fishing in one of Meru’s 13 rivers, or for an extra fee, have a massage to soothe away any bumps after a long flight.
Giving back at Elsa’s Kopje…
Elsa’s has long been recognised for its efforts to ensure that tourism in Meru is sustainable- by recycling, reducing energy usage and trying to by locally wherever possible- including by giving loans to local microbusiness so they can produce goods for Elsa’s to buy. They also support the Ure Gate Primary School, and help educate the local children about wildlife and conservation. Should you wish to get involved, you can visit the primary school as part of your stay and contribute to the ongoing efforts to improve the lives of the local children.
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