Elsa's Kopje

 

Named after George Adamson’s famous lioness, Elsa’s Kopje is a small haven of understated luxury perched on a hilltop in the isolated Meru National Park. It is a soft landing in the wild: when you step off the plane you are greeted by a warm, gentle breeze, carrying the scent of the open plains and bush which surrounds you. From this tranquil oasis, criss-crossed by numerous waterways, there are many opportunities to see big game such as lion, elephant, zebra and giraffe as well as rare arid species such as gerenuk.  Back at the lodge there are endless views from the infinity pool over the park, nine open-plan designer cottages with personal butlers, en-suite bathrooms, and silver laden dining tables bearing food fit for the gods courtesy of the Italian owner. A family cottage is set apart from the other rooms while two others are similarly separate and wonderful for honeymooning.  

Options for action include day and night drives, guided walks, bird watching, fishing, rafting and bush picnics featuring home-baked focaccia and fresh pasta. If the location and the lodge were not so unforgettable, it would be worth traveling to Meru just for the food. But as the owner said, it took him five years to find a site as wild, remote and beautiful…it is easy to see why.