Elewana Elsa Kopje Meru

Discover Elewana Elsa's Kopje, an iconic safari lodge sculpted into Mughwango Hill within Kenya's pristine Meru National Park. Book through our travel specialists to unlock exclusive rates, seamless planning support, and insider access to this legendary property that inspired the world-famous Born Free story [1][8].

Our partnerships with Elewana Collection ensure you receive the best available pricing, personalized itineraries, and premium services that independent bookings simply cannot match. Let our experts curate your complete safari experience.

Where You'll Stay

Elewana Elsa's Kopje is Kenya's only permanent lodge within Meru National Park, a sprawling 215,000-acre wilderness sanctuary renowned for exceptional wildlife diversity [8]. Set dramatically on Mughwango Hill, the property overlooks vast plains with vistas extending to Mount Kenya, the Nyambeni Hills, and the Eastern Plains [8].

This is the birthplace of the Born Free legacy, perched above the original camp where Joy and George Adamson raised and released Elsa the Lioness [8]. Guests enjoy this exclusive private access to one of East Africa's most pristine and least-crowded national parks, featuring large elephant herds, lions, rhinos, and unparalleled birdlife [8].

Rooms & Suites

Elewana Elsa's Kopje offers uniquely designed accommodations, each with individual character and breathtaking views over Meru National Park [7]. The property features six spacious cottages, one family cottage, three honeymoon suites, and one exclusive private house [8].

• Safari Cottages: Elegant open-fronted cottages carved into the hillside, each uniquely designed with en-suite bathrooms, private balconies, hairdryers, work desks, free toiletries, showers, slippers, and sofas overlooking the game reserve [2][7]
• Honeymoon Suites: Three romantic suites with outdoor baths and multi-level designs; some feature private sitting rooms, main bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, and private decks. Two suites accommodate extra beds for children under 16 [7]
• Private House: An exclusive standalone residence with one en-suite master bedroom with dressing room, one en-suite twin bedroom, expansive dining and sitting room, private garden, and infinity swimming pool facing Mount Kenya [7]
• Family Cottage: Spacious accommodation designed for families with children, offering comfort and convenience [8]
• Room Sizes: Standard cottages approximately 90 sq m; suites approximately 170 sq m [1]

Dining Experiences

The lodge features a magnificent bar and dining area serving all-inclusive meals with exceptional quality and variety [8]. Cuisine includes international selections alongside halal, vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options to accommodate all dietary preferences [2].

• Main Restaurant: Elegant dining with full breakfast, lunch, and dinner service included in game packages; features an excellent selection of wines and premium beverages [2][6]
• Bar & Lounge: Full-service bar offering house wines, selected spirits, beers, and non-alcoholic refreshments with panoramic views over the national park [2][8]
• Bush Experiences: Bush breakfast and sundowner experiences available as special activities within the game package [9]

Property Amenities

Elewana Elsa's Kopje combines luxury safari elegance with comprehensive wellness and recreational facilities [8]. Every amenity is designed to enhance your connection with the surrounding wilderness [6].

• Spa & Wellness: Open-air massage cottage and health spa with spectacular overlooks of the game reserve; spa treatments available [1][2][8]
• Pool & Recreation: Year-round outdoor infinity swimming pool with breathtaking vistas; outdoor pool area with lounging spaces [2][8]
• Connectivity: Wireless internet access throughout the property, though common area access may incur additional fees [1][2]
• Services & Facilities: Gift shop, room service, paid airport shuttle, free on-site private parking, restaurant, bar, garden, terrace [1][2]
• Room Features: Private bathrooms, balconies, hairdryers, work desks, free toiletries, showers, slippers, and sofas in all accommodations [2]

Things to Do

Beyond exceptional wildlife viewing, Elewana Elsa's Kopje offers diverse activities celebrating the natural and cultural heritage of Meru National Park [9]. The lodge provides unparalleled access to one of East Africa's most biodiverse wilderness areas [8].

• Game Drives: Shared scheduled morning and evening game drives included in game packages; exclusive private vehicle options available with personal driver guides [1][9]
• Walking Safaris: Guided 2-hour walking safaris through Meru National Park, following animal tracks and learning about flora and fauna in intimate detail [8][9]
• Fishing Experiences: Catch-and-release fishing in the Tana or Rojewero rivers, included in game packages [1][3][9]
• Cultural Activities: Visits to local community projects and schools supported by the Land & Life Foundation [8]
• Night Game Drives: Optional evening wildlife viewing experiences [8]
• Sundowners & Meals: Bush breakfast and sundowner experiences in the reserve with picnic options [3][9]

At a Glance

• Check-in Time: 2:00 PM [1]
• Check-out Time: 10:00 AM [1]
• Total Accommodations: 12 units (6 cottages, 1 family cottage, 3 honeymoon suites, 1 private house) [8]
• Star Rating: 4-star first-class resort [1][2]
• Property Type: Luxury safari lodge within national park [1][8]
• Year Built: 1999 [1]
• Last Renovated: 2015 [1]
• Best For: Luxury safari travelers, honeymooners, families, wildlife enthusiasts, and those seeking Born Free heritage experiences [6][8]

Location & Access

Elewana Elsa's Kopje is situated on Mughwango Hill within Meru National Park in central Kenya [1][8]. The lodge is approximately 48 miles from Mulika Lodge, 26 miles from Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, and 30 miles from Ngare Ndare Forest [2].

Airport shuttle services are available (paid service), with access to nearby regional airstrips for charter flights [2]. The property is reachable via road transfers from Kenya's major cities or private aircraft to regional airstrips.

Why Choose Elewana Elsa's Kopje

This iconic lodge uniquely combines world-class luxury with profound historical significance as the birthplace of the Born Free story [8]. As the only permanent lodge within Meru National Park's 215,000 acres, guests enjoy private access to one of Africa's most pristine and least-crowded wilderness sanctuaries [8].

The property has earned recognition as one of Africa's most renowned elegant lodges, with consistently exceptional guest reviews praising the knowledgeable staff, exceptional food, spectacular location, and unforgettable wildlife experiences [6].

Elewana Elsa's Kopje received the 2019 Condé Nast Traveler Reader's Choice Award [7]. Guests consistently rate the property 10.0 for location and praise the authentic safari experience combined with refined comfort [2][6].

Pricing & Packages

Rates are seasonal and offered on a per-person sharing basis in USD [3][9]. Game packages include accommodation, all meals, soft drinks, beers, house wines, selected spirits, teas, coffees, and laundry services [9].

• Safari Cottage Game Package: Starting at $458-$729 per person, depending on season [3]
• Honeymoon Suite Game Package: Starting at $1,374-$2,187 per person, depending on season [3]
• Private House Game Package: Starting at $2,025-$3,175 per person, depending on season [3]
• Seasonal Variation: Mid-season rates apply January-March and June; green season rates apply April-May; high season rates apply July-October and December-January [3]

Policies & Important Information

• Payment: Credit cards accepted; reservations must be guaranteed with a credit card [1]
• Meal Plan: All-inclusive resort with meals and beverages included [1]
• Rate Policy: Daily rates quoted in USD [1]
• Child Policy: Children ages 3-12 receive discounted activity rates; children under 16 can use extra beds in honeymoon suites [3][7]

Ready to experience Born Free's legendary home? Contact our travel specialists today to secure exclusive rates, personalized itineraries, and seamless arrangements for your Elewana Elsa's Kopje safari. We unlock insider pricing and benefits unavailable through direct bookings—ensuring you experience this iconic lodge exactly as envisioned.