Elsa's Kopje, Kenya

Barely visible on approach, Elsa's Kopje blends seamlessly into its dramatic surroundings. It has been built around a granite hill, with each cottage individually styled and crafted around the natural curves, rocks and trees. Each has a spacious bedroom, open sitting room, ensuite bathroom and large verandah which takes full advantage of the breathtaking savannah views over the Meru plains. 

The lodge is full of memorabilia and images of George, Joy and their lions. Unashamedly romantic and beautifully styled, Elsa's Kopje was designed and built by Stefano Cheli and officially opened by Dr Richard Leakey (Director of Kenya Wildlife Service at the time) and Virginia McKenna in 1999. It is credited as having one of the most spectacular settings in Kenya. Being passionate about the environment, Stefano designed a lodge that was not only elegant but also deliberately hard to see. It uses minimal power and received the first eco-rating in Kenya in 2003. 

This is a place to enjoy inimitable seclusion in a vast expanse of Kenya's wilderness. Meru has a thriving rhino sanctuary and is also famous for its large elephant herds, plentiful lion, giraffe, leopard, cheetah, rare and beautiful lesser Kudu and over 400 species of birds. When out on game drives, the guides know the territory of the Meru lions and leopards but what's more, they know that they have the whole Park almost to themselves - this is their backyard and they know it intimately. They also know the medicinal properties of the unusual plants. 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 Mount Kenya and beyond.

Day and night game drives take you through forests, past giant baobab trees and through clear spring fed streams lined with palms. Take a picnic lunch and spend a day exploring the sandy Tana River, Kenya's longest. Join a guided walk to spot the small things such as dung beetles, animal tracks and micro-eco systems. Enjoy a climb to the very top of Mughwango Hill for 360 degree views stretching from snow-capped Mount Kenya in the west to the vast Meru plains in the east. There's also catch and release river fishing and an infinity pool perched on the side of the hill - a great place to cool off in the heat of the day!

Bush breakfasts offer a chance to absorb the smells, colours and gentle breeze of the bush at the start of the day whilst sundowners are a safari tradition at the end of the day - a time to reset, stop and watch the sunset, always with an iced gin and tonic in hand!

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