Elsa's Kopje

Sculpted into a rocky outcrop in Meru National Park, Elsa’s Kopje overlooks the site where George and Joy Adamson lived and worked, and where Elsa the lioness — made famous by the Born Free story and later film - was raised and released back into the wild, Elsa's Kopje offers an idyllic wilderness retreat to explore northern Kenya. Following extensive refurbishment in 2025, Elsa's is a must stay for those looking to enjoy the luxuries the region has to offer.

There are just eight cottage suites, three honeymoon cottages, one family cottage and a private family house with pool crafted into the rocks of the Mughwango Hill, with safari-chic interiors and undescribable vistas of the national park below. Built using local and natural materials, the lodge blends into the surrounding hillside.  A main area and wonderful infinity pool provide a lovely oasis in an otherwise remote and wild environment. 

Meru is a great option for ‘first timers to Africa’ and especially those looking for something off the beaten track. Daily sightings include elephants, giraffes, buffalo, leopard, cheetah and a huge variety of avifauna; in fact, Meru National Park is recognised as having more diversity of animal species than any other park in East Africa! 

Activities from Elsa’s Kopje include game viewing within the vast and rugged expanse of Meru, guided bush walks, river fishing, bush breakfasts and sundowners, cultural visits and day trips to the Tana River.