Accomodation in and around Kenya's National Parks and -Reserves:

Meru National Park

Elsa's Kopje Lodge

Elsa's Kopje is renowned for being one of the most elegant lodges in Africa, with the most spectacular setting. It is the best upmarket location to view rhino in their natural habitat in Kenya. Elsa's Kopje is almost invisible to the eye as you approach its home on Mughwango Hill. It blends into the rocky crags of the "kopje" (small hill), built above the site of George Adamson's original campsite. Every cottage is the ultimate 'room-with-a-view', uniquely designed and crafted, incorporating the natural features of the rocky hillside. Each cottage has spacious double or twin beds with en suite, elegantly appointed bathrooms. There is an open bar, lounge and dining room with an exceptionally inviting view overlooking the Meru plains and a swimming pool.

Shaped into the curves of Mughwango rock, and overlooking the vast plains of Meru National Park, Elsa's Kopje's open-fronted cottages offer a very elegant safari style. The Lodge provides 8 en-suite cottages, thereof 7 double and one twin. Each cottage consists of a main bedroom, en suite bathroom (some have outdoor baths) and private deck. N.B. Cottage 3 has a private sitting room rather than deck. 4 rooms can fit one extra bed, to accommodate children under the age of 16 years only.

Elsa's Private House is a spacious, stylish, exclusive hideaway set slightly apart from the main lodge. It has 1 double room with dressing room and 1 twin room, both with their own en-suite bathrooms. There is a large private living and dining area, leading seamlessly outdoors into a private garden and swimming pool. The Private house can fit two extra beds.

Elsa's Honeymoon Suite is a large triple level cottage, with a sitting room, double bedroom, en-suite bathroom and a small private deck. With its breathtaking views, this latest addition is definitely Elsa's 'pride'! The Honeymoon suite and Cottage 3 can both convert their sitting rooms into twin bedrooms (suitable for children under 16).

Elsa's Kopje is remowned for its delicious cuisine. With sumptuous fresh salads and pastas for lunch, combining North Italian recipes with more unusual dishes (such as crispy Tempura Vegetables, Aubergine, Feta and Tomato Stacks with Parmesan 'Snaps' and Danish Layer Cake), meals here are simply heaven... Using fresh salads and herbs from its own garden, and serving homemade bread freshly baked in the camp's own traditional outdoor pizza oven, you will feel absolutely spoiled. At Elsa's Kopje, guests eat on their own individual tables (unlike some of our tented camps which offer communal dining). Dinner is almost always held outside, with candlelit tables laid out under the stars. Private romantic dinners can also be arranged.

Leopard Rock Lodge

Leopard Rock Lodge is a 5 star lodge located in Meru national park's exotic environment. High end luxury will await you in the beautiful and luxurious cottages. George and Joy Adamson first set their camp at leopard rock lodge. Joy described the leopard rock as a paradise on earth, free for ever, living free. The lodge was originally built on the borders of a river, in one of the last remaining parks devoted to wilderness. Leopard Rock lodge is the only lodge in Meru to give it's guests the opportunity to share directly within the lodge a strong relation with the wildlife while mixing adventure with luxury. Glamorous and gastronomic dinning with a 6 course menu coupled with an amazing service never seen before in the bush. The lodge is completely unfenced and open to the park which allows guests to be in direct contact with the wildlife.

Rhino River Camp

Rhino River is an unusual, exclusive and luxury lodge located in extraordinary Meru National Park, Kenya, where the legend of Elsa the lioness began. It's a perfect base to explore the complete wilderness of Meru Park and its amazing wildlife. A collection of eight luxury cottages built out of sumptuous caramel canvas and sustainable hardwood, raised on platforms above the gently flowing Kindani River will turn your stay at Rhino River Camp into a quiet, exclusive experience.

The rooms are large, and set on decks at different levels blending with the tree canopy. Each room has a view over the river with sweeping boughs of raffia palms, yellow fever trees, and tamarinds.Each room has its own private ‘zen’ area where you can meditate, re-read your favourite novel, or simply unwind. The very design of it, contemporary with a hint of Africa, is pleasant without being intrusive. Add to that a swimming pool to dream of, a well-stocked bar and restaurant area, numerous nature trails for you to explore the private property on foot or bike, and this will make your perfect hideout.

Situated in 80 acres of privately owned wilderness, Rhino River Camp offers the chance to connect with nature and to delight the senses in unspoilt bush and forest. The Rhino Sanctuary section of Meru Park is just on the lodges' doorstep!

Rhino River Camp has a large central public area with a bar, lounge, and a library. It has a view over the river and the whole forest. The adjacent dining area is open from early to late. With no set meal times, and exclusive service, indulge your appetite and senses. You may decide to eat in the main area or beside the swimming pool, in the privacy of the terrace of your room, or with other guests whom you like, or even in the bush! The choice is yours – every meal time. Let our chefs surprise you with a selection of gourmet delicacies with an Italian accent.

The swimming pool is situated next to the stream and surrounded by comfortable wood decking. The pool blends in with the sound and sight of the river running a few feet away giving you the feeling that you are swimming as a creature of the equatorial forest at one with nature.

Offbeat Meru Camp

Offbeat Meru camp is a small, exclusive, traditional camp, located on the edge of Meru National Park in the Bisanadi National Reserve in a stunning location overlooking the Bisanadi River with beautiful riverine forest.

The camp consists of only six tents, each furnished with a large iron bed, its own en-suite bathroom, traditional hot bucket showers and flushing loo. In addition, there is 24 hour solar lighting in the tents, while the rest of the camp is lit by traditional 'tilly' lamps. Informal dining is hosted in the mess tent or around the campfire; the cooks here are quite brilliant. Adjacent to this is a spacious living room tent with comfortable sofas, a writing table and bar.

As this area of Kenya gets quite hot during the dry season, after an active morning in the bush there's no better feeling than coming back to camp and cooling off in the stunning infinity swimming pool watching the wildlife as it comes to drink from the Bisanadi River below you.

Offbeat Meru Camp closes for May & November.

Murera and Kinna Bandas

Murera and Kinna Bandas are both operated by Kenya Wildlife service. Murera Bandas are located by the main Murera Gate and Kinna Bandas are located 22 km from Murera Gate, next to the Bwatherongi River. The bandas are a low budget opportunity to stay in Meru National Park but need self catering.

Murera Bandas consist of four simple two bedroom bandas, each bedroom has one double and one single bed. They are fitted with local furniture, curtains and rugs. Blankets and pillows are provided, but no bedsheets. Each bedroom has an ensuite shower room (hot water) and WC. There is no kitchen but an open area barbecue is quite new and well fitted. Shared verandah. Services include electricity, the provision of some kitchen utensils, and a caretaker who cleans, makes fire and warms water daily.

Kinna Bandas also consist of four simple bandas, three of them have one bedroom with two single beds and the fourth has two bedrooms, each with a double bed. Each banda has a shower room (cold water) and WC. They are fitted with local furniture, curtains and rugs. Blankets and pillows are provided, but no bedsheets. There is no kitchen but an outdoor barbecue and washing-up area. No electricity and no equipment is provided. A caretaker cleans and makes fire daily.