Meru National Park Accommodation, Hotels and Lodges in Meru Game Park

ELSA’S KOPJE

OFFICIAL CATEGORY (Ministry of Tourism classification): 04 ****
DESCRIPTION: Elsa's Kopje – is an intimate luxury lodge built and managed to the basic principals of eco-tourism. It is named after Elsa, the orphaned lioness reared by George and Joy Adamson and returned to the wild in Meru, and Kopje (meaning hill in Dutch/Africaans) for the rocky outcropping it sits on. Situated on Mughwango Hill at the site of George Adamson’s original camp at an altitute of 700m (2,400ft), it has break taking views of the plains of the park in front and to the foothills of Mount Kenya behind. The landscape and vegetation is fascinating, tracing the lines of ancient landforms created by the series of lava flows off the Nyambeni Hills towards the Tana River many millions of years ago. The different soil ages have created distinct patterns of vegetation from lush thick bush to sparse arid sections, a unique and eye-catching eco-system now crisscrossed by 13 tree lined rivers.

LOCATION: Located within Meru National Park (390 Kms from Nairobi) - northeast of Nairobi (7 miles north of the Equator)

NUMBER OF ROOMS: 09 cottages
- 2 with twin beds
- 6 with king-sized beds
- 1 family cottage with adjoining 1 double and 1 twin bedrooms, sitting room mezzanine level with optional extra bed and a deck

Room décor: African in architecture, each of the individual open-plan designed thatched cottages, enjoys a 270 degree view and blends and incorporates the rocks, boulders and trees of the hillside itself. Furniture is all locally made, some on site and the rest by local artisans around the country.

In- room amenities: Spacious rooms with large four-poster beds, airy verandah, en suite bathrooms with hot showers or baths, flush toilets. Bathroom water is heated by solar panels. A personal butler is provided for each cottage from 06.00hrs-22.30hrs.

Special features:
Air Kenya operates a schedule air service to/ex Meru 3 times a week from Nairobi on Sunday, Wednesday and Friday, ideal for getting to Elsa's Kopje and connects on to Samburu and the Maasai Mara.

FOOD AND BEVERAGE FACILITIES:
Meals are predominantly Northern Italian and special dietary requirements (e.g. vegetarian or dietary allergies) can be catered for. There is an intimate bar.

RECREATIONAL FACILITIES:
• Panoramic natural rock swimming pool (depth varies from 1 – 6 feet)
• Day game drives in 4x4 vehicles
• Night game drives (by infra-red lights)
• Escorted game walks with resident naturalists and local guides
• Trout fishing
• Bush breakfasts and sundowners at special locations

CONFERENCE FACILITIES: Not available

GENERAL FACILITIES:
? Room Service (communication by Ultra High Frequency walkie-talkie)
? Welcome fruit juice on arrival
? 01 hairdryer socket in the Swimming Pool changing room
? Laundry service (hand washing)
? Complimentary baby listening service
? Valuables may be handled to the manager for safekeeping
? Gift shop (open 09.00hrs to 19.00hrs)
? Generator powered electricity (10 hours each day, running the lights, pool filter fridges and freezer)
? Visits to Tharaka tribe villages (for colourful dance ceremony, traditional grass skirts making, basket/mats weaving)

CLIMATE:
The weather is generally warm with minimum humidity and very comfortable. Days are hot with pleasant nights.

Safari To Elsa's Kopje from Nairobi

5 DAYS NANYUKI, SWEETWATERS OLPAJETA SANCTUARY AND SAMBURU CTS- 309

Animals commonly seen in this parks are elephants, lions, cheetahs, leopards, Grevy's zebras, giraffes, gerenuks, buffalos, Oryx, gazelles, Dikdiks and waterbucks. The river forest attracts a wide variety hippos, crocodiles and lots of birds.

THE ITINERARY

Day 1: This morning, following a restful sleep and hearty breakfast, you will meet your guide who will provide you with briefing about Kenya, Nairobi and our Safari Expedition. This will be followed by a visit to see the renowned Karen Blixen Museum, home of famous novelist Karen von Blixen. The house contains many of her original pieces along with some pieces donated by the makers of the film Out of Africa. From here you will travel to the famous Nairobi Giraffe Center where you will be able to feed semi habited giraffes, from a raised wooden platform which will be followed by a delicious lunch at the Giraffe Center before returning back to our hotel. We will enjoy dinner together and the remainder of the evening is free for you to enjoy at your leisure. B, L, D

Day 2: After breakfast leave for a full day game drive at Olpajeta Game Sanctuary. After lunch return to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 3: This morning, following the delicious breakfast, we will check out of Sweetwater's and drive north to the Samburu Game Reserve at the Samburu sarova shaba Lodge. We will check into our rooms and enjoy a relaxing lunch together. Following lunch, there will be time to relax before enjoying an afternoon game drive. Samburu, Buffalo Springs and Shaba National Reserves are three of the best animal game reserves in the entire region. Lying 225 miles from Nairobi, they are adjacent to each other, in effect forming an incredibly large area that makes up a total of 633 square miles. During our game drive it is possible we may see wildlife species rarely found anywhere in the entire continent of Africa, including Grevys' Zebra, the longnecked Gerenuk and the Reticulated Giraffe. As the area is so arid, the game is concentrated around the Ewaso Nyiro River which runs through the park, making game viewing particularly good. We will return back to our hotel later in the afternoon. Dinner will be served at the lodge and the remainder of the evening is at your leisure. B, L, D

Day 4: Leave for a full day game drive in Samburu game reserve. Return to the lodge late afternoon for relaxation

Day 5: Start with early morning game drive then breakfast. Spend the morning relaxing before embarking journey back to Nairobi. You may stop over at Trout Tree Restaurant where you fish your own lunch at own cost. Proceed to Nairobi to arrive in the evening.

WHATS INCLUDED
1. Transport in 8 seater luxury open roof tour-vans
2. 2 nights' accommodation at sportsman's Arms hotel on full board.
3. 2 nights accommodation at Sarova Shaba game lodge on full board basis.
4. All meals for the 5 days plus tea / coffee
5. Comprehensive game drives for the 5 days
6. Services of professional tour guide driver

WHATS EXCLUDED
1. Park entry fees at Samburu gate is E.A residents pay Kshs. 1,000/- and Non Residents $60 per night and citizens, Ksh 500
2. Drinks and tips for waiters, porters and drivers

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