Rugged and unspoilt Meru is the historic home of Elsa the lioness, whose story was made famous by the film 'Born Free'. Opened by Virginia McKenna in 1999, the eco-friendly Elsa's Kopje is sculpted into the hill above George Adamson's campsite – the place where he raised and released orphaned lions. It's one of only a few lodges in this lovely park, which was once nearly turned into rice plantations due to its lack of visitors, and as such offers secluded wildlife viewing, with the guides knowing every corner of this diverse habitat. Game drives are in new, open-sided Land cruisers, specially fitted with charge points for cameras. Try to spot rare species including the lesser kudu and the aardwolf, as well as diverse birdlife. Sensitively designed to blend in with the natural environment, the lodge is built into the hillside. Dining is typically outdoors at individual tables, and there’s a focus on fresh north Italian dishes, with salads and herbs straight from the lodge’s organic garden and home-made bread baked in the outdoor pizza oven. There’s also an open-air bar and an infinity pool with views over the Meru plains. Little extras include afternoon tea with home-made cake, and pre-dinner canapés served in the bar. Stunning open-fronted stone cottages have thatched roofs and glorious views over the Meru plains. Each is named after one of the park’s rivers and has a bedroom, en-suite bathroom (some with outdoor bath) and a private deck or sitting area. For honeymooners there are three stunning honeymoon cottages, and there’s also a private house with two en-suite bedrooms and its own swimming pool, ideal for families or groups of friends travelling together.
This camp offers you extraordinary encounters with wildlife before you even head off on safari – its surrounding doum palms attracts local elephants and as a result, the magnificent animals have been known to frequent the camp day and night. It isn’t uncommon for staff to alert you to make way for a passing elephant! With just 12 tents, all spacious enough to hold two double beds, the atmosphere is authentic and intimate with warm and friendly staff, some of whom have been at the camp since it first opened ten years ago. Gaze over the stunning views from your deck, angled towards the Ewaso Nyiro River to showcase the landscape, and cool off in the heat with a dip in the miniature plunge pool on your front deck. The comfortable shade of parasols makes breakfasting by the river an easy affair, where you can watch the frolicking monkeys nearby. Settle down to evening meals served by lantern light, with the option to arrange private dinners on your deck, too. As well as the classic Big Five, Samburu also has its own special five animals only to be found north of the Equator – including the endangered Grévy’s zebra and the large-eyed gerenuk, a long-necked antelope that eats on its hind legs and can reach up to eight feet. Complete your safari experience the most picturesque way – with sundowners, enjoying drinks and snacks to the backdrop of sunset.
Elsa's Kopje
Elephant Bedroom Camp
