Sculpted into Mughwango Hill in the heart of Kenya's Meru National Park,

Elsa’s Kopje Private House is a 2-bedroom villa boasting magnificent views of the African wilderness, especially from its incredibly romantic oval bathtub. Situated in Elsa’s Kopje, an area which is recognised as having a greater diversity of wildlife than any other park in East Africa and famous for its thriving rhino sanctuary, the house rests just above the site of George and Joy Adamson’s original camp where they raised and released orphaned lions, the most famous being the lioness, Elsa, of  Born Free fame.

Crafted around the natural landscape of the hill and its jumble of rocks, Elsa’s Kopje Private House is luxurious and comfortable with two spacious bedrooms, open-plan living areas, an exclusive-use garden and a private infinity-edge swimming pool.

Highlights

• Exclusive-use safari home
• Private chef & guide
• Swimming pool & garden
• Two bedrooms
• Open-fronted bathroom with views from the tub

Activities

• BUSH DINING
• FISHING
• FULL-DAY SAFARIS
• GAME DRIVES
• GUIDED WALKS
• LOCAL VILLAGE VISITS
• NIGHT DRIVES

Fact File

Style & décor

Elsa’s Kopje Private House is a seamless blend of natural wood, thatch, stone and comfortable furniture adorned with touches of classic Africa like softly glowing lanterns, billowing mosquito nets and rattan. A neutral palette allows the immense views to take centre stage and the combination of high-beamed ceilings and open-fronted rooms allows cooling breezes to circulate through the house.

Neighbourhood

Meru National Park covers 870km² and lies 350km from Nairobi. It has relatively high rainfall and at least 13 rivers – including the mighty Tana - and countless mountain streams, making it lush and green. Elsa the lioness is buried here and many safari goers make the pilgrimage to her grave. The game includes leopard, black rhino and cheetah as well as over 300 recorded bird species, such as Peter’s finfoot, Pel’s fishing owl and Heuglin’s courser.

Suitability

Elsa’s Kopje Private House is incredibly romantic with panoramic views, making it the perfect honeymoon or anniversary hideaway. Having two en suite bedrooms and a private pool, it is also suitable for small groups or families travelling with older children. Two extra beds can be added, for children under 16 years.

The best time to visit

Kenya is at its coolest and driest between July and October so this is the most comfortable period to visit.

The private house is arguably one of my favourite accommodations in Kenya! The bathroom has the best view around in my opinion. Soak away the safari dust in the deep tub overlooking the park, shower under the stars or take a dip in the pool. This house may have you staying in - more than going out on game drives - be warned! Sheer luxury to be enjoyed here!

Rooms

Kitchen

Your private chef will consult with you about your preferred menu and meal times. Snacks, drinks and sundowners are served between meals, so you stay refreshed throughout your stay. Gather round for candlelit dinners on the verandah, or sunny picnics on the lawns. You may even be surprised with a breakfast out in the bush while on your morning game drive.

Bedrooms

The main bedroom – which has a double bed - is a spacious haven that opens up onto the silvery infinity-edge pool that seems to float above the Meru plains below. The second has twin beds, also hung with fluttering mosquito nets.

Bathrooms

Both bedrooms have en suite bathrooms but the one leading off the main bedroom is surely Elsa’s Kopje Private House’s pièce de résistance: an oval tub in the centre of the open-air room is perfect for late-night bubble baths amid the rosy glow of flickering lanterns.

Living & dining area

Strewn with armchairs that yearn to be sunk into and sofas that call out to be lounged on, the open-plan living and dining areas are comfortable and cosy. Take a lazy lounge at the large dining room table before settling down on the couch with a book and a pair of binoculars to check birds that flutter into the surrounding trees.

Outside area

The large rim-flow swimming pool extends to the end of the hill on which Elsa’s Kopje Private House is built, its edges make up of natural rock in some places. Rooms open up onto the well-maintained private garden, a lovely spot for taking your first cup of coffee in the morning as the sun rises over Meru.