Elsa's Kopje Lodge

As you approach the intriguingly spelled Mughwango Hill in the central Meru, you'd be forgiven for not noticing Elsa's Kopje until you were almost upon it, so cleverly has it been concealed between the boulders. Once inside however, you'll soon see why the lodge has been named by Good Safari Guide as the ‘Best Safari Property in Africa’. Superb meals are served in the communal area, and there's comfy seating for reading, chatting or playing chess.

Each of Elsa’s Kopje’s thatched, open-fronted cottages is unique and elegant, crafted around and even incorporating the craggy boulders. The accommodation is varied, with six en-suite cottages, a two-bedroomed family cottage, three honeymoon suites and a private house with en-suite master and second bedrooms, a dining and sitting room, a private garden and swimming pool. Each cottage has mosquito-netted beds, a deck and breathtaking views.

Take game drives and walking safaris with professional guides whose knowledge of the park is unrivalled. Pick up a rod and refreshments and settle on the palm-lined banks of one of Meru’s many rivers, then share your catfish, tilapia or barbel catch with the herons, monitor lizards and spectacular kingfishers. Enjoy an al fresco breakfast on the plains, surrounded by wildlife; or soak up the sunset with traditional safari sundowners. Visit the local Tharaka community, dip in the pool or relax at the spa.